IVF: The foundation stone of PGD (pre-implantation genetic diagnosis)

IVF, which was pioneered over 30 years ago, is now responsible for the conception of over 1% of all babies born in Australia.

IVF is a well accepted form of assisted reproduction, in which the egg is fertilised by sperm outside of the body and the embryos are then cultured for a period of 2-6 days before transferring the embryo to the womb. There are many permutations to IVF that allow the technique to be tailored for a couple.

Primary Care Genetics is linked to a number of vitro fertilisation (IVF) programs. Dr Ken Maclean provides consultative advice to couples and fertility specialists.

Further Information

The routine culture of embryos through to blastocyst stage (day 5-6) has been associated with an improved outcome in IVF. Advances in embryology and embryo vitrification (rapid freezing for embryo storage), together with enhanced techniques for embryo-biopsy and the ability to reliably amplify and analyse minute quantities of DNA, underpin the ability to provide high quality PGD.

When the embryo biopsy and PGD is performed later in the development of the embryo, there are greater cell numbers for analysis giving greater accuracy in the PGD analysis. The cells biopsied are those cells destined to form the future placenta and not the cells that form the baby. The overall result is better outcomes for couples going through PGD to help them have a healthy baby.

Glossary

A clinical geneticist is a medical specialist with expertise and training in genetics and medicine.

A fertility specialist is an obstetrician and gynaecologist with training and expertise in reproductive medicine, reproductive endocrinology and assisted reproduction. The fertility specialist coordinates the care of the couple throughout an IVF-PGD cycle.

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