Preimplantation genetic diagnosis in Canada: a survey of Canadian IVF units.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the current practice patterns of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in Canada related to genetic counselling, embryo biopsy, and cytogenetic and molecular analyses.


METHODS
An Internet survey was constructed and administered following Dillman's tailored design method. The contact information for medical directors of all 28 Canadian IVF units was provided by Assisted Human Reproduction Canada.


RESULTS
Seventeen of the 28 Canadian IVF units responded, 16 of which offered PGD. Of these, 35% performed embryo biopsy on site, 41% transferred embryos for biopsy to another Canadian unit, and 18% transferred embryos to the United States. Both cytogenetic and molecular analysis were performed on site in 24% of responding units, with 24% and 18% respectively performed in another Canadian unit, and 24% and 35% performed in the United States. Of the clinics that do not perform PGD, seven (41%) indicated that they would like to offer PGD but do not have the resources or expertise to make it available. Almost all units indicated that genetic counselling was provided by genetic counsellors or medical geneticists, usually off site.


CONCLUSIONS
Because the majority of Canadian units offering PGD send embryos or biopsies to another unit in Canada or the United States, regionalization of PGD services should now be considered. Because 41% of IVF units not offering PGD indicated that they would if they had the resources, and because IVF may soon become publicly funded in several provinces, dramatically increasing the number of people who might seek PGD, many more PGD centres will be necessary.
Speechley
Kathy N
KN
Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London ON; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London ON; Children's Health Research Institute, London ON.
Nisker
Jeff
J
Children's Health Research Institute, London ON; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London ON; Coordinator Health Ethics and Humanities, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London ON.
D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires