Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
Preimplantation Genetic Testing allows genetic analysis of IVF embryos before transfer, identifying chromosomal abnormalities and inherited conditions to improve pregnancy success rates.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tin Artavatkun, MD
What is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)?
Preimplantation Genetic Testing allows genetic analysis of IVF embryos before transfer, identifying chromosomal abnormalities and inherited conditions to improve pregnancy success rates.
Conditions Treated
Advanced Maternal Age (≥38 years)
Highest benefit for women 38+ due to increased aneuploidy rates
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Two or more miscarriages indicating possible chromosomal factors
Repeated IVF Failure
Two or more failed IVF cycles despite good embryo quality
Previous Chromosomal Abnormality
Prior pregnancy with trisomy, monosomy, or other chromosomal issues
Known Genetic Carrier Status
One or both partners carry genes for inherited conditions
Family History of Genetic Disease
Conditions like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell, Huntington's disease
Balanced Translocation Carrier
Known chromosomal rearrangements causing recurrent miscarriage
Severe Male Factor Infertility
Sperm abnormalities that may increase chromosomal abnormality risk
Single Embryo Transfer Preference
Patients desiring confident selection of best embryo to avoid multiples
Gender Selection for Family Balancing
Legal in Thailand for married couples
Why Choose Thailand for Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)?
50-70% Cost Savings
Complete IVF with PGT-A costs $5,000-$8,000 USD in Thailand compared to $15,000-$20,000 in the United States. PGT-A per embryo is $200-$400 vs $400-$600 in the US. Custom PGT-M probe development costs $1,500-$3,500 vs $3,000-$6,000.
JCI & RTAC Accredited Facilities
Thailand's leading fertility centers hold JCI accreditation and SAFE Fertility Group achieved first-in-Thailand RTAC (Australia/New Zealand) accreditation, ensuring international quality standards for genetic testing and embryology.
Advanced NGS Technology
Leading Thai clinics use Next-Generation Sequencing with 98-99% accuracy, EMQN-certified genetics laboratories, and comprehensive screening for 200+ genetic diseases at select centers.
Internationally Trained Specialists
Reproductive endocrinologists and genetic counselors trained at leading international institutions provide comprehensive pre- and post-test counseling in multiple languages.
Legal Gender Selection
Thailand permits gender selection via PGT-A for married couples, accepting both medical and family balancing reasons with marriage certificate required.
Comprehensive Packages
Thai fertility centers offer all-inclusive IVF+PGT packages including medications, monitoring, biopsy, genetic analysis, embryo freezing, and FET cycle planning with dedicated patient coordinators.
Advanced Technology
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
Primary technology for PGT-A with 98-99% accuracy for detecting whole chromosome abnormalities. Analyzes all 23 chromosome pairs simultaneously with high resolution.
Trophectoderm Biopsy
Day 5-6 biopsy technique removing 5-10 cells from the outer cell layer (future placenta) without touching the inner cell mass that forms the baby.
Vitrification
Ultra-rapid embryo freezing technique allowing embryos to be safely preserved during the 1-2 week genetic analysis period with excellent survival rates.
EmbryoScope Plus Time-Lapse
Continuous embryo monitoring without removing from incubator, providing AI-assisted embryo development assessment to complement genetic results.
Custom Probe Development (PGT-M)
Family-specific genetic probes designed for detecting single-gene disorders, requiring 2-8 weeks preparation before IVF cycle begins.
SNP Array Analysis
Comprehensive screening using single nucleotide polymorphism arrays for structural chromosomal rearrangements with 98% accuracy.
Your Treatment Journey
Initial Consultation
Virtual consultation to discuss your needs, review medical history, and create a personalized treatment plan.
Arrival & Assessment
Airport pickup, hospital check-in, and comprehensive pre-procedure evaluation with your medical team.
Procedure Day
Your procedure is performed by experienced specialists using state-of-the-art equipment.
Recovery & Monitoring
Post-procedure care with regular check-ups, medication management, and recovery support.
Continued Care
Virtual follow-up consultations and coordination with your local healthcare provider.
* Timeline is approximate and varies based on individual treatment plans and procedures.
Before You Travel
Prepare for your Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) journey
Medical Records & Initial Consultation
Gather your records and get genetic counseling before your trip
- Meet with a genetic counselor to understand your testing options — chromosomal screening, single-gene disorder testing, or structural rearrangement testing
- Collect your family medical history for hereditary conditions on both sides
- Gather any previous fertility test results or treatment records to share with your Thai team
- If testing for a specific inherited condition, start early — the lab may need DNA from family members and custom test preparation can take 4–8 weeks
- Consider speaking with a counsellor — the emotional side of fertility treatment is just as important as the medical side
Medical Tests & Health Prep
Complete your baseline tests — many can be done at your hospital in Thailand
- Hormone blood tests to assess egg supply and reproductive health — can be arranged at your hospital in Thailand
- Infectious disease blood tests — can be done at your hospital in Thailand
- Semen analysis for male partners — available at the clinic in Thailand
- An ultrasound to check your ovaries can be done at your hospital in Thailand
- Review all medications and supplements with your doctor at home before traveling
Connect with Your Thai Fertility Team
Book a virtual consultation to confirm your protocol and plan your two visits
- Schedule a video call with your Thai fertility specialist to share your records and discuss your personal plan
- Confirm your testing type — most patients have chromosomal screening; single-gene testing needs earlier preparation (covered in Step 1)
- Understand the two-visit timeline: first trip for egg retrieval (~2-3 weeks), then return for embryo transfer after results (7-10 days)
- Ask which medications to start at home — your doctor will send a protocol in advance
- Confirm any monitoring appointments that can be done locally before you fly
Travel & Logistics
Plan your flights, accommodation, and practical logistics for two trips
- Book flexible flights — the first trip is roughly 2-3 weeks, the second about 7-10 days, scheduled after your test results are ready
- Choose accommodation close to your fertility clinic to minimise travel during treatment
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical treatment abroad — see our insurance guide for options suited to fertility treatment
- Check visa requirements — most nationalities receive a 30-day visa on arrival in Thailand
- Plan your support: having a partner or trusted person with you for both visits is strongly recommended
Need help preparing? Our coordinators can guide you through each step.
Get Your Personalized Quote
Pricing varies based on your specific needs, hospital choice, and treatment plan. Contact us for an accurate estimate tailored to your situation.
Recovery Timeline
Expected recovery for Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): 2-4 weeks
Post Egg Retrieval
Days 0-2
Rest recommended for 24-48 hours after sedation
Waiting for Results
1-2 weeks
Genetic analysis performed in laboratory
Pre-FET Preparation
2-4 weeks
Endometrial preparation (natural or medicated cycle)
Post Embryo Transfer
Days 1-14
Single embryo transfer standard practice
Post Egg Retrieval
Days 0-2
Rest recommended for 24-48 hours after sedation
Waiting for Results
1-2 weeks
Genetic analysis performed in laboratory
Pre-FET Preparation
2-4 weeks
Endometrial preparation (natural or medicated cycle)
Post Embryo Transfer
Days 1-14
Single embryo transfer standard practice
Risks & Considerations
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks to consider. Your medical team will discuss these with you in detail.
- Embryo Loss from Biopsy: 1-5% risk of embryo loss from biopsy, handling, or freezing; significantly reduced with day 5-6 biopsy vs day 3
- False Positive Results: 1-2% rate of healthy embryos being incorrectly classified as abnormal and not transferred
- False Negative Results: Less than 1% rate of abnormal embryos being incorrectly classified as normal
Additional considerations will be discussed during your consultation.
Prepare with a Health Screening
Consider a pre-procedure health screening to establish your baseline and ensure you're ready for treatment.
Thyroid & Hormonal Health
Specialized thyroid and hormonal screening for women experiencing fatigue, weight changes, or with family history of thyroid and autoimmune conditions.
Men's Vitality Assessment
Men's health screening focused on prostate health, testosterone levels, cardiovascular risk, and age-related conditions affecting men.
Women's Core Wellness
Women's health screening focused on gynecological assessments, breast health, hormonal evaluation, and bone density markers for women of all ages.
Hospitals Offering This Procedure
Protect Your Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) Investment
Don't leave your medical trip unprotected. Learn about insurance options tailored for your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR?
PGT-A (Aneuploidy) screens for correct chromosome number (46) and is the most common type. PGT-M (Monogenic) tests for specific inherited single-gene disorders like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell when parents are known carriers. PGT-SR (Structural Rearrangements) tests for chromosomal translocations and inversions in patients with known structural abnormalities. All require IVF with embryo biopsy at the blastocyst stage.
Is PGT-A worth it for younger women under 35?
For women under 35 with good prognosis, cumulative live birth rates are similar with or without PGT-A according to ASRM 2024 guidelines. However, PGT-A may still benefit younger women by reducing miscarriage rates and enabling confident single embryo transfer. The greatest benefit is for women 38 and older where aneuploidy rates are 45-85% per embryo.
How accurate is PGT testing?
PGT-A using NGS technology is 98-99% accurate for detecting whole chromosome abnormalities. However, misdiagnosis (false positives and negatives) occurs in 1-2% of cases, primarily due to mosaicism. This is why confirmatory prenatal testing (CVS or amniocentesis) is offered, especially for PGT-M and PGT-SR results.
What if all my embryos are abnormal?
This is possible, especially for women over 40 where 60-85% of embryos may be aneuploid. Options include additional IVF cycles, discussing mosaic embryo transfer with your care team (low-level mosaics have resulted in healthy births), considering donor eggs, or proceeding without PGT. Genetic counseling helps navigate these decisions.
Can mosaic embryos be transferred?
Low-level mosaic embryos (less than 50% abnormal cells) may be considered for transfer with genetic counseling. Per ASRM 2023 guidelines, healthy babies have been born from mosaic embryos, though with lower success rates than fully euploid embryos. If transferred, prenatal diagnostic testing is strongly recommended.
How long can frozen embryos remain viable?
Vitrified embryos can remain frozen indefinitely with no known degradation of quality. Successful pregnancies have been achieved from embryos frozen for 20+ years. Annual storage fees of $300-$500 typically apply in Thailand.
Is gender selection legal in Thailand?
Yes, gender selection via PGT-A is legal in Thailand for married couples. Both medical and non-medical (family balancing) reasons are accepted. A marriage certificate is required, and testing is performed as part of the standard PGT-A chromosomal screening.
Do I need prenatal testing after PGT?
Yes, PGT is screening, not diagnostic. Traditional prenatal screening (NIPT at 10+ weeks) should be offered to all PGT-A patients. For PGT-M and PGT-SR results, confirmatory testing via CVS (10-13 weeks) or amniocentesis (15-20 weeks) is recommended to confirm the embryo diagnosis.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) represents a significant advancement in reproductive medicine, allowing genetic analysis of embryos created through IVF before transfer to the uterus. This technology helps identify embryos with the best chance of successful pregnancy by screening for chromosomal abnormalities and inherited genetic conditions.
Thailand has become a premier destination for PGT services, with specialized fertility centers offering comprehensive genetic testing using Next-Generation Sequencing technology at 50-70% lower cost than Western countries. Leading Thai clinics screen for over 200 genetic diseases with 98-99% accuracy, supported by EMQN-certified genetics laboratories and internationally trained genetic counselors.
Types of PGT Testing
PGT-A (Aneuploidy Screening) is the most common type, testing for correct chromosome number. About 50% of human embryos are chromosomally abnormal, with rates increasing significantly with maternal age. PGT-A identifies trisomies (extra chromosomes) and monosomies (missing chromosomes) including Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Edwards syndrome.
PGT-M (Monogenic Disorders) tests for specific single-gene conditions when parents are known carriers. This requires custom probe development taking 2-8 weeks before the IVF cycle. Common conditions tested include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, Huntington’s disease, BRCA mutations, and spinal muscular atrophy.
PGT-SR (Structural Rearrangements) tests for chromosomal translocations and inversions in patients with known structural abnormalities, helping reduce miscarriage risk from unbalanced embryos.
Success Rate Considerations
Per ASRM 2024 guidelines, PGT-A may provide the greatest benefit for patients aged 38 and older, where implantation rates typically improve from approximately 30% to 59% and miscarriage rates may decrease by 50-64%. For younger patients with good prognosis, cumulative live birth rates are similar with or without PGT-A, though testing may still reduce miscarriage risk and enable confident single embryo transfer.
Success rates and outcomes vary significantly based on individual factors including age, ovarian reserve, embryo quality, and underlying fertility diagnosis. PGT is a screening tool with 1-2% misdiagnosis rate; confirmatory prenatal testing is recommended. Information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients assume full responsibility for travel decisions and should independently verify clinic credentials and accreditation status. Costs shown are estimates in USD, subject to change, and may not include medications, travel, accommodation, or additional testing. Regulatory standards and legal protections differ between countries. Thai fertility clinics require marriage certificates for IVF treatment. Consult with a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and genetic counselor before making treatment decisions.
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