title: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis on in vitro fertilization clinic websites: presentations of risks, benefits and other information.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine information on preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) presented on IVF clinic websites.
  
  
  METHODS
  We systematically sampled every third IVF clinic on the 2004 Centers for Disease Control provider list.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Internet.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  Benefits, risks, and other types of information mentioned regarding PGD.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 135 sites examined, 88.1% had websites, and 70% mentioned PGD, of which 27% were university- or hospital-based and 63% were private clinics. Sites mentioning PGD listed uses and benefits of PGD far more than the risks involved. Of these sites, 76% described testing for single-gene diseases, but fewer mentioned risks of missing target diagnoses (35%) or risks for loss of embryo (18%), and 14% described PGD as new or controversial. Private clinics were more likely than other programs to be on either the East or West Coast, list certain PGD risks (e.g., diagnostic error), note that PGD was new or controversial, reference source of PGD information, provide accuracy rates of genetic testing of embryos, and offer gender selection for social reasons.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most IVF clinics advertise PGD online, but the scope and quality of information about it varies widely, emphasizing benefits while minimizing risks. Clinics and patients may benefit from more thorough and consistent presentation of PGD, drawing on available evidence to best provide a realistic portrayal of PGD.
authors.affiliation: College of Physicians and Surgeons and Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York. Electronic address: rlk2@columbia.edu.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Klitzman
authors.affiliation: Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Beata
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zolovska
authors.affiliation: Columbia University Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, New York.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Folberth
authors.affiliation: College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Mark V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Sauer
authors.affiliation: College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.affiliation: College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Appelbaum
mesh_terms: D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019992:Databases as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D020407:Internet / Q000458:organization & administration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment