Premature Genetic Screening (PGS) and Premature Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) are types of genetic tests performed on cells from the embryo.
- PGS is used to ascertain if the embryo has the correct number of chromosomes. It does not test for a particular disease but certain syndromes including Down Syndrome. This is an extra step in the IVF treatment and is performed before the embryo is transferred.
- PGD is used to detect the presence of certain genetic diseases. This test is important if one of the parent has a history of genetic disease running in the family. Some of the diseases tested through this test are translocation of genes, Hunginton disease, Marfan syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, Hemophilia, and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
