Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) at Genea Thailand
What is Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A)?
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A) is a genetic testing method used during IVF to screen embryos for abnormal numbers of chromosomes (aneuploidy) before an embryo is transferred to the uterus.
Normally, human embryos have 23 pairs of chromosomes. An embryo with an extra or missing chromosome may have difficulty implanting, may result in miscarriage, or may be associated with certain chromosomal conditions. PGT-A helps identify embryos with chromosome numbers that are more likely to be within the expected range, providing additional information for fertility specialists when selecting embryos for transfer.
At Genea Thailand, PGT-A may be considered as part of an individualized IVF treatment plan, depending on factors such as the patient’s age, reproductive history, embryo development, and clinical circumstances.
How does PGT-A work?
During an IVF cycle, eggs are collected and fertilized in the laboratory to create embryos. The embryos are allowed to develop to the blastocyst stage, typically around day 5–7. A small number of cells are then carefully removed from the embryo and analyzed for chromosome abnormalities. The embryo itself is not transferred at this stage; it is usually cryopreserved while the genetic testing is performed.
The PGT-A results can provide information about whether an embryo has a chromosome profile that is:
Euploid – the expected number of chromosomes detected
Aneuploid – an abnormal number of chromosomes detected
Mosaic – different chromosome profiles are detected among the tested cells
PGT-A is a screening test rather than a guarantee of implantation, pregnancy, or a healthy baby. Your fertility specialist will consider PGT-A results together with your medical history, embryo development, and other clinical factors when discussing embryo transfer options.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Conditions (PGT-M) is a specialized genetic testing technique used during IVF to identify specific genetic changes that may cause a single-gene disorder before an embryo is transferred to the uterus.
PGT-M may be considered when one or both prospective parents are known to carry a genetic condition or a disease-causing genetic variant that could be passed on to their child. By testing embryos created through IVF, PGT-M can provide information about whether an embryo has the specific genetic condition being tested for.
How does PGT-M work?
PGT-M is performed as part of an IVF treatment cycle. Eggs are collected and fertilized in the laboratory to create embryos. Once an embryo develops to the blastocyst stage, a small number of cells are carefully biopsied for genetic analysis. The embryo is then typically cryopreserved while the genetic testing is performed.
The PGT-M testing process is designed specifically around the genetic condition and variant being investigated. Depending on the case, genetic testing and laboratory preparation may need to be completed before the IVF cycle begins.
PGT-M can be used to test for a range of inherited single-gene conditions, depending on the specific genetic variant and the availability of a suitable testing strategy.
At Genea Thailand, patients considering PGT-M can receive individualized guidance based on their family history, genetic test results, and fertility treatment plan. A fertility specialist and genetic team can help determine whether PGT-M is appropriate and explain the testing process before treatment begins.
It is important to understand that PGT-M is a targeted genetic test for a specific monogenic condition. It does not screen for every possible genetic or chromosomal condition, and PGT-M does not guarantee a pregnancy or a healthy baby.
