Definitions for "Preimplantation genetic diagnosis"
Keywords:  pgd, ivf, embryo, vitro, blastomere
Medical procedure in which cells from an embryo conceived by in vitro fertilization are analyzed for genetic defects prior to implantation of the embryo in the mother's uterus. (73)
(PGD) A couple with a high risk for having a child with a particular genetic disease may opt for this procedure in conjunction with in vitro fertilization. PGD tests the embryos created during the IVF process for the genetic mutation(s) in question; only embryos free of the mutation are implanted. This is not yet possible for all diseases.
Genetic diagnosis by removing one or a few cells from an early embryo to test whether it is blighted with a harmful mutation or abnormal chromosome number. Abbreviated as "PGD" or "PD."