Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is an option offered at Mid Iowa Fertility that can put patients at ease regarding the health of their embryo(s) in addition to their chances for a successful pregnancy with In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Each type of genetic screening is used prior to the embryo transfer procedure in order to help ensure a healthy embryo that is free of abnormalities.

PGS (Pre-implantation Genetic Screening)

PGS examines the chromosomes in several cells that have been removed from the embryo on day 5 or 6 of embryo culture. The cells are sent to a specialty genetic testing laboratory where the DNA is analyzed. Each embryo is frozen individually after the cells are removed. The DNA analysis reveals if each embryo has the correct number of chromosomes and the sex. This allows the transfer of embryo(s) with the correct number (46) chromosomes to reduce the risk of miscarriage or other congenital defects.

PGD (Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis)

Individuals or couples with a family history of a genetic disease, such as cystic fibrosis, can take advantage of PGD to determine if an embryo is a carrier, is affected with the disease, or does not have the disease. Transfer of an unaffected embryo provides a much lower risk of passing along the disease. Testing is available for many genetic diseases, or may be customized in some case for rare conditions.