How to Verify a Thai Fertility Hospital’s Laboratory Pathway for PGT

Verifying a PGT laboratory pathway means confirming three things in writing: where the embryo biopsy is performed, where the genetic analysis is carried out, and who signs and explains the final report. In Thailand, some fertility centres describe in-house embryology and genetics laboratories, while others may refer samples to an external genetics laboratory. The pathway can also differ by test type, such as PGT-A, PGT-M or PGT-SR. Because these details affect counselling, timelines and cost, they are worth confirming directly with each hospital before you commit.

At a glance

• Ask for the physical location of embryo biopsy, genetic testing and result reporting.
• Confirm whether the genetics laboratory is in-house or an external referral partner.
• Request the name and role of the person who will explain the PGT report to you.
• Ask how laboratory records, images and reports will be shared with you and your home clinic.
• Get the pathway, inclusions and exclusions in a written quotation before paying.

Why the laboratory pathway matters in PGT

PGT involves several laboratory steps after egg retrieval and fertilisation. Embryos are cultured, a small number of cells may be biopsied at a defined stage, and the biopsy sample is prepared for genetic analysis. The analysis itself may use different methods depending on the test. Each handover between the embryology laboratory and the genetics laboratory is a point where you may want clarity on responsibility, documentation and communication.

For international patients, the pathway also affects logistics. If testing is done externally, there may be additional transport steps, different reporting timelines and separate consent forms. If testing is in-house, the hospital may describe a more integrated workflow. Neither approach is automatically better for every patient; the right questions are about transparency, accreditation scope and how results will be explained to you.

What public information can and cannot tell you

Hospital websites and provider listings can show whether a centre advertises PGT services, describes an embryology laboratory, or names genetics laboratory methods. For example, some approved hospital profiles describe in-house embryo, genetics and sperm laboratories, while others describe PGT services without specifying whether the genetics analysis is performed on site. A public page is a starting point, not proof of your individual pathway.

Public information usually does not tell you:

• Whether your specific test type will be handled in-house or referred out.
• Which laboratory will receive your biopsy sample on the day.
• Who will write and sign the final report.
• How raw data, images or re-analysis requests are handled.
• What the total cost will be once medication, testing, freezing, storage and transfer are included.

These are the gaps to close directly with the hospital.

A checklist for verifying the PGT laboratory pathway

Use the following questions as a written checklist. You can send them by email before a consultation and ask for answers in writing.

1. Embryology laboratory and biopsy

• Where is the embryology laboratory located, and is it on the same site as the clinic or hospital?
• Who performs the embryo biopsy, and what is their role and training?
• At what embryo stage is biopsy typically performed for my case?
• How are embryos identified and tracked through culture, biopsy and freezing?
• What quality credentials or accreditation does the embryology laboratory hold, and what is the current scope of those credentials?

2. Genetics laboratory and test method

• Is the genetic analysis performed in an in-house genetics laboratory or sent to an external laboratory?
• If external, what is the name and location of the receiving laboratory?
• Which PGT method is planned for my case, and what technology does it use?
• Does the laboratory participate in external quality assessment or proficiency testing for the relevant test?
• What is the typical turnaround time from biopsy to written report?

3. Reporting and communication

• Who writes the final PGT report, and who explains it to me?
• Will I receive a copy of the full report, and in what language?
• How will the report be shared with my home clinic or referring doctor, if I want that?
• What happens if the result is inconclusive or requires re-analysis?
• Who is my point of contact for laboratory questions after I return home?

4. Records, consent and data

• What consent forms will I sign for biopsy, genetic testing and data sharing?
• How long are laboratory records and embryo records kept, and can I request copies?
• Are images or raw data available on request, and are there any restrictions?
• How is my personal and genetic information protected?

5. Cost and package boundaries

• Does the quoted package include biopsy, genetic testing, freezing and storage, or are these separate?
• Are there additional charges for external laboratory referral, courier, re-analysis or extended storage?
• What is excluded from the quotation, and what might change the final price?
• Is the quotation valid for a defined period, and what happens if my timeline changes?

How to compare hospital-based PGT pathways

When comparing hospitals, use the same criteria for each so the comparison is fair. The table below shows the kind of information you can collect. It is a template, not a ranking, and you should fill it with written answers from each hospital.

Verification item	What to ask	Why it matters
Biopsy location	On-site embryology laboratory or elsewhere?	Affects transport steps and continuity of care.
Genetics laboratory	In-house or external referral?	Affects reporting, timelines and consent.
Test method	Which PGT method is planned?	Different tests suit different clinical questions.
Reporting clinician	Who signs and explains the report?	You need a named contact for results.
Records sharing	How are reports sent to you and your home clinic?	Supports continuity after you travel home.
Cost inclusions	What is included and excluded?	Reduces surprise costs.

Questions to ask during a consultation

Bring these questions to your consultation, and ask for written answers where possible:

1. Can you describe the full laboratory pathway for my case, from egg retrieval to final PGT report?
2. Which laboratory will perform each step, and is any step outsourced?
3. What accreditation or quality credentials apply to the laboratory performing my test, and what is the current scope?
4. Who will explain the PGT result to me, and how soon after biopsy should I expect it?
5. How will my records be shared with my home clinic if I request it?
6. What is included in the written quotation, and what could change the final cost?

Next-step checklist before you commit

• Request a written pathway description for your specific test type.
• Ask for the name and location of the genetics laboratory, whether in-house or external.
• Confirm the reporting clinician and how results will be communicated.
• Ask for a written quotation that lists inclusions and exclusions.
• Confirm how records and reports will be shared with you and your home clinic.
• Keep copies of all written answers and consent forms.

Where to go next

You can review hospital profiles and comparison pages on this site to shortlist providers, then use the checklist above to verify each laboratory pathway directly. See our hospital profiles, hospital rankings and editorial policy for how we present provider information.

Frequently asked questions

Can I verify a PGT laboratory pathway before travelling to Thailand?

Yes, in part. You can ask the hospital for a written description of where biopsy and genetic testing take place, who reports results, and how records are shared. Some details, such as the exact laboratory workflow on the day, may only be confirmed during the treatment cycle. Ask for written answers and keep them for comparison.

What is the difference between an in-house and an external genetics laboratory for PGT?

An in-house genetics laboratory performs the analysis within the same organisation as the fertility clinic. An external laboratory receives the biopsy sample from another provider. Both arrangements exist in Thailand. The important questions are who performs the test, what accreditation applies, how the sample is transported, and who explains the report to you.

Which PGT test method should I ask about?

PGT-A, PGT-M and PGT-SR are different tests used for different clinical questions. The appropriate test depends on your medical history and should be discussed with a qualified clinician. When verifying a laboratory pathway, ask which method is planned for your case and what technology the laboratory uses.

How can I confirm that a hospital's laboratory credentials are current?

Ask the hospital for the current scope of any accreditation or quality credential it holds, and whether the credential covers the specific test you need. You can also ask whether the laboratory participates in external quality assessment. Public pages may describe credentials, but the current scope should be confirmed directly.

What should I do if the hospital cannot answer my laboratory questions in writing?

If a hospital cannot provide written answers about its laboratory pathway, reporting and costs, that is useful information for your comparison. You may wish to ask again through a different contact channel or consider other providers. Do not rely on verbal assurances alone for details that affect your treatment plan or budget.

Continue your research

• Thailand hospital directory
• Hospital comparison hub
• Editorial policy

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.