Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A)

Fulfill the dream. Raise the chance of pregnancy with PGT-A.” 

Get to know “Preimplantation Genetic Testing” 

Preimplantation Genetic Testing or PGT is used to identify chromosomal abnormalities in embryos created through IVF prior to transfer to the uterus. Transferring the healthiest embryos can substantially optimize the chance of pregnancy, contributing to minimized risks of miscarriages and genetic defects with quicker time to pregnancy and reduced monetary burden. 

Types of  Preimplantation Genetic Testing 

There are 3 different types of Preimplantation Genetic Testing;

• Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A)
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorder (PGT-M)
• Preimplantation genetic testing for Structural Rearrangement (PGT-SR)

What Is PGT-A?

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) is used to screen for embryo’s abnormalities in the number of chromosomes, totally 23 pairs (46 chromosomes) which include 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of the sex chromosomes; XX and XY. A healthy embryo must have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Due to advances in genetic technology, the Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) has been widely accepted and deployed to conduct aneuploidy screening as it yields highly accurate and reliable results.  

What Is PGT-M?

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorder (PGT-M) is testing for known monogenic or single gene disorders in the embryo. It is an early genetic diagnosis test to screen whether abnormal genes from mother or/and father are passed on to the embryo, potentially causing certain hereditary diseases. One of the most common monogenic diseases found in Thailand is thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder characterized by decreased hemoglobin production.

What Is PGT-SR?

Preimplantation genetic testing for Structural Rearrangement (PGT-SR) screens for chromosomal structural rearrangements which are normally caused by balanced translocations and inversions without increasing or decreasing the number of chromosomes. Mother or father who has reciprocal translocations when part of one chromosome is exchanged with another, there will be increased risks of producing embryos that do not have the correct amount of chromosomes. Hence, PGT-SR helps to select embryos with normal chromosomes.

PGT-A vs. PGT-M vs. PGT-SR

Benefits of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

By conducting PGT, the fertility doctor can ensure that the embryos selected for the transfer have a healthy number of chromosomes to prevent abnormalities that can substantially impact the pregnancy. Optimizing embryo selection can significantly increase the chance of pregnancy, contributing to minimized risks of miscarriages and genetic defects with quicker time to pregnancy and reduced monetary burden. It is highly recommended in women aged over 35, couples who have had unsuccessful IVF cycles, women with more than 2 miscarriages before 12 weeks of gestation and women or men who have family history of genetic disorders. 

Why Should I Get Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) at Bangkok Hospital? 

At the Fertility Center, Bangkok Hospital, we provide comprehensive care for fertility treatment covering preimplantation genetic testing performed by our expert reproductive specialists supported by a multidisciplinary team to ensure the chance of pregnancy. As the contributing factors to infertility widely vary among individuals, the exact causes of each couple will be thoroughly assessed, enabling an appropriate treatment plan best suited for each couple. 

More importantly, during the preimplantation genetic diagnosis screening conducted in the Fertility Center, only a small number of cells (usually about five or fewer) are taken from an embryo and it does not affect the embryonic health. In addition, the results obtained from advanced genetic sequencing technology are highly accurate, ensuring a higher chance of pregnancy to fulfil a couple’s dream.

Precision Medicine fulfills the dream. Raise the chance of pregnancy with PGT-A.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does PGT guarantee pregnancy?

While PGT testing does not completely guarantee a pregnancy, it significantly raises your chances. By identifying chromosomal abnormalities before transfer, doctors can optimize embryo selection. Transferring a genetically normal embryo drastically reduces the risk of miscarriage and speeds up the timeline to a successful pregnancy.  

2. Is PGT safe?

Yes, it is highly safe. During the genetic test IVF process, a highly precise embryo biopsy is performed. Only a microscopic number of cells (usually five or fewer) are carefully removed from the outer layer of the embryo (which eventually forms the placenta). This advanced IVF genetic testing technique does not harm the inner cell mass that develops into the fetus, preserving the embryo’s health and viability.  

3. When is PGT recommended?

Preimplantation genetic testing is highly recommended for women over the age of 35, couples with a history of recurrent miscarriages (more than 2 before 12 weeks of gestation), and patients who have experienced unsuccessful IVF cycles. It is also vital for couples where either partner has a known family history of genetic disorders, making comprehensive fertility genetic testing a critical step in their family-planning journey.