Genetic testing of embryos: practices and perspectives of US in vitro fertilization clinics

Abstract

Objective: To better understand the current practices of IVF clinics regarding preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and explore the attitudes and opinions of clinic directors toward PGD.

Design: On-line Survey of 415 assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics in the United States. The Survey had a valid response rate of 45% (186 clinics).

Setting: Not applicable.

Patient(s): Respondents were medical directors, laboratory directors, IVF directors, or directors' designees of ART clinics offering IVF.

Intervention(s): Not applicable.

Main outcome measure(s): Practices and beliefs of IVF clinic directors with respect to PGD.

Result(s): Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is widely provided for a variety of indications, and clinic directors support professional guidelines to guide PGD in the future.

Conclusion(s): Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is an established technology and medical procedure offered by a majority of US IVF clinics. Many clinics currently provide PGD for controversial indications such as sex selection. Although there is little support for government regulation of PGD, there is significant support among IVF clinics for strong professional guidelines for PGD practice. Ongoing collection of data on PGD practice and outcomes would help patients make informed decisions and aid professionals in developing appropriate guidelines and standards.