Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) checks embryos created during IVF for chromosome abnormalities or a specific inherited condition before one is placed in the womb. A few cells are gently biopsied from each embryo and analyzed in the laboratory, helping the team select the embryo most likely to lead to a healthy pregnancy. It is always used alongside IVF or ICSI.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
PGT is carried out during IVF. Once eggs are collected and fertilized, the embryos are grown to the blastocyst stage, and a few cells are carefully removed (biopsied) from each. These cells are tested while the embryos are frozen, and the results guide which embryo is transferred later. There are different types: PGT-A looks for the right number of chromosomes, PGT-M tests for a specific inherited (single-gene) condition that runs in a family, and PGT-SR checks for chromosome rearrangements.
The aim is to prioritize embryos most likely to implant and develop into a healthy pregnancy, and — for couples who carry a known genetic condition — to avoid passing it on. Testing is planned together by fertility specialists, embryologists and, where relevant, clinical geneticists, and genetic counseling is an important part of the process so you understand what the test can and cannot tell you.
For international patients, a coordinator arranges the plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before travel, and our specialists can review your history and any genetic reports remotely. Because embryos are usually frozen while results come back, the treatment can be organized around your travel, with a frozen-embryo transfer arranged at the right time.
Who is a candidate?
- Couples where one or both partners carry a known inherited (single-gene) condition
- People who carry a chromosome rearrangement such as a translocation
- Those with recurrent miscarriage or repeated unsuccessful IVF cycles
- Women of older reproductive age, where chromosome problems in embryos are more common
- Couples wanting to reduce the chance of miscarriage from chromosome abnormalities
- Anyone considering PGT after genetic counseling has explained the benefits and limits
What happens
- 1
Counseling and planning
Fertility specialists and, where relevant, a geneticist review your history and explain which type of PGT applies, what it can show, and its limitations, so you can make an informed choice.
- 2
IVF and embryo culture
You go through an IVF or ICSI cycle to create embryos, which are grown in the laboratory to the blastocyst stage over about five to six days.
- 3
Biopsy and freezing
An embryologist removes a few cells from each suitable embryo, and the embryos are frozen while the cells are sent for genetic analysis.
- 4
Results and transfer
Once results are back, a suitable embryo is selected and placed in the womb in a frozen-embryo transfer. A pregnancy test follows about two weeks later.
Benefits
- Helps select embryos most likely to lead to a healthy pregnancy
- Can reduce the chance of miscarriage caused by chromosome abnormalities
- Allows couples with a known inherited condition to avoid passing it on
- Supports transferring a single embryo, lowering the chance of a multiple pregnancy
- No extra procedure for you beyond the standard IVF egg-collection step
Risks & considerations
- PGT requires IVF, even for couples who could otherwise conceive naturally
- Embryo biopsy carries a small risk of harm to the embryo
- Testing is highly accurate but not perfect, and confirmatory testing in pregnancy may be advised
- There may be no suitable (unaffected or chromosomally normal) embryo to transfer
- PGT does not guarantee a pregnancy or a baby free of every possible condition
- It raises personal and ethical questions that genetic counseling helps you consider
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Infertility & IVF Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) — frequently asked questions
PGT-A checks whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes. PGT-M tests for a specific inherited single-gene condition known to run in a family. PGT-SR checks for chromosome rearrangements, such as a translocation carried by a parent. Your team advises which applies to you.
No. PGT improves the chance of selecting a suitable embryo and can reduce miscarriage from chromosome problems, but it cannot test for every condition and is not a guarantee of pregnancy or of a baby free of all health issues. Your team explains exactly what your test covers.
Yes. Because embryos are tested in the laboratory before transfer, PGT can only be done as part of an IVF or ICSI cycle, even for couples who are otherwise fertile but carry a known genetic condition.
Usually, yes. Embryos are typically frozen while the genetic results come back, so the egg-collection and the later frozen-embryo transfer can be scheduled to fit your trips. Your coordinator plans the timeline with you.
PGT adds embryo-testing time within an IVF cycle, and transfer usually happens in a later frozen cycle — your coordinator confirms the timeline. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case and do not quote fixed prices online because each plan is individual.
Related treatments
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