PGT-M in Thailand: Who It May Be For and How Referral Works

PGT-M (preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic conditions) is a laboratory step used during IVF to test embryos for a specific inherited condition that is already known to run in a family. It is not a general screening test and it is not right for everyone. In Thailand, as elsewhere, PGT-M usually begins with a genetic diagnosis and counselling rather than with a fertility clinic booking. This guide explains who may be a candidate, how referral pathways typically work, and what to confirm before travelling.

At a glance

• PGT-M targets a known monogenic (single-gene) condition, not general chromosome screening.
• It is usually considered when one or both partners carry a pathogenic variant linked to a serious inherited condition.
• A genetic counselling and diagnostic workup normally comes before any IVF or PGT-M planning.
• PGT-M is one option among several; it does not guarantee a healthy child or a successful pregnancy.
• Referral pathways in Thailand often involve a geneticist, a fertility specialist and a genetics laboratory working together.

What PGT-M is and how it differs from PGT-A and PGT-SR

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is an umbrella term. The three main categories answer different questions:

• PGT-A looks at the number of chromosomes in an embryo. It is used to screen for aneuploidy, which becomes more common with maternal age.
• PGT-SR is for couples where one partner has a known structural chromosome rearrangement, such as a translocation or inversion.
• PGT-M is for couples at risk of passing on a specific single-gene condition, such as cystic fibrosis, thalassaemia, spinal muscular atrophy, Huntington’s disease or certain inherited cancer syndromes.

PGT-M is therefore not a broader or better version of PGT-A. It is a targeted test built around a known family variant. If no specific variant has been identified, PGT-M cannot usually be designed.

Who may be a candidate for PGT-M?

Candidacy is a clinical and genetic judgement, not a self-assessment. In general, PGT-M may be discussed when:

• One or both partners are known carriers of a pathogenic variant for a serious inherited condition.
• A previous child or pregnancy was affected by a monogenic condition.
• There is a strong family history of a single-gene disorder and a confirmed genetic diagnosis.
• A couple is at 25% or 50% recurrence risk for a condition that could be tested in embryos.

PGT-M is not usually offered for common multifactorial conditions such as most cases of diabetes, asthma or isolated high blood pressure, because these are influenced by many genes and environmental factors. It is also not a substitute for prenatal diagnosis or for carrier screening in people with no known family risk.

Whether PGT-M is technically possible depends on the condition, the specific variant, the availability of a validated laboratory protocol, and local regulations. A genetics team can confirm whether a test can be built for a particular family.

Why genetic counselling comes first

Genetic counselling is not a formality. It is the step where the following are clarified:

• The exact inheritance pattern and recurrence risk.
• Which family members may need testing to establish the variant.
• What PGT-M can and cannot detect.
• Alternatives such as prenatal diagnosis, donor gametes, adoption, or accepting the natural risk.
• The emotional and practical implications of embryo testing and possible embryo disposition decisions.

In Thailand, genetic counselling may be provided by a clinical geneticist, a genetic counsellor, or a fertility specialist with genetics training. Availability varies by hospital. International patients should ask in advance who will provide counselling, in what language, and whether a remote session is possible before travel.

Typical referral pathway for PGT-M in Thailand

Referral pathways differ between public and private settings, but a common sequence looks like this:

1. Local genetic diagnosis. A geneticist or specialist confirms the condition and the pathogenic variant, usually with a written report.
2. Genetic counselling. The couple discusses inheritance, risk and options, including PGT-M.
3. Referral to a fertility clinic. The clinic reviews the genetic report and assesses fertility status and IVF suitability.
4. Laboratory feasibility check. A genetics laboratory confirms it can design and validate a PGT-M test for that variant.
5. IVF and embryo biopsy. If the couple proceeds, IVF is performed and embryos are biopsied for testing.
6. Results and transfer planning. The genetics team and fertility team discuss results and next steps.

Some patients begin with a fertility clinic that then refers them to genetics; others begin with genetics and are referred onward. Either direction can work, but the genetic diagnosis should not be skipped.

What to prepare before contacting a clinic in Thailand

Having documents ready can shorten the referral process. Categories to prepare include:

• Genetic test reports for the affected family member or carrier partner, including the specific gene and variant.
• Relevant medical records, such as previous pregnancy or paediatric records.
• A family history summary, ideally with a pedigree if one has been drawn.
• Any previous fertility investigations or IVF records.
• Questions about language, counselling and consent processes.

Exact document requirements, translations and legalisation rules vary. Confirm these directly with the clinic and, where relevant, the Thai embassy or consulate in your country.

Questions to ask a clinic about PGT-M

• Does your laboratory design PGT-M tests in-house, or does it send them to a partner laboratory?
• Have you handled my specific condition or variant before?
• Who provides genetic counselling, and is it available in my language?
• What is the typical timeline from first consultation to embryo transfer?
• What are the known limitations and error rates of PGT-M for my condition?
• What happens to embryos that are affected or inconclusive?
• What costs are involved, and which parts are paid locally versus internationally?
• What follow-up or prenatal testing do you recommend after a PGT-M pregnancy?

Limitations and alternatives to keep in mind

PGT-M reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of passing on a monogenic condition. Technical limitations include:

• Some embryos may give an inconclusive result.
• Not all variants can be tested with current methods.
• Mosaicism and other biological factors can complicate interpretation.
• PGT-M does not screen for unrelated conditions or guarantee a healthy child.

Alternatives include prenatal diagnosis (chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis), preimplantation testing with donor gametes, or choosing not to test. These are personal decisions that genetic counselling can help clarify.

Next steps

1. Confirm your family’s genetic diagnosis and variant in writing.
2. Arrange genetic counselling before committing to IVF or PGT-M.
3. Ask a fertility clinic in Thailand whether they can coordinate with a genetics laboratory for your variant.
4. Clarify costs, timelines, language support and consent requirements directly with the clinic.
5. Review the PGT in Thailand overview, browse patient guides, and check the FAQ for general orientation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get PGT-M in Thailand without a genetic diagnosis?

PGT-M is designed around a known pathogenic variant. Without a confirmed genetic diagnosis, a laboratory usually cannot build a test. A genetics team can advise whether further testing is needed first.

Is PGT-M the same as PGT-A?

No. PGT-A screens for chromosome number, while PGT-M targets a specific single-gene condition. They answer different questions and are not interchangeable.

Do I need genetic counselling before PGT-M in Thailand?

Counselling is generally recommended and often required before PGT-M. It helps confirm inheritance, discuss limitations and review alternatives. Availability and format vary by clinic, so ask in advance.

Does PGT-M guarantee a healthy baby?

No. PGT-M reduces the risk of passing on a specific condition but does not eliminate it and does not guarantee pregnancy or child health. Prenatal testing may still be discussed.

How long does the PGT-M process take in Thailand?

Timelines vary depending on the condition, laboratory validation, IVF scheduling and travel. Ask the clinic for an individual estimate rather than relying on general figures.

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.