Many people are unaware of what constitutes preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
It means that a genetic diagnosis, such as cystic fibrosis, is made in an embryo before the embryo is implanted into the womb or uterus. This is a fairly new procedure and is used when both parents are carriers of certain diseases in which the carrier state can be identified by DNA laboratory diagnosis. The woman receives hormonal therapy in order to prepare the egg to be removed from the ovary. The egg is then removed and is united with the sperm, incubated, and fertilization then takes place. An embryo is formed.