Genetics and Your Family
A full array of genetic services to support a healthy pregnancy.
About Our Genetics Program
Genetic testing has become an integral part of reproductive medicine and has helped many be more informed when making important reproductive decisions that have consequences for their reproductive options and the health of their offspring.
Markham Fertility Center is proud to have on-site genetic counselors. Diane Myles-Reid leads our genetics program and shares her vast expertise with all patients pursuing Carrier Screening (ECS), Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT), and Prenatal Testing. Consultations with one of our genetic counselors will cover the types of tests you can take, what is involved in doing those tests, interpreting test results, and counseling so you can make informed decisions about your care and treatment. Markham Fertility Centre hosts webinars on PGT, prenatal testing, and Expanded Carrier Screening several times weekly.
You might need or consider genetic testing in the following circumstances:
-
Identify potential causes of infertility
-
You are using a known egg or sperm donor
-
Prevent transfer of a known genetic disorder to offspring
-
Reduce time to pregnancy by avoiding transfer of non-viable embryos
-
Identify genetic conditions in early pregnancy
-
Make decisions about the long term storage of your embryo(s) based on genetic testing
Genetic Testing Services Provided by Markham Fertility Centre
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
After IVF, testing of an embryo to help eliminate those with genetic abnormalities that would impact implantation and live birth.
Prenatal Screening
During pregnancy to identify whether your baby is more or less likely to have certain genetic conditions
Your Genetics Team
Meet Diane, Vivien, and Marie, our in-house genetic counsellors, dedicated solely to Markham Fertility Centre patients.
Diane is a leader in the field of reproductive genetic counselling. She has served on the Genetics Counselling Special Interest Group for the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society and is the Past President of the Canadian Association Genetic Counsellors. We are blessed to have such an accomplished person on our team. Diane is a down-to-earth individual who excels in helping patients make informed decisions about their reproductive care.
Vivien is a board-certified genetic counsellor with graduate degrees from the University of Manitoba (MSc Genetic Counselling) and the University of Guelph (MSc Reproductive Biology). She has had a longstanding interest in both reproductive medicine and human genetics, leading her to her career in genetic counselling. Vivien provides compassionate, collaborative, and empowering care to patients of all backgrounds. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her cat, cooking, and playing volleyball.
Marie is an a well rounded and accomplished genetic counsellor, working with Markham Fertility Centre patients as an independent genetic counsellor. She previously worked at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Tina is our administrative professionals on the genetics team. Both are aspiring genetics counsellors and work closely with the genetics and donor & surrogacy teams to provide our patients with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their reproductive journey.
Making reproductive decisions based on genetic test results can be complicated and stressful. Together, Diane, Vivien, Marie, and Tina will ensure you are well cared for and that your questions are answered.
