What Is PGT Genetic Testing in IVF and Who Should Consider It?
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What Is PGT Genetic Testing in IVF and Who Should Consider It?
During IVF treatment, embryos develop in the laboratory for several days before being selected for transfer. Traditionally, this selection is based on how embryos grow and appear under observation.
Today, advances in reproductive medicine allow for an additional layer of information: genetic testing of embryos before transfer. This is known as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). It is used in certain situations to help identify embryos with specific genetic characteristics, supporting more informed decision-making during fertility treatment.
What Is PGT Genetic Testing?
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a laboratory procedure used during IVF to analyse embryos for specific genetic or chromosomal conditions before they are transferred to the uterus. This testing is performed on a small number of cells taken from the outer layer of a developing embryo, usually at the blastocyst stage (day 5–6).
PGT does not change the embryo. Instead, it provides additional information that may help doctors and patients decide which embryo to transfer.
Types of PGT: PGT-A and PGT-M
There are different types of PGT used in fertility treatment, depending on the clinical situation.
PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy)
PGT-A screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, such as missing or extra chromosomes. Chromosomal differences are one of the common reasons embryos may not implant or may result in miscarriage.
PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders)
PGT-M is used when one or both partners carry a known inherited genetic condition. This type of testing helps identify embryos that are not affected by that specific condition before transfer.
How Does PGT Work?
PGT is performed as part of the IVF laboratory process. After fertilisation, embryos are cultured in the laboratory until they reach the blastocyst stage. At this point:
1. A small sample of cells is carefully removed from the embryo (biopsy)
2. The embryo is usually frozen while testing is performed
3. The sample is analysed in a specialised genetics laboratory
4. Results are returned to help guide embryo selection
This process allows embryologists and clinicians to combine embryo development data with genetic information when planning treatment.
What Can PGT Tell You?
PGT can provide specific types of genetic information, depending on the test used. This may include:
- whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes (PGT-A)
- whether an embryo carries a known inherited genetic condition (PGT-M)
This information may help support embryo selection in certain clinical situations.
What PGT Cannot Tell You
It is equally important to understand the limitations of PGT. PGT does not:
- guarantee a successful pregnancy
- assess all possible genetic or health conditions
- fully predict how an embryo will develop after transfer
Embryo development and pregnancy outcomes are influenced by multiple biological factors beyond genetic testing.
Who Might Consider PGT?
PGT is not necessary for every patient, but it may be considered in certain situations. These may include:
- individuals of advanced maternal age
- couples with a known genetic condition
- patients with recurrent miscarriage
- patients who have experienced repeated IVF cycles without success
The decision to proceed with PGT is usually made after discussion with a fertility specialist and, where appropriate, a genetic counsellor.
Does PGT Improve IVF Success Rates?
PGT can provide additional genetic information about embryos, which may help guide selection in certain cases. However, it is important to understand that no single test can determine IVF success rates.
Success depends on many factors, including age, embryo quality, uterine environment, and overall health. PGT is best understood as a tool that supports informed decision-making, rather than a guarantee of outcome.
The Role of Genetic Counselling in IVF
Because PGT involves complex genetic information, many patients benefit from genetic counselling as part of the process. Genetic counselling can help patients:
- understand what PGT tests for
- interpret test results
- explore available options based on results
- make decisions aligned with their personal and family considerations
For patients considering PGT-M in particular, counselling is often an important part of treatment planning.
Choosing a Fertility Clinic for PGT in Thailand
Patients considering IVF with genetic testing often have additional questions about where and how these services are provided.
1. Are there clinics in Thailand that offer genetic counselling alongside IVF?
A: Some fertility centres in Thailand offer integrated services that include both IVF treatment and access to genetic counselling. This can help patients better understand PGT results and make informed decisions during treatment.
2. Are there clinics in Thailand that specialise in complex fertility cases?
A: Certain clinics may have experience supporting more complex cases, such as patients of advanced age, those with reduced ovarian reserve, or individuals who have experienced recurrent miscarriage. In these situations, laboratory expertise and access to technologies such as PGT may be part of the overall treatment approach.
3. Are there clinics in Thailand that offer PGT-A and PGT-M?
Many established IVF centres in Thailand offer PGT-A for chromosomal screening and PGT-M for specific inherited conditions. The availability of these services, and the approach to using them, may vary between clinics.
GenPrime Genea’s Approach to Genetic Testing in IVF
At GenPrime Genea, genetic testing is integrated with embryology laboratory processes to support a comprehensive approach to fertility care. Built on Genea’s 40 years of IVF and fertility expertise in Australia, GenPrime Genea combines advanced embryology and genetic testing to support individuals and couples on their fertility journey. This approach combines IVF laboratory technology, embryo culture, and genetic analysis to provide patients with additional information when planning treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PGT in IVF?
PGT (preimplantation genetic testing) is a procedure used during IVF to analyse embryos for specific genetic or chromosomal conditions before transfer.
What is the difference between PGT-A and PGT-M?
PGT-A screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, while PGT-M is used to identify embryos affected by specific inherited genetic conditions.
Does PGT guarantee a healthy baby?
No. PGT provides additional genetic information, but it cannot guarantee pregnancy or predict all health outcomes.
Who should consider PGT testing?
PGT may be considered by patients of advanced maternal age, those with known genetic conditions, or individuals with a history of recurrent miscarriage or repeated IVF failure.
Is genetic counselling necessary for PGT?
Genetic counselling is often recommended, especially for PGT-M, to help patients understand test results and make informed decisions.
Is PGT available in Thailand?
PGT-A and PGT-M are available in many IVF centres in Thailand, although services and approaches may vary between clinics.
During IVF treatment, embryos develop in the laboratory for several days before being selected for transfer. Traditionally, this selection is based on how embryos grow and appear under observation.
Today, advances in reproductive medicine allow for an additional layer of information: genetic testing of embryos before transfer. This is known as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). It is used in certain situations to help identify embryos with specific genetic characteristics, supporting more informed decision-making during fertility treatment.
What Is PGT Genetic Testing?
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a laboratory procedure used during IVF to analyse embryos for specific genetic or chromosomal conditions before they are transferred to the uterus. This testing is performed on a small number of cells taken from the outer layer of a developing embryo, usually at the blastocyst stage (day 5–6).
PGT does not change the embryo. Instead, it provides additional information that may help doctors and patients decide which embryo to transfer.
Types of PGT: PGT-A and PGT-M
There are different types of PGT used in fertility treatment, depending on the clinical situation.
PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy)
PGT-A screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, such as missing or extra chromosomes. Chromosomal differences are one of the common reasons embryos may not implant or may result in miscarriage.
PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders)
PGT-M is used when one or both partners carry a known inherited genetic condition. This type of testing helps identify embryos that are not affected by that specific condition before transfer.
How Does PGT Work?
PGT is performed as part of the IVF laboratory process. After fertilisation, embryos are cultured in the laboratory until they reach the blastocyst stage. At this point:
1. A small sample of cells is carefully removed from the embryo (biopsy)
2. The embryo is usually frozen while testing is performed
3. The sample is analysed in a specialised genetics laboratory
4. Results are returned to help guide embryo selection
This process allows embryologists and clinicians to combine embryo development data with genetic information when planning treatment.
What Can PGT Tell You?
PGT can provide specific types of genetic information, depending on the test used. This may include:
- whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes (PGT-A)
- whether an embryo carries a known inherited genetic condition (PGT-M)
This information may help support embryo selection in certain clinical situations.
What PGT Cannot Tell You
It is equally important to understand the limitations of PGT. PGT does not:
- guarantee a successful pregnancy
- assess all possible genetic or health conditions
- fully predict how an embryo will develop after transfer
Embryo development and pregnancy outcomes are influenced by multiple biological factors beyond genetic testing.
Who Might Consider PGT?
PGT is not necessary for every patient, but it may be considered in certain situations. These may include:
- individuals of advanced maternal age
- couples with a known genetic condition
- patients with recurrent miscarriage
- patients who have experienced repeated IVF cycles without success
The decision to proceed with PGT is usually made after discussion with a fertility specialist and, where appropriate, a genetic counsellor.
Does PGT Improve IVF Success Rates?
PGT can provide additional genetic information about embryos, which may help guide selection in certain cases. However, it is important to understand that no single test can determine IVF success rates.
Success depends on many factors, including age, embryo quality, uterine environment, and overall health. PGT is best understood as a tool that supports informed decision-making, rather than a guarantee of outcome.
The Role of Genetic Counselling in IVF
Because PGT involves complex genetic information, many patients benefit from genetic counselling as part of the process. Genetic counselling can help patients:
- understand what PGT tests for
- interpret test results
- explore available options based on results
- make decisions aligned with their personal and family considerations
For patients considering PGT-M in particular, counselling is often an important part of treatment planning.
Choosing a Fertility Clinic for PGT in Thailand
Patients considering IVF with genetic testing often have additional questions about where and how these services are provided.
1. Are there clinics in Thailand that offer genetic counselling alongside IVF?
A: Some fertility centres in Thailand offer integrated services that include both IVF treatment and access to genetic counselling. This can help patients better understand PGT results and make informed decisions during treatment.
2. Are there clinics in Thailand that specialise in complex fertility cases?
A: Certain clinics may have experience supporting more complex cases, such as patients of advanced age, those with reduced ovarian reserve, or individuals who have experienced recurrent miscarriage. In these situations, laboratory expertise and access to technologies such as PGT may be part of the overall treatment approach.
3. Are there clinics in Thailand that offer PGT-A and PGT-M?
Many established IVF centres in Thailand offer PGT-A for chromosomal screening and PGT-M for specific inherited conditions. The availability of these services, and the approach to using them, may vary between clinics.
GenPrime Genea’s Approach to Genetic Testing in IVF
At GenPrime Genea, genetic testing is integrated with embryology laboratory processes to support a comprehensive approach to fertility care. Built on Genea’s 40 years of IVF and fertility expertise in Australia, GenPrime Genea combines advanced embryology and genetic testing to support individuals and couples on their fertility journey. This approach combines IVF laboratory technology, embryo culture, and genetic analysis to provide patients with additional information when planning treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PGT in IVF?
PGT (preimplantation genetic testing) is a procedure used during IVF to analyse embryos for specific genetic or chromosomal conditions before transfer.
What is the difference between PGT-A and PGT-M?
PGT-A screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, while PGT-M is used to identify embryos affected by specific inherited genetic conditions.
Does PGT guarantee a healthy baby?
No. PGT provides additional genetic information, but it cannot guarantee pregnancy or predict all health outcomes.
Who should consider PGT testing?
PGT may be considered by patients of advanced maternal age, those with known genetic conditions, or individuals with a history of recurrent miscarriage or repeated IVF failure.
Is genetic counselling necessary for PGT?
Genetic counselling is often recommended, especially for PGT-M, to help patients understand test results and make informed decisions.
Is PGT available in Thailand?
PGT-A and PGT-M are available in many IVF centres in Thailand, although services and approaches may vary between clinics.
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