Preimplantation genetic diagnosis
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) or embryo screening is performed on embryos produced in vitro. It involves collecting one or two cells from an embryo that has reached the six-to-eight-cell stage for genetic analysis. This allows genetic diseases to be detected, so that healthy embryos can be chosen for transfer.
This technique can be used to select the sex of an embryo or select an embryo whose genetic profile is the same as that of another family member (usually a brother or sister) who suffers from a disease that requires treatment by transplantation. This technique can also be used to select particular genetic characteristics. However, these indications are ethically questionable and there is no consensus in favour of their use in Canada. For the moment, PGD can only be performed for medical reasons.
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The information on this page was updated on August 6, 2010.
