PGT-A Testing in Thailand: A Pre-Treatment Orientation for International Patients

PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy) is a laboratory test that can be performed on embryos created during IVF. It looks at the number of chromosomes in a small sample of cells taken from an embryo. Some international patients consider PGT-A as part of their IVF planning in Thailand. It is not a guarantee of pregnancy, and it is not right for everyone. This guide explains the purpose of PGT-A, who might consider it, the general steps involved, and the questions worth asking your doctor before you decide.

At a glance

• What it is: A lab test that checks the chromosome number in an embryo created through IVF.
• What it is not: A guarantee of pregnancy, a diagnosis of your health, or a required step for all IVF patients.
• Who might consider it: Often discussed with patients who have certain fertility histories or who want more information before embryo transfer. Your doctor can advise whether it is relevant for you.
• Where it fits: After embryos are created in the lab, before any transfer.
• Key decision: Whether the extra information from PGT-A is likely to be useful in your situation, and how you would use the results.

What PGT-A actually tests

Every cell in an embryo contains chromosomes, which carry genetic information. Most embryos have 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. PGT-A looks for extra or missing chromosomes, a condition called aneuploidy. Aneuploidy is common in embryos and becomes more frequent with age. Many aneuploid embryos do not implant or develop into a pregnancy, and some may lead to miscarriage.

PGT-A does not test for specific inherited diseases. That is the role of other tests, such as PGT-M (for a single gene condition) or PGT-SR (for a chromosome rearrangement). PGT-A also does not measure embryo quality in a general sense, and it cannot predict whether a pregnancy will be healthy or a child will be free of all health conditions.

Why some patients consider PGT-A

PGT-A is usually discussed as a way to get more information about an embryo before transfer. Some patients and doctors consider it when there is a history of recurrent miscarriage, previous IVF cycles that did not result in pregnancy, or when the patient is older and the chance of aneuploidy is higher. Others may simply want to know whether the embryos they have are chromosomally normal before deciding which to transfer.

However, PGT-A is not a required part of IVF. It is an optional add-on test. It does not improve the quality of an embryo, and it does not guarantee that a transferred embryo will implant. Some embryos tested as normal may still not lead to a pregnancy, and some embryos tested as abnormal may occasionally result in a healthy pregnancy. This is why doctors do not recommend PGT-A for everyone. The decision should be based on your individual situation, your goals, and a discussion with your fertility doctor.

The general PGT-A process for international patients

The exact steps can vary by clinic, but the general sequence is similar. Here is what typically happens, and what you may need to plan for.

1. Initial consultation and planning: You discuss your fertility history and goals with a doctor. The doctor explains whether PGT-A might be relevant for you, what it can and cannot tell you, and how it might affect your treatment plan.
2. IVF stimulation and egg retrieval: You undergo ovarian stimulation and a procedure to collect eggs. This part is the same whether or not you plan to use PGT-A.
3. Fertilization and embryo development: Eggs are fertilized in the lab and embryos are allowed to develop for several days.
4. Embryo biopsy: A small number of cells are removed from each embryo, usually at the blastocyst stage (around day 5 or 6). This is a delicate laboratory procedure.
5. Sample analysis: The biopsied cells are sent to a genetics laboratory for analysis. The embryos themselves are typically frozen while waiting for results.
6. Results and discussion: The clinic reviews the results with you. You and your doctor then decide which embryo(s), if any, to transfer in a later cycle.
7. Embryo transfer: A selected embryo is transferred to the uterus, often in a separate cycle after your period.

For international patients, this process involves additional planning. You may need to coordinate travel, accommodation, and time off work around the biopsy and transfer stages. The timeline can vary depending on your response to stimulation, the number of embryos, and laboratory schedules. Your clinic can give you a more specific timeline based on your situation.

Questions to ask your clinic about PGT-A

Before you commit to PGT-A, it is important to ask clear questions. Here are some to consider:

• Based on my history and age, what is the chance that PGT-A will give me useful information?
• What are the possible benefits and limitations in my case?
• What happens to embryos that are not transferred?
• How long does it take to get results, and how does that affect my travel plans?
• What are the costs involved, and what does the fee include?
• What is the experience and accreditation of the genetics laboratory you use?
• What are the risks of the biopsy procedure to the embryo?
• If the results are uncertain or show a mosaic embryo, how do you interpret that?
• What are my options if I decide not to do PGT-A?

These questions can help you understand whether PGT-A fits your situation and what to expect. It is also reasonable to ask for a second opinion if you are unsure.

Understanding PGT-A results

PGT-A results usually fall into a few categories:

• Euploid: The embryo has the expected number of chromosomes. These embryos are often given priority for transfer, but euploid does not guarantee a pregnancy.
• Aneuploid: The embryo has an abnormal number of chromosomes. These embryos are generally not recommended for transfer because they are less likely to implant or may lead to miscarriage.
• Mosaic: The embryo has a mix of normal and abnormal cells. The implications of mosaicism are complex and not fully understood. Some mosaic embryos can result in healthy pregnancies, but the decision to transfer a mosaic embryo requires careful discussion with your doctor and a genetic counselor.
• No result or inconclusive: Sometimes the test does not provide a clear answer. This can happen for technical reasons. Your clinic will discuss what this means for your embryos.

It is important to remember that PGT-A is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. It estimates the chance of aneuploidy but does not give a definitive answer about the embryo’s potential. False positives and false negatives can occur, though they are uncommon.

Limitations and alternatives

PGT-A has limitations. It cannot detect all genetic problems, and it does not test for single-gene disorders or structural chromosome rearrangements. It also does not improve the health of an embryo. Some patients choose not to do PGT-A and instead transfer embryos based on visual assessment by an embryologist. Others may consider other tests such as PGT-M or PGT-SR if they have a known genetic condition in the family.

Your doctor can explain the alternatives and help you weigh the pros and cons. There is no single right answer for everyone. The best choice depends on your medical history, your values, and what you hope to achieve.

Planning your next steps

If you are considering PGT-A as part of IVF in Thailand, here is a short checklist to help you move forward:

• Gather your medical records, including any previous fertility treatments and genetic test results.
• Schedule a consultation with a fertility clinic that offers PGT-A and can explain the process clearly.
• Ask about the laboratory’s experience and quality standards.
• Discuss the costs, timeline, and travel implications.
• Consider speaking with a genetic counselor if you have questions about results.
• Take time to decide whether PGT-A is right for you. It is okay to say no.

For more information about coordinating care in Thailand, see our international patients page. You can also read more about PGT in Thailand and browse our guides for related topics. If you have general questions, our FAQ may help.

Frequently asked questions

Is PGT-A required for IVF in Thailand?

No. PGT-A is an optional test. Whether it is offered or recommended depends on your clinic and your individual situation. Many patients undergo IVF without PGT-A. Your doctor can help you decide if it is appropriate for you.

Does PGT-A guarantee a successful pregnancy?

No. PGT-A can provide information about the number of chromosomes in an embryo, but it does not guarantee that a transferred embryo will implant or lead to a live birth. Some euploid embryos do not result in pregnancy, and other factors affect success.

What is the difference between PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR?

PGT-A looks at chromosome number (aneuploidy). PGT-M looks for a specific inherited single-gene disorder. PGT-SR looks for structural chromosome rearrangements. They are different tests used for different purposes. Your doctor can explain which, if any, might be relevant for you.

How long does PGT-A take, and how does it affect travel?

The timeline can vary by clinic and laboratory. Typically, embryos are biopsied and frozen, and results are available after a period of time. This may mean your embryo transfer happens in a separate cycle. You should ask your clinic for a specific timeline and plan your travel accordingly.

Can PGT-A test for all genetic conditions?

No. PGT-A only checks chromosome number. It does not test for single-gene disorders or all possible genetic conditions. If you have a known genetic condition in your family, your doctor may discuss other tests such as PGT-M or PGT-SR.

Continue your research

• International patient guide
• PGT in Thailand overview
• PGT and IVF guides

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.