How PGT-A integrates with an IVF cycle

The IVF cycle proceeds as standard through egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo culture. On day 5 or 6, blastocyst-stage embryos undergo a biopsy where a small number of trophectoderm cells are removed. These cells are sent to a genetics laboratory for chromosomal analysis. Embryos are frozen while results are pending, which typically takes one to two weeks.

Euploid embryos are then transferred in a subsequent frozen embryo transfer cycle. Embryos identified as aneuploid are typically not transferred. Some results come back as mosaic, containing a mix of normal and abnormal cells. The approach to mosaic embryos varies by clinic and is an important topic to discuss with your specialist before testing.

Who PGT-A is recommended for

Patients with two or more failed IVF cycles or recurrent pregnancy loss may benefit from testing to determine whether chromosomal abnormalities are a contributing factor. Advanced maternal age is another common indication, since the rate of chromosomal errors in eggs increases significantly after age 35.

Couples with known chromosomal translocations or structural rearrangements are typically offered PGT-SR (structural rearrangement testing) rather than PGT-A. Your genetic counselor and fertility specialist will advise which test is appropriate based on your clinical history.

Limitations to consider

A euploid result does not guarantee pregnancy. Successful implantation still depends on uterine factors and aspects of embryo quality beyond chromosomal status. Some patients find after testing that they have no transferable embryos, particularly when stimulation produced a small number of eggs to start with.

There is ongoing discussion in reproductive medicine about the benefit of PGT-A for all patient groups. For younger patients with a good prognosis, adding testing may not improve cumulative live birth rates over multiple untested transfer cycles. Ask your specialist whether PGT-A is indicated for your specific situation before adding it to your protocol.

Other types of preimplantation genetic testing

PGT-M (monogenic disease) screens embryos for a specific single-gene disorder where one or both parents are carriers. This test requires pre-cycle preparation and is used for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, or BRCA-related mutations. PGT-SR screens for structural chromosome rearrangements in patients who carry a known translocation. Both are distinct from PGT-A and involve different laboratory processes and longer preparation timelines.IVF with genetic testing: comparing your options by country

Preimplantation genetic testing adds a diagnostic step to IVF that screens embryos before transfer. Access, terminology, and regulatory scope differ by country, and those differences affect both your timeline and the conditions you can test for.

Cyprus offers PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR at major fertility centers, with next-generation sequencing widely available. The regulatory environment is permissive relative to many European countries, and clinics have experience treating international patients with complex genetic indications.

In Thailand, PGT is available at accredited hospitals and fertility clinics in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Testing is performed using array CGH or NGS platforms. As with all fertility treatments in Thailand, any embryos tested must be used within the country — frozen embryos cannot be exported.

Mexico has no federal restriction on which embryos can be tested or transferred based on genetic findings, which gives patients and clinicians more discretion than in some regulated markets. This makes Mexico an option for patients who have been turned away elsewhere due to specific testing requests.

In Denmark, PGT is available but tightly regulated under the Assisted Reproduction Act. Testing for chromosomal abnormalities (PGT-A) is available in licensed centers, but PGT for sex selection for non-medical reasons is not permitted. Approval for PGT-M (monogenic disorders) requires documentation of the specific condition.

Malaysia offers PGT at a limited number of private IVF centers. Access for donor egg cycles is restricted to non-Muslim married heterosexual couples. Patients pursuing PGT-M for hereditary conditions should confirm whether their specific genetic indication is supported at their chosen clinic before starting.

The availability of specific testing panels — including expanded carrier screening or structural rearrangements — varies by lab and country. Confirm which test types are performed in-house versus sent to an external laboratory, and what turnaround times to expect.