Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
Welcome to the Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis Web Pages of the University of Florida college of Medicine. The University of Florida was the eighth IVF program in the world to successfully perform preimplantation genetics on embryos and have live born healthy twin babies. Preimplantation genetics can be used to detect specific genetic diseases, which may be lethal or seriously compromise the quality of life, using pre-embryos prior to the establishment of pregnancy. A couple known to be at risk for having a child with a severe genetic disease undergoes IVF where several pre embryos are produced. These embryos have 1 - 2 cells removed when they reach the 8-cell stage. These cells are then tested to determine which pre-embryos are affected with the disease and which are nonaffected. Up to 3 nonaffected embryos are subsequently returned to the uterus in order to establish a pregnancy.
Currently we are offering preimplantation testing only for X-chromosome-linked diseases, such as aneuploidy (Down's Syndrome, etc.) for advanced reproductive age (age >35) and chromosomal translocation.
In conjunction with other PGD programs we can also provide IVF with embryo biopsies subsequently sent to other PGD laboratories for testing of single-gene defects (such as cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs, etc.).
These state-of-the-art services are offered to you in a caring and professional environment. Three Reproductive Endocrinologists are available around the clock to assist you through this process.
As Medical Director, I invite you to browse through our web site and become acquainted with the services we offer. If you are looking for a more complete explanation of PGD, visit our FAQs page. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via phone at (352) 392-5680 or email me at williams@obgyn.ufl.edu.
R. Stan Williams
Location: http://www.obgyn.ufl.edu/ENDO/pgd.shtml