CARE Genetics Programme
The CARE team has developed and introduced many new fertility treatments and technologies over the years, being one of the first in the UK to be licensed to perform specialist tests such as Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis and screening techniques such as Pre-Implantation Genetic screening. Our Genetics Programme incorporates both Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening and Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis.
Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS)
The most common reason why IVF fails is chromosomal abnormality. Using the technique of Polar Body Array CGH, it is possible to screen all the chromosomes of a human egg prior to the creation of the embryo. During the procedure, a microscopic structure called the polar body (which lies between the egg itself and its outer 'shell'), is removed before the egg is fertilised. The polar body of each egg is tested using the Array CGH method, providing us with the complete chromosome make up of the egg. In this way we can screen for the chromosomally normal eggs. As the polar body is a 'surplus' structure within the egg and normally disappears a few days after fertilisation, this is an ideal way of testing the chromosome material without disrupting the actual chromosomes within the egg itself.
Array CGH Polar Body technology is currently only available at CARE.
Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis is a technology which allows genetic testing of an embryo prior to implantation and before pregnancy occurs. It is used in conjunction with IVF and allows only those embryos diagnosed as being free of a specific genetic disorder to be transferred into a woman to try to achieve a pregnancy.
Our state of the art PGD laboratory at our unit in Nottingham, working in conjunction with the world renowned Genesis Genetics Institute, offers the most advanced technology available to patients. This collaboration provides couples with access to the expertise and skill of both the Genesis Genetics Institute and the CARE Fertility team. Genesis Genetics undertakes more than half the PGD carried out worldwide and their molecular genetics labs service over 250 IVF centres, including every major university in the United States and Canada. Professor Mark Hughes is the President of Genesis Genetics and a pioneer in the field of PGD. 
Genesis Genetics has tested for many hundreds of genetic conditions, more than any other facility worldwide. With modern technology we can now screen for almost any single gene disorder, and new conditions are being introduced all the time. Within a period of as little as 5-6 weeks a test can be designed for couples with inherited diseases and unique gene mutations.
