What genetic disease screening is required for IVF?
IVF is a method of assisted pregnancy through in vitro fertilization, which brings hope to many couples who cannot conceive naturally. However, some genetic diseases may affect the health of IVF, so it is very important to screen for genetic diseases. In this article, we will introduce in detail the aspects of genetic disease screening that IVF needs to carry out.
1. Common genetic disease screening
Test tube babies need to be screened for common genetic diseases to exclude the risk of genetic diseases carried by both spouses. Common genetic diseases include hereditary diabetes, cystic fibrosis, thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, etc. The hospital usually carries out gene testing on both sides to determine whether there is a genetic disease gene. If one or both of the husband and wife carry the gene of genetic disease, the doctor can provide some options, such as selecting the embryo without genetic disease gene through embryonic gene testing for implantation.
In addition, some genetic diseases may lead to abnormal embryonic development or abortion. Through screening for common genetic diseases, hospitals can help couples avoid implanting embryos with genetic disease genes into the uterus, thus improving the success rate of IVF.
2. Screening for hereditary chromosome abnormalities
In addition to common genetic diseases, IVF also needs to be screened for genetic chromosomal abnormalities. Common hereditary chromosomal abnormalities include Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and Patlow syndrome. These diseases are usually caused by abnormal chromosome structure or quantity, which will affect the normal development of embryos.
Genetic chromosome abnormality screening usually collects fetal DNA for gene detection by amniocentesis or villus biopsy. This can help doctors evaluate whether embryos carry chromosomal abnormalities, so as to select healthy embryos for implantation.
3. Screening of rare genetic diseases
In addition to common genetic diseases and genetic chromosomal abnormalities, IVF also needs screening for rare genetic diseases. Rare genetic diseases refer to rare but serious genetic diseases, including muscular dystrophy, Beck's syndrome, reversible lymphocyte deficiency, etc.
For couples with family medical history, doctors may select specific genetic disease screening items based on family medical history. For example, if more than one member of a family has the same genetic disease, the doctor may suggest that the couple carry out relevant gene testing to find out whether there is a risk of carrying the gene as soon as possible.
4. Genetic counseling
In addition to specific genetic disease screening, genetic counseling during IVF is also very important. Hospitals usually arrange professional genetic counselors to have face-to-face consultations with couples. The genetic counselor will assess the couple's fertility risk based on the couple's family history, personal genetic status and the results of genetic disease screening, and provide relevant comfort, advice and guidance.
In conclusion, IVF infants need to be screened for common genetic diseases, genetic chromosomal abnormalities, rare genetic diseases and genetic counseling. These screening and counseling are aimed at ensuring the health of IVF babies and minimizing the risk of genetic diseases. When choosing IVF, couples should fully understand and attach importance to these screening and counseling processes to ensure that they can have a healthy baby.
