Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis is used alongside in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle for couples who have a known inherited disease in their family, such that they can avoid passing on the genetically transmitted condition to their child and future generations. In some instances, neither prospective parent may be aware of a condition as they may simply be a carrier. PGD involves checking the genes or chromosomes of your embryos for a specific genetic condition ensuring that only embryos that are not at risk of developing the known disorder are identified for implantation.
Currently, our regulatory body, the HFEA has approved over 400 conditions for testing using PGD including, Thalassaemia, Down Syndrome, Sickle cell disease, Cystic fibrosis, Inheritable cancer pre-dispositions, Dominant/Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease, Congenital adrenal Hyperplasia, Hemophilia, Huntingdon’s Disease, Muscular dystrophies and Fragile-X syndrome. For a detailed list of all approved conditions, you can view the HFEA website.