How to Read a PGT-A Report in Thailand: A Guide for International Patients

Receiving your PGT-A report can feel overwhelming. It contains technical terms and numbers that may be hard to interpret on your own. This guide explains the structure of a typical PGT-A report, what the results mean, and why you should always discuss them with your clinician before making decisions.

At a Glance: Key Points About Your PGT-A Report

• PGT-A screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy).
• The report shows the number of chromosomes in each embryo and whether they are normal (euploid), abnormal (aneuploid), or mosaic.
• Mosaic results mean a mix of normal and abnormal cells.
• Inconclusive results may occur due to technical issues or low DNA quality.
• Your clinician will interpret the report in the context of your medical history and treatment plan.

What Is PGT-A?

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) is a test performed on embryos created through IVF. It checks for the correct number of chromosomes. Humans typically have 46 chromosomes in each cell. An embryo with too many or too few chromosomes is called aneuploid and may fail to implant or lead to miscarriage. PGT-A helps identify embryos that are more likely to be chromosomally normal.

It is important to note that PGT-A does not guarantee a pregnancy or a healthy baby. It is one tool among many in the IVF process.

Understanding the Structure of a PGT-A Report

While reports may vary by laboratory, most include the following sections:

Embryo Identification

Each embryo is given a unique identifier, often a number or code. This helps you and your clinic track which embryo corresponds to which result.

Chromosome Copy Number

This section lists the 23 pairs of chromosomes (or 24, including sex chromosomes) and indicates whether each pair has the expected number. A normal result shows two copies of each autosome and either XX or XY for sex chromosomes. An abnormal result may show extra or missing chromosomes, such as trisomy 21 (three copies of chromosome 21) or monosomy X (one X chromosome).

Mosaicism

Mosaic embryos have a mixture of cells with normal and abnormal chromosome counts. The report may indicate the percentage of abnormal cells. For example, a 20% mosaic embryo has some abnormal cells, but the majority are normal. Mosaicism can affect the embryo’s potential to develop, but some mosaic embryos can result in healthy births. The clinical significance depends on the specific chromosomes involved and the percentage of mosaicism.

Inconclusive Results

Sometimes the test cannot provide a clear result. This can happen if the DNA sample is too small, degraded, or if there are technical issues. An inconclusive result does not mean the embryo is abnormal; it simply means the test could not determine the chromosome status. Your clinician may recommend re-testing or considering the embryo with caution.

How to Interpret the Results

Interpreting a PGT-A report requires clinical expertise. Here are some general principles:

• Euploid (normal): The embryo has the expected number of chromosomes. This is generally considered favorable for transfer.
• Aneuploid (abnormal): The embryo has extra or missing chromosomes. Transferring such an embryo may lead to implantation failure, miscarriage, or a child with a genetic condition. Most clinics do not recommend transferring aneuploid embryos.
• Mosaic: The embryo has a mix of normal and abnormal cells. The decision to transfer a mosaic embryo is complex and depends on the specific chromosomes involved, the percentage of mosaicism, and your medical history. Some clinics may offer transfer if no euploid embryos are available.
• Inconclusive: The result is unclear. Your clinician may suggest re-biopsy or consider the embryo as low priority.

Remember that PGT-A is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. It cannot detect all genetic conditions or guarantee a healthy baby.

Questions to Ask Your Clinic

When you receive your report, consider asking your clinician the following questions:

• What does this result mean for my chances of pregnancy?
• Are there any chromosomes that are more concerning than others?
• If the embryo is mosaic, what is the percentage and which chromosomes are affected?
• What are the options if all embryos are abnormal or inconclusive?
• Should we consider additional testing, such as PGT-M for a specific genetic condition?

Next Steps After Receiving Your Report

After reviewing your report with your clinician, you may decide to:

• Proceed with transferring a euploid embryo.
• Discuss the possibility of transferring a mosaic embryo, if applicable.
• Consider further testing or a new IVF cycle if no suitable embryos are available.
• Seek a second opinion from another specialist.

Your clinician will guide you based on your individual circumstances.

Limitations of PGT-A

PGT-A has limitations. It cannot detect all chromosomal abnormalities, such as balanced translocations or small deletions. It also does not test for single-gene disorders (that would be PGT-M) or structural rearrangements (PGT-SR). Additionally, the test is performed on a few cells from the embryo, which may not represent the entire embryo. There is also a small risk of misdiagnosis.

It is essential to understand that PGT-A is not suitable for everyone. Your clinician will determine if it is appropriate for your situation.

Conclusion

Reading a PGT-A report is a complex process that requires professional interpretation. Use this guide to understand the basics, but always rely on your clinician to explain what the results mean for you. If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask your clinic for clarification.

For more information about PGT in Thailand, visit our PGT in Thailand page. You can also explore our guides and FAQ sections for additional resources.

Frequently asked questions

What does a normal PGT-A result mean?

A normal (euploid) result means the embryo has the expected number of chromosomes. This is generally considered favorable for transfer, but it does not guarantee pregnancy or a healthy baby.

What is a mosaic embryo?

A mosaic embryo has a mix of normal and abnormal cells. The report may show the percentage of abnormal cells. Some mosaic embryos can lead to healthy births, but the decision to transfer depends on the specific chromosomes and percentage.

What should I do if my PGT-A result is inconclusive?

An inconclusive result means the test could not determine the chromosome status. Discuss with your clinician whether re-testing is possible or how to consider the embryo in your treatment plan.

Can PGT-A detect all genetic problems?

No, PGT-A only screens for aneuploidy (extra or missing chromosomes). It does not detect single-gene disorders or structural rearrangements. Other tests like PGT-M or PGT-SR are needed for those.

Continue your research

• PGT in Thailand overview
• PGT and IVF guides
• Frequently asked questions

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.