Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing For Genetic Conditions
Table of content:
1. What is Pre-implantation genetic testing?
2. Why can Pre-implantation genetic testing detect?
3. Risks
4. Ethical issues of PGT
What is Pre-implantation genetic testing?
Pre-implantation genetic testing is a technique that is used to identify any kind of genetic defects in the embryos that are being created through vitro fertilization before pregnancy. Pre-implantation genetic testing also known as PGT is done specifically when one or both genetic parents are known to have a genetic abnormality.
The embryos are tested before they are transferred to the uterus. One or more cells from each embryo is sent for testing which is done thoroughly because in IVF only genetically healthy embryos are transferred to the uterus according to genetic doctors in Siliguri.
Why can Pre-implantation genetic testing detect?
Cells that are taken from the embryo for testing can be tested for specific kinds of diseases. PGT shows if the embryo is normal without any disease or is affected by some kind of diseases. It also shows if the embryo is carrying the disease and unaffected by it. An unaffected carrier is someone who has the potential to pass on the disease to his or her children but themselves do not show any kind of signs of the given disease.
Pre-implementation diagnosis also known as PGD involves testing of the embryo before it implants for any kind of specific genetic disorder. PGD is used so that the embryos that are unaffected by the disorder can return to the uterus. PGT can be done using different techniques and in various stages. The techniques for PGT may include:
· Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)
· Microarray
· Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
Risks
There are no risks that have been associated with children who are born after genetic testing beyond the normal health risks that are associated with IVF for the mother and child. With handling of the embryo the procedures like thawing, freezing, and biopsy have small risks and can damage the embryo which has not been implanted.
Another risk associated with PGT is the inaccuracy with the test findings as the test may not be completely accurate. Genetic doctors in Siliguri also suggest parents to undergo the typical prenatal testing when the mother is pregnant.
Ethical issues of PGT
When it comes to PGT testing then another aspect which can be utilized due to the advancement of technology is the prospect of selecting traits that can be passed on to a child through the embryo. Initially it was done to increase the rate of healthy IVF treatment births and it is still the predominant reason for its use. There is a possibility that PGT testing will increase as parents will want to look for traits in the embryo genetics they want to pass on to their child and select what they do not want their child to have as traits.
Genetic doctors in Siliguri say this is an increasing concern for offering clinical services and service to the patients. This practice puts PGT on moral grounds of eugenics for selective breeding for desired characters.














