Understanding PGT-M in Thailand: Referral and Counselling Questions

PGT-M (preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders) is a specialised IVF add-on for people who carry a known genetic condition and want to reduce the chance of passing it to their children. In Thailand, the pathway usually starts with genetic counselling and a referral from a clinical geneticist or fertility specialist. The laboratory then needs a validated, family-specific test before an IVF cycle can be planned. This guide explains the general steps, what to prepare, and what to confirm with your care team. It is not medical advice.

What PGT-M is and who it may be relevant for

PGT-M looks at embryos created through IVF to identify those that have inherited a specific gene variant linked to a monogenic (single-gene) disorder. It is not a general screening test for all genetic conditions, and it does not diagnose or treat a disease in the parents. It is also not a guarantee of a healthy child or a successful pregnancy.

PGT-M may be discussed when one or both parents are known carriers of a condition such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, thalassaemia, or Huntington’s disease, or when there is a strong family history. Whether PGT-M is appropriate depends on the specific condition, the inheritance pattern, the availability of a validated test, and the clinic’s laboratory capabilities. A specialist can assess this.

How the referral pathway generally works

The exact steps vary by clinic and by country, but the following sequence is common. Treat it as a framework for questions, not a fixed protocol.

1. Initial consultation with a fertility or genetics specialist. You discuss your family history, the known genetic condition, and your reproductive goals. The specialist may order genetic testing for you or your partner if not already done.
2. Referral to a clinical geneticist or genetic counsellor. This professional confirms the diagnosis, explains inheritance, and discusses the implications of PGT-M, including its limitations and alternatives.
3. Laboratory feasibility assessment. The genetics team and IVF laboratory check whether a reliable PGT-M test can be developed for your specific gene variant. This often requires DNA samples from you, your partner, and sometimes an affected family member.
4. Test validation and counselling. The laboratory builds and validates the test. You receive counselling about what the test can and cannot detect, and about possible results.
5. IVF cycle and embryo biopsy. If you decide to proceed, an IVF cycle is planned. Embryos are created and a few cells are removed for testing.
6. Results and transfer decisions. The laboratory reports which embryos are affected, unaffected, or inconclusive. You and your clinician decide which embryo(s), if any, to transfer.

Timelines vary widely. Some laboratories need weeks or months to develop a family-specific test, and this can affect when an IVF cycle can start. Ask your clinic for an estimated timeline based on your case.

Genetic counselling: what it covers and why it matters

Genetic counselling is a core part of PGT-M. It is not a sales conversation; it is a chance to understand your options and make an informed decision. A genetic counsellor or clinical geneticist typically discusses:

• The inheritance pattern of your condition and the chance of passing it on.
• What PGT-M can and cannot detect, including the possibility of inconclusive results.
• Alternatives to PGT-M, such as prenatal diagnosis, using donor gametes, adoption, or accepting the natural risk.
• The emotional and ethical aspects of embryo testing and selection.
• Practical issues: cost categories, travel, and what happens to unused embryos.

In Thailand, genetic counselling services are available in some hospitals and clinics, but availability may vary. If you are an international patient, ask whether counselling can be done remotely or in your language, and whether a local counsellor can be involved.

Laboratory requirements and test development

PGT-M is not a single, off-the-shelf test. The laboratory usually needs to develop a custom test for your family’s specific gene variant. This process often requires:

• Blood or saliva samples from you and your partner.
• Sometimes a sample from an affected family member to help validate the test.
• Details of the gene variant, usually from a previous genetic test report.
• Time for the laboratory to design, optimise, and validate the test.

Not every laboratory offers PGT-M for every condition. Some conditions are technically challenging, and some gene variants are not suitable for the available methods. Ask the clinic whether they have experience with your specific condition and whether they work with a genetics laboratory that can develop the test.

Questions to ask your clinic before committing

Use these questions to compare clinics and clarify what is included. Write down the answers and ask for them in writing if possible.

• Do you offer PGT-M for my specific condition, and how many cycles have you supported?
• Who will provide genetic counselling, and is it included or an extra cost?
• Which laboratory develops the PGT-M test, and how long does validation usually take?
• What samples are needed from me, my partner, and possibly family members?
• What are the possible test results, and what does each mean for embryo transfer?
• What are the cost categories: counselling, test development, IVF, biopsy, testing per embryo, and transfer?
• What happens if the test cannot be developed or gives inconclusive results?
• What are the clinic’s policies on embryo storage, donation, and disposal?
• Can you provide a written treatment plan and cost estimate before I travel?

Practical planning: documents, travel, and legal points to confirm

Requirements for international patients can change. Do not rely on general information; confirm current rules with the clinic and relevant authorities. Categories to check include:

• Identity and medical documents: passport, visa or entry requirements, marriage or civil partnership certificates if required, and previous genetic test reports.
• Consent and legal forms: consent for IVF, embryo testing, storage, and disposal. Laws on assisted reproduction and embryo testing vary; ask the clinic how they apply to your situation.
• Travel and accommodation: how long you may need to stay, whether monitoring can be done locally, and what happens if the cycle is cancelled.
• Costs: ask for a breakdown of all likely costs, including those not covered by a package, and how payments are handled.
• Follow-up: what happens after you return home, and how results and records will be shared with your local doctor.

Because regulations and clinic policies can change, treat any specific document list or legal statement as something to verify directly with the clinic and, if needed, a legal advisor.

Limitations and alternatives to keep in mind

PGT-M reduces but does not eliminate the risk of passing on a genetic condition. It cannot detect all genetic disorders, and some embryos may give inconclusive results. The IVF process itself has no guarantee of pregnancy, and PGT-M adds cost and complexity. Alternatives include prenatal diagnosis (such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis), using donor eggs or sperm, adoption, or choosing not to test. A genetic counsellor can help you weigh these options without pressure.

Next steps

If you are considering PGT-M in Thailand, start by gathering your genetic test reports and family history details. Ask your local doctor for a referral to a clinical geneticist or genetic counsellor, or contact clinics in Thailand directly to ask about their referral process. Use the questions above to compare what is offered. For more general information, see our PGT in Thailand overview and guides. You can also check our FAQ for common questions.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral from a doctor to start PGT-M in Thailand?

Requirements vary by clinic. Some clinics accept self-referrals for an initial consultation, while others may ask for a referral letter or previous genetic test reports. It is best to contact the clinic directly to ask what they need before you book.

How long does it take to develop a PGT-M test?

The time needed to develop and validate a family-specific PGT-M test varies depending on the gene, the laboratory, and whether family samples are available. It can take several weeks or longer. Ask your clinic for an estimate based on your specific case.

Is genetic counselling mandatory before PGT-M?

Most clinics strongly recommend or require genetic counselling before PGT-M. It helps you understand the inheritance pattern, the limitations of testing, and the alternatives. Policies differ, so confirm with your chosen clinic.

Can PGT-M guarantee a healthy baby?

No. PGT-M can reduce the chance of transferring an embryo affected by a specific monogenic condition, but it cannot guarantee a healthy child, a successful pregnancy, or that all genetic risks are eliminated. Other factors also affect pregnancy and child health.

What if PGT-M is not available for my condition in Thailand?

Not all conditions can be tested with PGT-M, and laboratory capabilities vary. If PGT-M is not available, your specialist can discuss alternatives such as prenatal diagnosis, donor gametes, or other family-building options.

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.