Does IVF have the function of genetic disease screening?
With the development of science and technology, IVF technology has aroused widespread concern and controversy in the field of fertility. IVF refers to the babies born through assisted reproductive technology (ART) in the process of in vitro fertilization and culture. So, does IVF technology have the function of genetic disease screening? This article will elaborate on embryo screening, genetic testing, medical institution support and international practice.
Embryo screening
Embryo screening is the core of IVF technology. Through the embryo culture after taking eggs, experts can observe the growth and development of embryos, and carry out corresponding detection and screening. In the process of embryo screening, genetic diseases of embryos can be detected, including chromosome abnormalities, single gene genetic diseases, etc. Embryo screening can eliminate embryos carrying genetic diseases and improve the health and success rate of IVF.
Embryo screening techniques include parental gene testing, biochemical testing and cytogenetic testing. In parental gene detection, the genes carried by embryos can be predicted through the gene detection of both spouses. Biochemical detection is to identify potential genetic disease risks by detecting metabolites in embryo culture. Cytogenetic testing can observe the chromosome structure and number of embryos, and eliminate the risk of genetic diseases caused by chromosome abnormalities.
With the continuous development and progress of embryo screening technology, IVF has the function of genetic disease screening, improving the quality and fertility success rate of IVF.
Genetic gene testing
In addition to embryo screening, IVF can also screen pregnant women or couples with genetic disease genes by means of genetic gene detection. Genetic testing includes genetic counseling, gene mutation detection, genome sequencing and other methods.
Genetic counseling is one of the necessary steps before IVF. Doctors and geneticists will provide detailed genetic advice and suggestions according to the family history and individual genetic status of the couple. The purpose of genetic counseling is to help couples understand their genetic risks and make wise decisions.
Gene mutation detection is a commonly used genetic gene detection method. By testing the patient's DNA, we can determine whether there are some common genetic mutations. Genome sequencing is a high-throughput gene detection technology, which can sequence the entire genome and find more abnormal genes.
Medical institution support
In the screening of genetic diseases, IVF technology cannot do without the support and cooperation of powerful medical institutions. At home and abroad, many well-known medical institutions have the ability of IVF technology and genetic disease screening.
For example, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School in the United States are both internationally renowned medical institutions, with advanced IVF technology and rich experience in screening genetic diseases. In China, Peking Union Medical College Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University are top medical institutions that provide IVF and genetic disease screening services.
International practice
Genetic disease screening in IVF technology has been widely practiced and applied internationally. Medical institutions and experts in various countries are actively exploring how to use existing technical means to improve the quality of IVF and reduce the occurrence of genetic diseases.
For example, HFEA (Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority) in the UK is one of the earliest regulatory agencies to implement IVF technology in the world. Their code stipulates the specific operation and restrictions of IVF embryo screening to ensure the rationality and safety of genetic disease screening.
In short, with the progress of science and technology and the development of medicine, IVF technology has the function of screening genetic diseases. By means of embryo screening and genetic testing, the health and fertility success rate of IVF have been greatly improved. International medical institutions are also actively practicing to provide support and guidance for IVF and genetic disease screening. The development of IVF technology will bring more opportunities to couples at risk of genetic diseases and help them realize their healthy reproductive aspirations.
