PGT‑A — What It Can and Can’t Do

PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy) is a lab test performed on embryos during IVF to check for the correct number of chromosomes. It cannot diagnose diseases, fix embryos, or guarantee a pregnancy.
But it can reduce the chance of transferring a chromosomally abnormal embryo, which may shorten time to pregnancy for the right patients.

This section clarifies:

• Where PGT-A fits in the IVF timeline
• What decisions it meaningfully changes
• How upstream choices — stimulation plan, trigger timing, lab conditions — affect downstream embryo results and biopsy quality

Who It Helps

Signals for Good Fit vs When to Choose Another Path

PGT-A is most helpful when the chance of chromosomal errors is high and there are multiple embryos to choose from. Typical good-fit signals include:

• Maternal age 37+
• History of recurrent miscarriage suspected to be chromosomal
• Repeated implantation failure
• Large cohort with several blastocysts
• Clear preference for single-embryo transfer

PGT-A is less useful when:

• Age is under 34 with low miscarriage risk
• Only 1–2 embryos are expected
• Diminished ovarian reserve reduces embryo numbers
• A known single-gene condition (PGT-M) is the real priority
• Budget pressure means every added step must be justified

We also outline how labs, ovarian reserve markers (AMH, AFC), and stimulation response shape whether PGT-A realistically changes outcomes.

Step-by-Step

A Simple, Low-Stress Sequence With Timing Checkpoints

1. Ovarian Stimulation Plan Finalized
   – Choose strategy to maximize mature eggs while protecting egg/embryo quality.

2. Egg Retrieval → Fertilization (IVF or ICSI)
   – Early decisions here influence blastocyst formation.

3. Embryo Culture to Day 5–7
   – Embryos reaching blastocyst stage are assessed for biopsy suitability.

4. Trophectoderm Biopsy + Freeze
   – A few cells are removed; embryo is vitrified.

5. PGT-A Lab Processing (7–14 days)
   – Results: euploid, aneuploid, mosaic, or no-result.

6. Review + Transfer Plan
   – Euploid embryo prioritized; mosaic transfer thresholds explained.

We highlight checkpoints where minor planning changes significantly protect embryo quality and lower stress.

Pros & Cons

Balanced, Realistic Expectation Setting

Pros

• Prioritizes embryos most likely to implant
• Helps avoid transfers unlikely to succeed
• Reduces miscarriage risk for many patients
• May shorten time to a live birth if multiple embryos exist
• Allows confident single-embryo transfer (SET)

Cons

• Does not increase the number of embryos
• Can misclassify embryos (false positives/negatives)
• Less useful for younger patients with low aneuploidy risk
• Added cost and an extra freeze-thaw cycle
• Mosaic results can create confusion and delay

Costs & Logistics

Line Items and How to Prevent Surprise Bills

Typical line items include:

• Embryo biopsy fee (lab + clinic)
• Genetic testing panel charges (per embryo or bundle)
• Shipping of specimens to external labs
• Follow-up consult for results
• Optional embryo storage

We outline:

• When insurance requires prior authorization
• How to track cycle costs in real time
• Cash-flow planning for multi-cycle IVF
• Questions to ask to avoid unexpected lab or courier fees

What Improves Outcomes

Actions That Materially Change Results (and Those That Rarely Do)

Things that do matter:

• Optimizing stimulation protocol to increase mature egg yield
• Lab quality and culture conditions
• Trigger timing and egg maturity
• Avoiding unnecessary embryo manipulation
• Good communication on biopsy criteria and lab cutoffs

Things that rarely change outcomes:

• Excess supplements
• Routine immune panels
• Over-interpreting mosaicism without lab-specific guidance
• Repeating biopsies unless clinically necessary

Case Study

From Uncertainty to Clarity Using Defined Thresholds

A 39-year-old patient with two prior miscarriages and AMH 2.1 ng/mL entered the cycle unsure whether PGT-A would help.
By using:

• A stimulation plan aimed at maximizing mature eggs
• A clear threshold (“biopsy only if ≥3 blastocysts of grade ≥3BB are achieved”)
• Weekly check-ins and cost tracking
• Pre-agreed rules for mosaic interpretation

The team avoided unnecessary cost in cycle one, then performed PGT-A in cycle two when there were enough blastocysts. The result: a single euploid embryo, a streamlined transfer, and a much calmer experience.

Mistakes to Avoid

Common Traps + Simple Safeguards

• Assuming PGT-A increases embryo quantity
• Biopsying when only one embryo exists
• Not confirming whether testing fees are per embryo or per batch
• Over-reacting to mosaic language
• Under-planning the timing of thaw → transfer
• Forgetting storage costs or courier charges
• Expecting PGT-A to fix recurrent implantation failure alone

We include a checklist you can reuse across cycles.

FAQs

Q. Does PGT-A guarantee a pregnancy?

Ans : No. It reduces uncertainty but cannot correct embryo quality issues.

Q. Can a mosaic embryo lead to a healthy baby?

Ans : Often yes, depending on degree and type of mosaicism.

Q. Is the biopsy risky?

Ans : Complication rates are low, but any manipulation carries some chance of damage.

Q. If I only get one embryo, should I test it?

Ans : Usually not—testing won’t change transfer decisions.

Q. Does PGT-A help younger patients?

Ans : Benefit is smaller because natural aneuploidy rates are lower.

Next Step

• Free 15-min nurse consult
• Upload your labs for a personalized review
• Receive a customized cost breakdown for your case

Related Links

• Genetic testing carrier
• Intended Parents
• Become a Surrogate
• Fixed‑Cost Packages
• SART
• CDC ART
• ASRM