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Frequently Asked Questions
How long has the Genetics & IVF
Institute been performing PGD?
Since the first cycle of PGD performed at the Genetics & IVF Institute was
in 1993, our PGD lab has performed more than 1000 PGD cycles, during which we biopsied and tested over 4500 embryos. This vast experience makes the
Genetics & IVF Institute’s PGD lab one of the largest providers
of single cell testing in the world.
What are the major advantages of using the
PGD lab at the Genetics & IVF Institute?
In addition to the vast range of specialized services and sustained level
of achievement, Genetics & IVF Institute offers exceptional
customer service. The PGD Laboratory accepts samples seven days a week,
365 days a year. The highly trained, dedicated laboratory management and
staff are available to answer questions at all times. Genetics & IVF Institute's PGD lab also has a dedicated shipping and receiving department
that handles all issues regarding shipping, including delivery of specimen
transport packages to your facility to make the shipping process as simple
as possible.
For how long has the Genetics & IVF Institute PGD lab
been accepting PGD samples from other Assisted Reproductive Technology
(ART) centers?
Genetics &IVF Institute began accepting samples from outside ART clinics in
2003. Working in collaboration with other ART centers, couples from all
over the country have benefited from the experience, expertise, and genetic
innovation available at Genetics & IVF Institute.
What are the laboratory's hours?
The PGD laboratory at Genetics & IVF Institute is open 7 days a week, 365 days
a year.
Where does training take place and how often?
The training program takes place at the Genetics & IVF Institute’s
state-of-the-art laboratory facility in suburban Washington, DC , and
is available to laboratories most weekdays of the year. To schedule training,
please call (888) PGD-GIVF.
How much does the training program cost?
ART centers that are planning on sending samples to Genetics & IVF Institute are invited to train for biopsy and cell spreading at our
state-of-the-art facility in suburban Washington, DC , at no
charge. The training is done over two days with hands-on training
in biopsy procedure (if necessary) and blastomere spreading in our embryology
laboratory.
What chemicals or reagents does Genetics
& IVF Institute use for spreading the blastomeres?
The spreading method used at Genetics & IVF Institute
is non-toxic (Tween 20 and low concentrations of HCl), therefore, the
biopsy and spreading procedure can be done within the embryology laboratory.
This spreading procedure is also much easier to learn and control than
other methods because the cell and nucleus remain in approximately the
same location during the entire spreading procedure.
Does Genetics & IVF Institute accept samples for
single gene defects?
Samples for single gene defects will be accepted from outside ART centers
starting in the middle of 2005, for Huntington’s disease (non-disclosing),
cystic fibrosis (all mutations), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and sickle
cell anemia. New tests will be added to this list during the coming year.
How can staff or patients get more information
about genetics and PGD?
The PGD program at Genetics & IVF Institute is supported by
a staff of clinical geneticists trained specifically in PGD. A dedicated
genetic counselor is available to answer clinical questions, and can also
be scheduled to counsel patients about the PGD process. This can be especially
helpful for single gene defect and chromosomal rearrangement testing.
In addition, the PGD program at Genetics & IVF Institute is
supported by a board-certified, MD, PhD geneticist, Dr. Harvey Stern.
Patients interested in PGD should contact our excellent clinical staff
by calling (800) 654-4363, and ART centers interested in sending their
samples to Genetics & IVF Institute should contact the laboratory
at (888) PGD-GIVF (888-743-4483).
Meet the GIVF's PGD Laboratory staff. Click here.>
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