PGT IVF in Thailand: A Plain-English Guide to Genetic Testing in IVF

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a laboratory step that can be added to an IVF cycle. It examines a small sample of cells taken from an embryo to look for certain chromosome or gene findings before an embryo is considered for transfer. In Thailand, as elsewhere, PGT is optional rather than automatic, and it is not a guarantee of pregnancy or a healthy child. It is one piece of information that you and a qualified clinical team may weigh alongside your history, the number and quality of embryos, and your own priorities. This guide explains the main PGT types, how results are usually described, who might consider testing, and what to confirm directly with a clinic in Thailand.

At a glance

• PGT is an add-on to IVF, not a separate treatment.
• PGT-A looks at chromosome number; PGT-M looks at a specific inherited condition; PGT-SR looks at a known structural chromosome rearrangement.
• Results are reported as normal, abnormal, mosaic or inconclusive — each with different implications.
• PGT cannot detect every possible health issue, and it does not guarantee a live birth.
• Availability, eligibility, cost and legal rules vary; confirm them with the treating clinic and relevant authorities.

What PGT is — and what it is not

PGT stands for preimplantation genetic testing. It is performed on embryos created through IVF, usually a few days after fertilisation, when the embryo has reached a stage where a few cells can be sampled. The sample is sent to a genetics laboratory for analysis. The embryo itself is typically frozen while waiting for results, then transferred in a later cycle if you and your clinician decide to proceed.

PGT is not a treatment for infertility, and it does not improve the underlying quality of an embryo. It is a screening or diagnostic tool that provides additional information. It also cannot replace prenatal testing or newborn screening, and it cannot rule out all genetic or health conditions. Some findings are uncertain, and some embryos may be classified as mosaic — meaning the sample showed a mix of cells with and without a particular finding. Mosaic results are often the most difficult to interpret, and clinics may discuss them differently depending on the specific finding and their own protocols.

The three main types of PGT

The term PGT covers several different tests. They are not interchangeable, and the right one — if any — depends on why testing is being considered.

PGT-A (aneuploidy screening)

PGT-A looks at the number of chromosomes in the sampled cells. Human embryos can have an extra or missing chromosome, a condition called aneuploidy. Aneuploidy becomes more common with increasing maternal age, and many aneuploid embryos do not implant or lead to a pregnancy. PGT-A is sometimes discussed as a way to prioritise embryos for transfer, but it is not universally recommended. Some studies suggest possible benefits in certain groups, while others show no clear advantage for all patients. It is a personal decision that should be based on your individual circumstances and a discussion with your clinician.

PGT-M (monogenic disease testing)

PGT-M is used when there is a known risk of passing on a specific inherited condition caused by a change in a single gene — for example, cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy or certain types of thalassaemia. It requires a known genetic variant in the family, and often a genetic counselling consultation before IVF. The test looks for that specific variant in the embryo. PGT-M is usually considered when one or both parents are carriers or affected, and when the condition is serious enough that the family wishes to avoid passing it on.

PGT-SR (structural rearrangement testing)

PGT-SR is for people who carry a balanced structural chromosome rearrangement, such as a translocation or inversion. Carriers are often healthy but may have a higher chance of producing embryos with unbalanced chromosome arrangements, which can lead to miscarriage or a child with health problems. PGT-SR looks for those unbalanced arrangements. Like PGT-M, it is targeted to a known finding in the parents.

How PGT results are usually described

PGT reports typically use a few standard categories. The exact wording and thresholds can vary between laboratories, so ask your clinic to explain their reporting in plain language.

Result category	What it generally means	What it does not mean
Normal / euploid	The sampled cells showed the expected number of chromosomes (for PGT-A) or did not show the specific variant or rearrangement being tested for (for PGT-M or PGT-SR).	It does not guarantee a healthy pregnancy or child. Other genetic or health issues may still occur.
Abnormal / aneuploid or affected	The sampled cells showed an extra or missing chromosome, or the specific condition being tested for was detected.	It does not always mean the embryo could never produce a pregnancy, but clinics generally do not prioritise these embryos for transfer.
Mosaic	The sample contained a mixture of cells with and without the finding. The proportion and type of mosaic cells matter.	It is not a simple yes or no. Some mosaic embryos can lead to healthy pregnancies, but the chance is less predictable. Counselling is important.
Inconclusive / no result	The laboratory could not obtain a clear result, sometimes because the sample was too small or the DNA did not amplify.	It does not mean the embryo is abnormal. A repeat sample or further discussion may be needed.

Who might consider PGT — and who might not

PGT is not necessary for everyone doing IVF. It is usually discussed in specific situations:

• PGT-M or PGT-SR: when there is a known inherited condition or a balanced chromosome rearrangement in the family.
• PGT-A: sometimes discussed for patients with a history of recurrent miscarriage, repeated IVF failure, or when the number of embryos available makes selection a concern. However, evidence for broad use is mixed, and guidelines in different countries vary.
• Age-related considerations: because aneuploidy is more common with increasing maternal age, some clinics discuss PGT-A more often in older patients. This is a conversation to have with your clinician, not a rule.

PGT may not be suitable if there are very few embryos, if the embryo quality is poor, or if the specific genetic finding cannot be tested reliably. It also adds cost and time to an IVF cycle, and it requires a genetics laboratory with appropriate expertise. In Thailand, as in other countries, not every clinic offers every type of PGT, and some may refer samples to a partner laboratory. Ask directly about who performs the testing and how results are reported.

How PGT fits into an IVF cycle in Thailand

The general sequence is similar to IVF anywhere, but the exact steps and timing depend on the clinic and your protocol. A typical path looks like this:

1. Consultation and planning: discuss your history, whether PGT is appropriate, and which type. For PGT-M or PGT-SR, a genetic counselling session is usually needed first.
2. Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval: standard IVF steps to collect eggs.
3. Fertilisation and embryo culture: eggs are fertilised and embryos are grown for several days.
4. Embryo biopsy: a few cells are removed from each embryo that will be tested. This is a laboratory procedure.
5. Sample analysis: the cells are sent to a genetics laboratory. Embryos are usually frozen during this waiting period.
6. Results and counselling: you and your clinician review the results and discuss which embryo(s), if any, to transfer.
7. Frozen embryo transfer: if you decide to proceed, a prepared cycle is used to transfer an embryo to the uterus.

Timelines vary. The waiting period for results can range from days to a few weeks depending on the test and the laboratory. Ask your clinic for a realistic estimate for your case.

Limitations and uncertainties to keep in mind

PGT is a powerful tool, but it has clear limits:

• It is not a guarantee. A normal result does not ensure implantation, pregnancy, live birth or a child without health issues.
• It cannot test for everything. PGT-A looks at chromosome number, not gene-level conditions. PGT-M tests only for the specific variant it is designed to detect.
• Mosaic results are complex. The biopsy samples only a few cells, which may not represent the whole embryo. Some mosaic embryos can develop normally, but the risk is not fully understood.
• Technical limitations exist. Sometimes no result is obtained, and sometimes a result may be inaccurate (false positive or false negative), though laboratories work to minimise this.
• It does not replace prenatal testing. Even after PGT, standard prenatal screening or diagnostic testing may still be recommended during pregnancy.

Alternatives and additional options

If PGT is not right for you, or if you want to consider other paths, these may be discussed:

• IVF without PGT: transferring embryos based on visual assessment and your clinical history.
• Prenatal testing: tests during pregnancy, such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis, can diagnose certain conditions. These are different from PGT and carry their own considerations.
• Genetic counselling: a specialist can help you understand risks, options and the implications of test results, whether or not you choose PGT.
• Donor gametes or embryos: in some situations, using donor eggs, sperm or embryos may be an alternative path. This involves its own legal and ethical considerations.

Questions to ask a clinic in Thailand

When you contact a clinic, these questions can help you compare options and understand what is realistic:

• Which types of PGT do you offer directly, and which are sent to an external laboratory?
• What are the qualifications and accreditation of the genetics laboratory you use?
• How do you report mosaic and inconclusive results, and what counselling do you provide?
• What is the additional cost of PGT, including biopsy, analysis and any genetic counselling?
• How long does it take to receive results, and how does that affect the transfer timeline?
• What are the success rates for frozen embryo transfer after PGT at your clinic, and how do you define success?
• Are there any legal or regulatory restrictions in Thailand that apply to my situation?
• What support do you offer for international patients, such as language interpretation or help with travel planning?

Next steps

If you are considering PGT IVF in Thailand, start by clarifying your own reasons for testing and what you hope to learn. Gather any relevant genetic or medical records. Then speak with a qualified clinic and, if possible, a genetic counsellor. Ask for clear explanations of the tests, the possible results and the uncertainties. Remember that PGT is a personal decision, and there is no single right answer for everyone. For more context, see our PGT in Thailand overview, browse our guides, or check the FAQ for common questions.

Frequently asked questions

Is PGT required for IVF in Thailand?

No. PGT is an optional add-on to IVF, not a required step. Whether it is appropriate depends on your medical history, the reason for testing, and your clinic's assessment. Some patients choose IVF without PGT. Discuss the pros and cons with your treating clinician.

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

PGT-A screens for extra or missing chromosomes (aneuploidy). PGT-M tests for a specific inherited condition caused by a single gene variant. PGT-SR tests for a known structural chromosome rearrangement, such as a translocation. Each type is used in different situations and is not interchangeable.

Can PGT guarantee a healthy baby?

No. PGT can provide useful information about certain chromosome or gene findings, but it cannot guarantee a successful pregnancy, a live birth, or a child without health issues. It does not detect all possible conditions, and some results are uncertain. Prenatal testing may still be recommended during pregnancy.

What does a mosaic PGT result mean?

A mosaic result means the sampled cells showed a mixture of cells with and without a particular chromosome finding. The implications depend on the specific finding and the proportion of mosaic cells. Some mosaic embryos can lead to healthy pregnancies, but the chance is less predictable. Your clinic should provide counselling to help you understand your options.

How much does PGT cost in Thailand?

Costs vary widely depending on the clinic, the type of PGT, the number of embryos tested, and whether genetic counselling or other services are included. We do not list prices because they change and depend on your individual situation. Ask the clinic for a detailed quote and clarify what is included.

Do I need genetic counselling before PGT?

For PGT-M and PGT-SR, genetic counselling is typically recommended or required before proceeding, because it helps confirm the specific genetic finding and explains the implications. For PGT-A, counselling may also be helpful to discuss the limitations and uncertainties. Ask your clinic about their process.

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.