About Us
Clinical Services
Northwestern Reproductive Genetics, established in 2001 by Dr. Eugene Pergament, is one of the leading providers of clinical and laboratory genetic services in Chicago. Our clinical practice is focused on prenatal screening and diagnosis, population based carrier screening, and evaluation of personal and family histories through genetic counseling.
Prenatal Screening for Chromosome Aneuploidy
Prenatal chromosome screening services include first trimester nuchal translucency and biochemistry screening for Down syndrome (trisomy 21), and trisomy 13/trisomy 18. We also offer a combined first and second trimester screen using the United Screening Approach (USA), which calculates a risk assessment for Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18, trisomy 13, Turner syndrome (45,X), triploidy, sex chromosome abnormalities (such as XXX, XXY, XYY), and the overall risk for any chromosome abnormality.
Carrier Screening
We currently offer population based carrier screening for spinal muscular atrophy, fragile X, and our exclusive extended carrier screening panels for cystic fibrosis and conditions associated with the Ashkenazi Jewish population. Carrier screening may also be available for individuals with a family history of an inherited condition.
Prenatal Diagnostic Testing
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis are available as an option for at-risk couples, and are performed in conjunction with The Center for Genetic Medicine at Northwestern University.
Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling is provided for all individuals having prenatal screening and/or diagnostic testing performed through our office. We also provide genetic consultations for couples with a history of recurrent miscarriage, parents of children with birth defects, couples at risk for a child with a inherited condition, and individuals at risk for familial cancers and other hereditary diseases.
Teratogen Counseling
Northwestern Reproductive Genetics is the home for the Illinois Teratogen Information
Service, a free statewide service that provides information regarding all types of exposures during pregnancy.
Laboratory Services
The Northwestern Reproductive Genetics cytogenetics laboratory serves several area hospitals and clinics, as well as many
clinics from out of state. We perform chromosome analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization, and are especially well
known for our "same day FISH" results following CVS or amniocentesis. The Northwestern Reproductive Genetics
molecular diagnostic laboratory works in conjunction with Asper Biotech to develop unique DNA testing panels for a
number of situations, including the Increased Nuchal Translucency Testing Panel, designed to test for the most common
conditions associated with increased nuchal translucency when aneuploidy has been ruled out. Northwestern
Reproductive Genetics’ chromosome and DNA laboratories are CAP and CLIA certified.
Our Team
Medical Director
Eugene Pergament, MD, PhD, FACMG
Counselors and Genetic Service Coordinators
Christina Alamillo, MS, CGC, Genetic Counselor - Coordinator of Laboratory Services
Kristen Dieter, MS, Genetic Counselor - Coordinator of the Illinois Teratogen Information Service
Amy Schechtman, MS, CGC, Genetic Counselor - Coordinator of United Screening Approach Program
Sharon Sih, MS, - Coordinator of Carrier Screening Program
Lauren Burch, MS, - Genetic Counselor
Laboratory Teams
Molecular Genetics Laboratory:
Morris Fiddler, PhD, Professor, DePaul University
Shaochun Bai, PhD, Associate Director of Molecular Genetics Diagnostic Lab
Sandy Baccam, BS
Dale Bond, BS
Nikkita Thomas, BS
Hong Wei Zou, MS, MD
Cytogenetics Laboratory:
Jessica Turina, BS, CLSp(CG)
Kelli Drabik
Ultrasound Technicians
Christine Moran-Fega
Maria Podea
Office Team
Candace Pennick, BA, Business Administrator
Denise Kristenson
Danielle Sosnowski, BS
Trina Quinn
Billing
Tracy Rady, CPC, The Billing Company
Telephone Number: 847-429-0571
