Preimplantation genetic diagnosis

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a test that can be done on embryos created through IVF (in-vitro fertilization). In IVF, a doctor mixes together a woman's egg and a man's sperm in a lab, and if the egg is fertilized, it will turn into an embryo.

PGD tests the cells from this embryo to find out if it has any genetic problems. This test is usually done when there is a family history of a certain genetic disorder. It helps parents decide if they want to use that embryo to try to have a baby, or if they would rather choose a different embryo.

This kind of testing can give doctors and parents a better understanding of any genetic problems that an embryo might have before a pregnancy begins.