PGD/PGS (Prenatal genetic disease / Prenatal genetic screening)
PGD and PGS, are pre-implantation genetic tests. Although these terms may be used interchangeably, they are actually different.
Preimplantation genetic testing is performed before embryo transfer during IVF so that doctors may pick one without a known or suspected gene problem (PGD), or one without an abnormal number of chromosomes (PGS).
The goal of both PGD and PGS is to increase the chance of selecting a healthy embryo that will develop into a healthy baby. These advances can make a real difference as birth defects occur in nearly one in 20 pregnancies, ranging in severity from minor anatomic abnormalities to extensive genetic disorders, including mental retardation.
