PGD vs. CCS

PGD

PGD involves the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Eggs are obtained and fertilized through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Once fertilized, the embryos develop for 2-3 days and then cells are removed from each embryo. The genetic material (DNA or chromosomes) within one cell of the embryo is then tested for the genetic or chromosomal abnormality. Up to two unaffected embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus to implant. If successful, the procedure will result in pregnancy and the child should not be affected by the condition for which it was tested.

CCS

Conversely, during CCS, they obtain 5-10 cells on day 5 or 6 of the embryo blastocyst. Biopsying the embryo at a more advanced cell stage dramatically increases the accuracy of this testing and minimizes potential damage that the biopsy can cause on the embryo because it has several hundred cells by then. Another advantage to CCS is that we can greatly reduce the odds of a couple having multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets). It arms clinicians with the knowledge that they are transferring the most chromosomally fit embryo, therefore precluding the need to transfer multiple, unscreened embryos in the hope that one will be healthy enough to create an ongoing pregnancy and a healthy baby.