title: Genetic testing of embryos: practices and perspectives of US in vitro fertilization clinics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To better understand the current practices of IVF clinics regarding preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and explore the attitudes and opinions of clinic directors toward PGD.
  
  
  METHODS
  On-line Survey of 415 assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics in the United States. The Survey had a valid response rate of 45% (186 clinics).
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  Respondents were medical directors, laboratory directors, IVF directors, or directors' designees of ART clinics offering IVF.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  Practices and beliefs of IVF clinic directors with respect to PGD.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is widely provided for a variety of indications, and clinic directors support professional guidelines to guide PGD in the future.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is an established technology and medical procedure offered by a majority of US IVF clinics. Many clinics currently provide PGD for controversial indications such as sex selection. Although there is little support for government regulation of PGD, there is significant support among IVF clinics for strong professional guidelines for PGD practice. Ongoing collection of data on PGD practice and outcomes would help patients make informed decisions and aid professionals in developing appropriate guidelines and standards.
authors.affiliation: Genetics and Public Policy Center, Berman Institute of Bioethics of Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC. Electronic address: sbaruch2@jhu.edu.
authors.forename: Susannah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baruch
authors.affiliation: Genetics and Public Policy Center, Berman Institute of Bioethics of Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kaufman
authors.affiliation: Genetics and Public Policy Center, Berman Institute of Bioethics of Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC.
authors.forename: Kathy L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Hudson
mesh_terms: D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D034121:Reproductive Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D014481:United States