How and when is PGD performed?
PGD is only performed as part of IVF. On the third day after fertilization (Day 3), when the embryos have reached about six to ten cells in size, one blastomere of each embryo is removed for testing in a process called ‘embryo biopsy’. With current technologies, the blastomeres are prepared using a difficult procedure called ‘fixation’ and then packaged separately in custom tubes and shipped by medical courier to the testing laboratory. With Parental Support, we have eliminated the fixation step, making the preparation and packaging of the blastomeres simpler and easier. At the laboratory, each blastomere is individually tested. Results are reported back to the doctor at the IVF center in time for the embryos to be transferred to the mother’s uterus on Day 5.
