Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a wonderful option for couples who are at risk of transmitting a genetic disease to their children. PGD allows the physician and embryologist to determine if an embryo carries a specific disease based on its genetic composition.

PGD is used to screen for abnormal numbers of chromosomes, broken or damaged chromosomes, and other anomalies.

PGD can be used to screen for many conditions including:

• Down Syndrome
• Trisomy 21
• Tay Sachs Disease
• hemophilia A and B
• Gaucher's Disease, Sickle Cell Anemia

PGD performed on a woman's embryos for the most common chromosomal problems enables the physician and couple to determine which embryos will most likely result in a healthy, ongoing pregnancy. Additionally, for couples that have failed IVF cycles for unexplained reasons, preimplantation genetic diagnosis may provide important information in the determination of the cause(s) of the failures.

PGD can also be used for gender selection.