How are the PGD biopsies performed?
Two types of biopsy are possible: Blastomere and Polar Body. Blastomere Biopsies Blastomere biopsies can test for maternally and paternally derived conditions, as well as X-linked disorders by gender determination. Cryopreservation technology makes embryo testing even more practical and convenient. Essentially, blastomere testing has become the most popular and accepted method of PGD. Future applications even suggest the culturing of biopsied blastomeres for more exhaustive testing possibilities. Polar Body Biopsies In contrast, a polar body biopsy tests the by-product of the first meiotic division. Such polar body testing is not suitable for paternally derived single-gene and embryonic chromosomal disorders. Testing resources are also wasted, since a significant percentage of IVF and ICSI oocytes usually fail to fertilize. Testing polar bodies can also lead to difficulties in result interpretation. How is PGD performed? An embryo, artificially fertilized for IVF, is laboratory culture
