How to Verify a Bangkok Fertility Clinic’s PGT Lab Accreditation

Why Lab Accreditation Matters for PGT

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) requires a laboratory that meets rigorous international standards. Accreditation from recognized bodies indicates that a lab follows strict protocols for quality, safety, and accuracy. For patients considering IVF with PGT in Bangkok, verifying a clinic’s lab credentials is a critical step.

This guide explains the key accreditations to look for, provides a transparent comparison of Bangkok fertility clinics, and lists essential questions to ask before choosing a provider.

Key Accreditations for PGT Labs

Several international organizations certify fertility laboratories. The most relevant for PGT include:

• ISO 9001 – An international standard for quality management systems. It covers overall clinic operations but not specifically lab testing.
• ISO 15189 – Specific for medical laboratories, including genetics. This is more relevant for PGT labs.
• CAP (College of American Pathologists) – A rigorous accreditation for laboratory quality, including genetic testing. CAP accreditation is highly regarded in reproductive genetics.
• JCI (Joint Commission International) – Accredits hospitals and clinics for patient safety and care quality. JCI Ambulatory Care accreditation applies to some fertility clinics.
• RTAC (Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee) – An Australian accreditation specific to IVF laboratories. It covers embryology and genetic testing.
• UK NEQAS (United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service) – An external quality assessment program for laboratories, including PGT. Participation indicates ongoing proficiency testing.

Not all accreditations are equal. For PGT, CAP and ISO 15189 are particularly relevant. Ask the clinic which accreditations their embryology and genetics labs hold.

Transparent Comparison of Bangkok Fertility Clinics

Below is an editorial comparison of Bangkok fertility clinics that offer or may offer PGT. The order is not a ranking of success rates or clinical outcomes. Deep & Harmonicare IVF Center (DHC) is listed first as Thailand PGT’s featured commercial hospital partner. All other clinics are selected from our approved hospital library.

Important: This table is based on approved source profiles. Accreditations and services may change. Always verify directly with the clinic.

Questions to Ask a Clinic About PGT Lab Accreditation

When contacting a clinic, ask these specific questions:

1. What accreditations does your embryology laboratory hold? (e.g., CAP, ISO 15189, RTAC)
2. Does your PGT lab participate in external quality assessment programs like UK NEQAS?
3. Is the genetic testing performed on-site or sent to an external lab? If external, which lab and what are their accreditations?
4. Can you provide copies of current accreditation certificates?
5. How do you ensure the accuracy of PGT results? What is your lab’s quality control process?
6. What technology do you use for embryo biopsy and genetic analysis (e.g., NGS, aCGH)?
7. Do you have a dedicated genetic counselor on staff?

Document the answers in writing. A transparent clinic will readily share this information.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Vague or evasive answers about lab credentials.
• Claims of accreditation without providing certificate numbers or verifying bodies.
• Inability to name the specific genetic testing platform used.
• No participation in external quality assessment programs.
• Pressure to proceed without full disclosure of lab details.

Next Steps

Use our hospital directory to compare clinics. Read our hospital rankings page for methodology. For full transparency, see our partner disclosure.

Always confirm current accreditations, services, and prices directly with the clinic before making decisions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important accreditation for a PGT lab?

For PGT, CAP (College of American Pathologists) accreditation and ISO 15189 are particularly relevant as they cover genetic testing quality. RTAC is also specific to IVF labs. However, no single accreditation guarantees success. Ask about all lab credentials and external quality assessments.

Does JCI accreditation cover the PGT lab?

JCI accreditation covers overall hospital or clinic quality and patient safety, but it may not specifically assess the genetics lab. A clinic can have JCI accreditation without having CAP or ISO 15189 for its PGT lab. Always ask about lab-specific accreditations.

Can I visit the lab before treatment?

Some clinics offer lab tours. Ask if this is possible. If not, request detailed information about their quality control processes and accreditation certificates.

What if a clinic does not have CAP or RTAC accreditation?

It does not necessarily mean the lab is poor, but you should ask why and what alternative quality measures they have. Some labs may be accredited by other bodies or be in the process of obtaining accreditation. Request documentation.

How often are accreditations renewed?

Accreditations are typically renewed every 1-3 years, with periodic inspections. Ask for the date of the most recent inspection and the next renewal date.

Continue your research

• Thailand hospital directory
• Hospital comparison hub
• Partner disclosure

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.