PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis) United Kingdom

PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis) bundle costs £4000 — £5140 — £6140. The cost depends on the PGD package that is chosen & if there are more than 8 embryos, fee for each additional sample — £250

PGD for Single Gene Disorder Biopsy, testing & Development Fee (1–8 samples) — £4000

PGD & Array CGH for Single Gene Disorder Biopsy, testing & Development (1–8 Samples) — £5140

Fee for Each Additional Sample — £250

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis for Inherited Disorders — Patient Information

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) combined with IVF/ICSI allows the selection of embryos that are chromosomally normal and not affected by the genetic condition (e.g. Cystic Fibrosis, Marfan Syndrome, Sickle Cell) being tested for. Only the unaffected or carrier status embryos are transferred to the womb thereby removing the chance of transferring an embryo that is affected and increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy and live birth.

PGD for single-gene inherited disorders is available at Newlife and is offered to couples where a genetic abnormality or chromosomal rearrangement has been identified in either partner.

What are chromosomes and genes?

Chromosomes are minute rod shaped structures that exist in virtually every cell of the body. Each cell should have exactly 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). Following fertilization, normal embryos receive 23 chromosomes from the sperm and 23 chromosomes from the egg. These chromosomes carry genes; a gene is the basic unit of heredity. They control how we function as well as our physical appearance.

Genes are made up of DNA and act as detailed instructions to our bodies. In humans, genes vary in size and it is currently estimated that we have between 20,000 and 25,000.

Every person has two copies of each gene, one inherited from each parent. Most genes are the same in all people, but a very small number are slightly different. These small differences contribute to each person’s unique physical features.

What is a genetic disorder?

Genetic disorders are caused by mutations in an individual’s DNA. A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene. Genes code for protein molecules that carry out most of the work, perform most life functions, and make up the majority of cellular structures. When a gene is mutated so that its protein product can no longer carry out its normal function, a disorder can result.

If a patient is affected by a genetic disorder they may pass this on to their children. A patient may only be a carrier for a certain disorder, meaning that they are not affected by the disease and may have children who are also carriers. However, when both partners are carriers they may produce embryos that are affected and therefore have children affected by the condition. PGD intends to eliminate the transfer of affected embryos.

Are genetic abnormalities routinely tested for during IVF procedures?

In most cases the answer to this question is no. The examinations routinely undertaken in the IVF laboratory, in order to determine which embryo is the most likely to produce a baby, do not reveal which embryos have the correct number of chromosomes or carry a specific genetic disorder. Chromosomal and genetic abnormalities are invisible to traditional (morphological) embryo assessment.

How can we test embryos produced using IVF to see if they have a specific genetic abnormality?

Over the years, several different methods have been utilized for examining genetic mutations. To enable the screening of these chromosomes and genes, cells must first be removed from the embryo; a process called embryo biopsy. At Newlife, the biopsy procedure is performed at the blastocyst stage as this has been shown to yield the most accurate results.

Does PGD carry any risks for my embryos?

There is a small risk that an embryo may not survive the biopsy procedure, but this is generally less than 5%. Additionally, as blastocysts are often cryopreserved after the biopsy procedure, there is a small risk that the embryo will not survive the cryopreservation procedure. Again this risk is very small, typically less than 5–10%. Furthermore, about 5% of the embryos tested do not give a result. Embryos without a result can still be transferred, but it will not be possible to say whether or not they are genetically unaffected.

Does PGD replace the need for routine prenatal testing?

Although PGD will inevitably reduce the risk of transferring an embryo with a genetic abnormality, the technique is not 100% accurate and therefore cannot guarantee it. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you have a prenatal test, if it is recommended to you by your doctor. This will provide a more definitive diagnosis