PGT-M Testing in Thailand: What International Patients Should Know

PGT-M (preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders) is a laboratory step used during IVF to test embryos for a specific inherited condition before transfer. It is not a general screening test and it is not a guarantee of a healthy pregnancy. It is usually considered when a person or couple has a known risk of passing on a particular genetic condition, and it is always planned alongside genetic counselling. In Thailand, several fertility clinics offer PGT-M, but availability, laboratory arrangements and requirements vary. This guide explains the general principles so you can ask better questions and plan realistically.

At a glance

• What it is: A targeted test on embryos created through IVF, looking for a specific inherited condition that has already been identified in your family or through carrier testing.
• Who it may be relevant for: People with a known monogenic condition, carriers of a recessive or X-linked condition, or those with a family history where a specific gene variant has been found.
• What it is not: A guarantee of pregnancy, a test for all possible genetic conditions, or a replacement for genetic counselling.
• Key first step: Speak with a genetic counsellor or clinical geneticist before planning IVF abroad.
• In Thailand: PGT-M is available at some clinics, but you will need to confirm laboratory capability, timelines and documentation directly.

What is PGT-M?

PGT-M is one of several preimplantation genetic testing options. It is designed to look for a known, specific monogenic disorder — a condition caused by a change in a single gene. Examples include cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, thalassaemia and Huntington’s disease, though many others exist.

During an IVF cycle, eggs are fertilised and embryos develop in the laboratory. A small number of cells are removed from each embryo (a biopsy), usually at the blastocyst stage. The DNA from those cells is then tested for the specific gene variant that runs in your family. Embryos that do not carry the variant may be considered for transfer, depending on the clinic’s protocol and your circumstances.

PGT-M is different from PGT-A, which counts chromosomes to look for numerical abnormalities, and from PGT-SR, which looks for structural rearrangements. PGT-M is targeted: it only looks for the condition you already know about. It does not screen for every possible genetic issue.

Who might consider PGT-M?

PGT-M is not for everyone. It is usually discussed when there is a known risk of passing on a specific monogenic condition. You might be referred for a conversation about PGT-M if:

• You or your partner have been diagnosed with a monogenic condition.
• You are both carriers of the same recessive condition (for example, thalassaemia or cystic fibrosis).
• You are a carrier of an X-linked condition, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy or haemophilia.
• You have a family history of a condition where a specific gene variant has been identified.
• You have had a previous pregnancy or child affected by a monogenic condition.

In some cases, PGT-M may not be technically possible — for example, if the genetic cause in your family has not been identified, or if the condition is caused by multiple genes or environmental factors. A genetic counsellor can help you understand whether PGT-M is an option for your specific situation.

The general PGT-M process

The exact steps vary by clinic and by country, but the broad sequence is similar. Timelines are not fixed and depend on your clinic, your test development, and your IVF cycle.

1. Genetic counselling and confirmation of the diagnosis. Before anything else, a genetic counsellor or clinical geneticist reviews your family history and confirms the exact gene variant. This usually involves a blood or saliva sample from you and sometimes from family members.
2. Test development. The laboratory builds a custom test for your specific variant. This is not an off-the-shelf test. It can take time, and not every laboratory offers this service.
3. IVF cycle. You undergo ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval and fertilisation. Embryos are cultured in the laboratory.
4. Embryo biopsy. A few cells are removed from each embryo, usually at the blastocyst stage. The embryos are typically frozen while testing is carried out.
5. Genetic testing. The biopsied cells are analysed using the custom test. Results indicate which embryos carry the variant, which do not, and sometimes which are inconclusive.
6. Results and counselling. A genetic counsellor or doctor explains the results. Not all embryos will be suitable for transfer, and some may have no result.
7. Embryo transfer. If you have embryos that do not carry the variant, one may be transferred. Pregnancy is not guaranteed, and further testing during pregnancy (such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis) may still be recommended to confirm the result.

PGT-M in Thailand: what to confirm

Thailand has fertility clinics that offer PGT-M, but services are not uniform. If you are considering travelling to Thailand for PGT-M, you will need to confirm several practical points directly with the clinic. Because regulations and laboratory arrangements can change, always verify current details before making plans.

• Laboratory capability: Does the clinic perform PGT-M in-house, or does it send samples to an external laboratory? Who develops the custom test?
• Genetic counselling: Is genetic counselling available before, during and after the process? Is it provided by a certified genetic counsellor or clinical geneticist?
• Documentation: What medical records, genetic test results or referral letters do you need to provide? Are translations required?
• Timelines: How long does test development take? How does this fit with your IVF cycle and travel plans?
• Costs: What is included in the quoted price? Are there separate charges for genetic counselling, test development, IVF, biopsy, testing per embryo, freezing and transfer? Ask for a written breakdown.
• Legal and regulatory requirements: Are there any restrictions on PGT-M in Thailand for your specific situation? What consent is required?
• Follow-up: What happens if you have no suitable embryos, or if results are inconclusive? What support is available?

You can find more general information for international patients on our international patients page, and an overview of PGT options in Thailand on our PGT in Thailand page.

Benefits and limitations of PGT-M

PGT-M can reduce the chance of passing on a specific inherited condition, but it is not a guarantee. It cannot eliminate all risk, and it does not test for conditions other than the one it was designed to detect.

Limitations include:

• Not all embryos will be suitable for testing or transfer.
• Some embryos may give inconclusive results.
• The test is specific to one condition; it does not screen for other genetic issues.
• Pregnancy is not guaranteed after transfer.
• Further testing during pregnancy may still be advised.
• PGT-M adds complexity, time and cost to an IVF cycle.

PGT-M is one option among several. Others include prenatal diagnosis, using donor gametes, adopting, or choosing not to have genetic testing. A genetic counsellor can help you weigh these options without pressure.

Questions to ask a clinic

Before committing to PGT-M in Thailand, consider asking:

• Do you offer PGT-M for my specific condition?
• Who will develop and validate the test?
• What are the success rates for test development in cases like mine?
• What proportion of embryos typically give a result?
• What are the costs, and what is not included?
• What genetic counselling is available, and in what language?
• What are the timelines from first consultation to embryo transfer?
• What happens if we have no embryos suitable for transfer?
• What follow-up testing do you recommend during pregnancy?

Next steps

If you are considering PGT-M, start with genetic counselling in your home country or with a clinical geneticist. They can confirm whether PGT-M is technically possible for your family and help you understand the alternatives. If you then decide to explore treatment in Thailand, contact clinics directly to confirm their current services, requirements and costs. Our guides and FAQ sections provide further general information to help you prepare questions.

Frequently asked questions

Is PGT-M the same as PGT-A?

No. PGT-M looks for a specific monogenic disorder, such as cystic fibrosis or thalassaemia. PGT-A counts chromosomes to look for numerical abnormalities. They test for different things and are used in different situations.

Can PGT-M guarantee a healthy baby?

No. PGT-M can reduce the chance of passing on a specific inherited condition, but it cannot guarantee a healthy pregnancy or child. It does not test for all genetic conditions, and further testing during pregnancy may still be recommended.

Do I need genetic counselling before PGT-M?

Yes, genetic counselling is an essential part of the process. A genetic counsellor or clinical geneticist can confirm whether PGT-M is technically possible for your family, explain the limitations, and discuss alternatives.

Is PGT-M available in Thailand?

Some fertility clinics in Thailand offer PGT-M, but services vary. You will need to confirm directly with the clinic whether they can test for your specific condition, how the test is developed, and what the timelines and costs are.

What if no embryos are suitable for transfer after PGT-M?

This is a possible outcome. It is important to discuss with your clinic what happens in this situation, including whether another IVF cycle is an option and what support is available.

Continue your research

• International patient guide
• PGT in Thailand overview
• PGT and IVF guides

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.