PGD-PCR Analysis

Cell transfer and PCR

Biopsied cells are washed then transferred into a PCR reaction tube using a fine glass pipette. DNA is extracted from the cells and a PCR reaction mix added. The tubes are placed in a PCR machine where DNA is amplified from a few copies to millions.

Linkage Marker and Mutation Testing

Single Gene Disorders:

a) Family Linkage – Recessive Disorders

A recessive disorder requires a copy of the affected gene from each parent for an embryo to be affected

b) Family Linkage – Dominant Disorders

A dominant disorder requires one copy of the affected gene, inherited from an affected parent, for an embryo to be affected

Translocation Testing

An embryo must inherit a complete set of chromosomes in order to be suitable for transfer

Aneuploidy / Sex Selection

The status for chromosomes X, Y and 21 of an embryo can be determined by looking at the DNA inheritance from both parents.