At a glance
A plain-language guide to the PGT, embryology, and clinic terms you may hear during IVF in Thailand, with questions to ask your care team.
If you are considering preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) as part of IVF in Thailand, you may encounter a dense set of acronyms and laboratory terms. This glossary explains the most common ones in plain English. It is not a substitute for advice from your treating clinic. Terminology can vary between providers, and some tests or services may not be available at every clinic or appropriate for every patient. Always confirm definitions, availability, and what any result means for you directly with your care team.
At a glance
- PGT refers to testing embryos for specific genetic or chromosomal information before transfer.
- PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR are different categories of testing, not different stages of IVF.
- Embryology terms describe how eggs, sperm, and embryos are handled and assessed in the laboratory.
- Clinic terms describe appointments, consent, and coordination steps you may need to plan for.
- Definitions and availability can differ between clinics and countries; confirm locally.
Core IVF and PGT terms
IVF (in vitro fertilization): A treatment where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body, and an embryo is later transferred to the uterus or frozen for future use.
PGT (preimplantation genetic testing): Testing performed on cells taken from an embryo during IVF. It is used to look for certain chromosomal or genetic information. PGT is not a guarantee of a particular outcome, and not all embryos are suitable for testing.
PGT-A (aneuploidy): Looks at the number of chromosomes in an embryo. It is sometimes called chromosomal screening. Results are reported in categories such as euploid, aneuploid, or mosaic, but reporting conventions can vary.
PGT-M (monogenic): Looks for a specific inherited condition caused by a single gene change, when a known familial variant has been identified.
PGT-SR (structural rearrangement): Looks for chromosomal structural rearrangements, such as translocations, that may be carried by a parent.
Mosaic embryo: An embryo with cells that do not all have the same chromosomal makeup. The implications of a mosaic result are complex and should be discussed with a genetic counselor or your clinic.
Euploid / aneuploid: Terms used in PGT-A reporting. Euploid generally means the expected number of chromosomes; aneuploid means an unexpected number. These are laboratory categories, not predictions about a specific pregnancy.
Embryology and laboratory terms
Oocyte: The medical term for an egg cell.
Embryo: The early stage of development after an egg is fertilized.
Blastocyst: An embryo at a later stage of development, typically around day five or six after fertilization. PGT is often performed at this stage, but timing depends on the clinic and the embryo.
Trophectoderm biopsy: A procedure where a few cells are removed from the outer layer of a blastocyst for testing. The inner cell mass, which becomes the fetus, is generally not removed.
Vitrification: A fast freezing method used to store eggs, sperm, or embryos. Not all clinics use the same freezing or storage protocols.
ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection): A technique where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. It may be recommended for certain fertility factors, but the reasons vary by patient.
Embryo grading: A laboratory scoring system used to describe embryo appearance. Grading systems differ between clinics and are not the same as genetic testing results.
Clinic, coordination, and consent terms
Stimulation protocol: The medication plan used to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Protocols are individualized and should be explained by your treating clinician.
Monitoring: Blood tests and ultrasound scans used during stimulation to track response. The schedule is set by your clinic.
Trigger shot: A medication given to prepare for egg collection. Timing is critical and must follow your clinic’s instructions exactly.
Egg collection: A minor procedure to retrieve eggs from the ovaries. It is usually performed under sedation or anesthesia, depending on the clinic.
Embryo transfer: Placement of an embryo into the uterus. It may be done in a fresh cycle or a frozen cycle.
Consent forms: Documents that explain risks, benefits, and choices. You should read them carefully and ask questions before signing. Requirements vary by clinic and country.
Genetic counseling: A service that helps you understand genetic test results and their implications. Availability and referral pathways differ between clinics.
Common acronyms you may see
| Acronym | Plain-language meaning |
|---|---|
| IVF | In vitro fertilization |
| PGT | Preimplantation genetic testing |
| PGT-A | PGT for aneuploidy (chromosome number) |
| PGT-M | PGT for monogenic (single-gene) conditions |
| PGT-SR | PGT for structural rearrangements |
| ICSI | Intracytoplasmic sperm injection |
| AMH | Anti-Müllerian hormone, a marker sometimes used in fertility assessment |
| hCG | Human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone measured in some pregnancy tests |
This table is a general orientation only. Your clinic may use additional terms or define these differently.
Important differences and uncertainties
PGT is not one single test. PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR look for different things and are used in different situations. A clinic may offer one or more of these, depending on its laboratory arrangements and your medical history. Availability can change, and not every patient is a candidate for every test.
Results are reported in categories that can be complex. A “normal” or “abnormal” result on a report does not automatically mean a pregnancy will or will not happen. Mosaic results, in particular, require careful interpretation. Ask your clinic who will explain the result to you and whether genetic counseling is included.
Costs, legal rules, and documentation requirements for international patients are not uniform. They can depend on your nationality, the clinic, and current regulations. This article does not state specific prices, visa rules, or legal conclusions because those details must be confirmed with the clinic and relevant authorities.
Questions to ask your clinic
- Which types of PGT do you offer, and how do you decide if PGT is appropriate for me?
- Who will explain my PGT results, and is genetic counseling available?
- What do your embryo grading and PGT reporting categories mean in plain language?
- What are the estimated costs for consultation, laboratory work, PGT, medication, and storage?
- What documents do I need to provide as an international patient, and what are the current entry or stay requirements?
- What are the clinic’s policies on embryo storage, consent, and communication if I return home?
- How do you handle questions or emergencies after I leave Thailand?
Next-step checklist
- Write down the terms you do not understand and ask your clinic for plain-language definitions.
- Request a written summary of any recommended tests, including what they look for and their limitations.
- Ask for a cost breakdown in writing, noting which items are included and which are separate.
- Confirm document, travel, and legal requirements with the clinic and your own country’s authorities before booking.
- Keep a copy of your consent forms and laboratory reports for your records.
For more guidance, see our international patients page, browse the FAQ, explore our guides, or contact us with questions.
Frequently asked questions
What does PGT stand for in IVF?
PGT stands for preimplantation genetic testing. It is a category of tests performed on cells taken from an embryo during IVF to look for certain chromosomal or genetic information. There are different types, including PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR, and they are used for different purposes. Your clinic can explain which type, if any, may be relevant to your situation.
Is PGT the same as PGS or PGD?
Older terms like PGS (preimplantation genetic screening) and PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis) have largely been replaced by the umbrella term PGT, with subtypes PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR. Some clinics or older documents may still use PGS or PGD. If you see these terms, ask your clinic to clarify exactly what test is being discussed.
Will PGT guarantee a healthy baby?
No. PGT provides information about certain chromosomal or genetic features of an embryo, but it cannot guarantee a pregnancy, a live birth, or a child without any health conditions. Results can be complex, and some findings, such as mosaic results, require careful interpretation. Your clinic or a genetic counselor can discuss what a specific result may mean for you.
How much does PGT cost in Thailand?
Costs vary widely depending on the clinic, the type of PGT, the number of embryos tested, medication, and other services. This article does not list specific prices because they change and depend on your individual plan. Ask your clinic for a written cost breakdown that separates consultation, laboratory, testing, medication, and storage fees.
What should I ask my clinic before starting PGT IVF in Thailand?
Ask which PGT types they offer, how they decide if testing is appropriate, who explains results, and whether genetic counseling is available. Also ask for a written cost estimate, a list of required documents, current entry or stay requirements, and how they handle follow-up after you return home. Confirm all details directly with the clinic and relevant authorities.
Continue your research
Medical information notice: This article is educational and does not replace individual assessment, diagnosis, genetic counselling or treatment advice from a licensed clinician. Provider services, availability, fees and policies should be verified directly before booking.
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