The lab is on the ball.

Well at least the PGD(s) lab in Detroit is on the ball.

I misspoke in one of my previous posts, saying that the samples are sent to New Jersey for the PGS - in fact, it's actually a Detroit lab we're using called G.enesis G.enetics.

Anyway, we were lucky enough to have our phone consultation today, which was a surprise given the proximity of our phone call to the holidays, but we jumped on the opportunity and sat down for about a 20 minute conversation.

So it was like any other consult we've had with geneticist/genetic counsellors; she took a full history of both our families ( miscarriages, failed IVF treatments, difficulties conceiving, mental disability, whether we know if anyone else carries the b.alanaced t.ranslocation, etc.)

Then we got down to the meat and potatoes of how this is going to work, and this is a basic summary she emailed us after our conversation:

There are a few things we would like you to be aware of:

·         PGS is a tool to reduce the risk of a chromosome abnormality in your offspring, but it cannot eliminate that risk.  The error rate is currently unknown, but thought to be less than 10%.  With the use of a previous technology, FISH, error was thought to be 10%.

·         There is a risk of mosaicism in the human embryo that we cannot visualize with CGH.

·         It currently is not possible to determine if an embryo has a balanced version of the translocation present in your family.  Embryos with a balanced translocation will appear normal with this technology.

·         We still recommend the use of prenatal testing once a patient becomes pregnant.  This will provide more certainty as to the chromosomal makeup of the pregnancy.

·         It is possible that an embryo will not yield results with our testing.  This is rare, but it does occur.

·         Your results will be released directly to your physician’s office.

I highlighted the bit we were surprised about and had never been told - apparently she said another couple with the same genetic issue from our FC were also not told this. I have to say, though, that I was disappointed at the thought of our little one (if we get there) having these same issues that we're having now when they go to try and conceive. It made me really sad.

Anyway - we have all of the consents and costs and contracts to sign from the lab, so now we just wait for my next appointment with my FC.