Genetic Testing and Sex Selection

Genetic testing has become an important part of any successful IVF program in the world.  The technology has improved to the point where most centers should be able to offer this service to their patients. 

Historically, fertility specialists have chosen the embryos that will be transferred based just on appearance.   Unfortunately, this has been shown to not be the best method for choosing the best embryos when compared to genetic screening.  With genetic testing, we can now tell you which embryos are the best embryos.  In addition, we can screen for specific genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, down's syndrome, and Huntington's disease. It is also possible to determine the sex of the embryos with this technique to achieve sex selection, also known as family balancing.

We accomplish genetic screening through either CGH or PGD.  Which technique is chosen will be determined by you individual situation.  PGD has long been the genetic test of choice, but CGH will likely replace it completely in the next five years.  Currently, we offer both, so as to give our patients the widest range of choices.

One of the best CGH laboratories in the country is now located in Las Vegas, so we can offer 24 hour results with CGH.  This is especially useful for foreign patients, as they will not necessarily have to return to the US for a frozen embryo transfer.  A number of studies have shown improved success rates for IVF when genetic screening is used.  They have shown an approximately 70% success rate, which is similar to what we have seen in our IVF program. 

Genetic screening is an important addition to IVF, but it is just one component of a successful IVF cycle.  Having a highly trained fertility specialist and an excellent IVF lab are important considerations as well.  Our doctor trained at some of the best universities in the world and Red Rock Fertility Center is the only IVF lab in Nevada with a certified clean room for IVF.

Sex selection (family balancing) is readily available in Las Vegas.   We have had many patients utilize our services for this purpose.  With CGH or PGD, the success rate for sex selection is 99.99%.  The only way it could fail is due to a laboratory error, which we have not had in over four years.  We have a number of techniques to sort sperm, which increases the number of the desired sex embryos.  Any unused embryos can be frozen and shipped worldwide at a later date.