Genetic Testing
Understand Embryos with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
PGT offers insight into the genetic health of embryos created through IVF—helping improve pregnancy outcomes, reduce miscarriage risk, and support confident decisions about embryo transfer and family building.
What is Preimplantation
Genetic Testing?
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a widely used tool in fertility care that allows embryos created through IVF to be tested for genetic and chromosomal conditions before transfer. PGT provides valuable information that can:
- Increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy
- Lower the risk of miscarriage
- Reduce the likelihood of passing on genetic conditions
When combined with a personalized treatment plan, PGT can help patients make informed decisions aligned with their family-building goals.
What is the PGT process?
- A small biopsy is taken from the part of the embryo that will develop into the placenta (trophectoderm).
- The sample is sent to a genetic testing laboratory for analysis. Embryos remain securely stored at our IVF center.
- Results are typically available within 10–14 days.
- Your physician will review the results with you and help select the embryo for transfer.
Who should consider PGT?
Genetic abnormalities can occur at any age but become more common after age 38. PGT can be done for patients of any age, but may be especially helpful for:
- Those preserving embryos for use in the future
- Females over age 38
- Those with two or more unexplained miscarriages
- Prior pregnancies with chromosomal abnormalities
- Two or more IVF cycles without success
- Individuals or couples who are known carriers of a genetic condition
Types of Preimplantation Genetic Testing
PGT-A (for Aneuploidies)
PGT-A evaluates whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes (euploidy). This can improve implantation rates, reduce the risk of miscarriage, and decrease the chances of having a child with a chromosomal condition such as Down syndrome. PGT-A also identifies the embryo’s sex (XX or XY).
PGT-M (for Monogenic Disorders)
PGT-M screens embryos for specific inherited conditions when one or both parents are known carriers (such as cystic fibrosis, thalasemia, BRCA 1 and 2, and many others). This test also includes PGT-A.
PGT-SR (for Structural Rearrangements)
PGT-SR detects structural abnormalities in chromosomes, such as translocations or inversions, which can increase the risk of miscarriage or implantation failure. This test also includes PGT-A.
Embryo Cryo Report
Once your embryos are biopsied and frozen, you will receive a personalized Embryo Cryo Report. This report includes embryo grades, images, and a summary of the embryos frozen for future use.
Results Review
When your PGT results are ready, your care team will schedule a consultation to review:
- Which embryos are eligible or ineligible for transfer
- The quality and grading of each embryo
- Recommendations for embryo selection
You will have two options when selecting an embryo for transfer:
- Transfer the embryo with the highest chance of success, regardless of sex
- Transfer the highest-quality embryo of your preferred sex
