At a glance
A practical checklist for international patients preparing for PGT IVF in Thailand, covering common pre-cycle tests, remote consultations, records, privacy, travel flexibility, and follow-up.
If you are planning PGT IVF in Thailand, your clinic will usually ask you to complete a set of diagnostic tests before you travel. These tests help confirm your baseline health, identify any issues that need attention, and allow your treatment team to plan your cycle safely. The exact tests, timing, and reporting requirements vary by clinic and by your individual history, so treat the list below as a starting point for discussion, not a fixed protocol. Your treating clinic is the only source that can tell you exactly what it needs, in what format, and by when.
At a glance
- Most clinics request blood tests, an ultrasound, and a semen analysis before a PGT cycle.
- Some tests are cycle-dependent, meaning they must be done on a specific day of your menstrual cycle.
- Records should be complete, translated if needed, and shared through a secure channel.
- Build in buffer time for repeat tests, shipping delays, and clinic review.
- Confirm all requirements directly with your treating clinic before booking travel.
Why pre-travel diagnostics matter
Pre-travel testing serves several purposes. It gives your clinic a baseline picture of hormone levels, ovarian or testicular function, and general health. It can reveal conditions that need treatment or monitoring before a cycle begins. It also helps your care team decide on a stimulation protocol, timing, and whether any additional evaluations are needed.
For international patients, completing tests locally can reduce the length of your stay in Thailand and lower the cost of repeating tests abroad. However, not every test can be done at home. Some must be performed at a specific point in your cycle, and some clinics prefer to repeat certain tests in their own laboratory for consistency. Ask your clinic which tests it will accept from an outside laboratory and which it will repeat.
Common diagnostic tests a Thai clinic may request
The following categories are frequently requested before a PGT IVF cycle. Your clinic may ask for all, some, or additional tests depending on your age, history, and treatment plan.
Hormone and blood panels
- Ovarian reserve markers: tests such as AMH, FSH, LH, and estradiol are commonly used to estimate how the ovaries may respond to stimulation.
- Thyroid function: TSH and related thyroid tests are often checked because thyroid health can affect fertility and early pregnancy.
- Prolactin: sometimes included in a baseline hormone panel.
- Infectious disease screening: tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis are standard in many IVF programs and may be required by law or laboratory policy.
- Blood count and blood group: a complete blood count and blood typing may be requested.
- Vitamin D and other nutritional markers: sometimes checked, depending on clinic practice.
- Genetic carrier screening: may be recommended before PGT, especially if there is a known family history or a specific condition to investigate.
Ultrasound and imaging
- Transvaginal ultrasound: used to assess the uterus, ovaries, and antral follicle count. This is often done early in the menstrual cycle.
- Saline infusion sonography or hysteroscopy: may be requested if the clinic needs a closer look at the uterine cavity.
- Other imaging: occasionally requested based on symptoms or history.
Semen analysis and male partner testing
- Semen analysis: a standard test for the male partner, usually performed after a period of abstinence specified by the clinic.
- Additional sperm tests: such as DNA fragmentation or morphology assessment, may be requested in some cases.
- Blood tests for the male partner: infectious disease screening and, in some cases, genetic testing.
Other evaluations
- Cervical screening: a recent Pap smear or HPV test may be required.
- Cardiac or medical clearance: if you have an underlying condition, the clinic may ask for a letter from your local doctor.
- Psychological consultation: some programs offer or require a counseling session before treatment.
Planning your testing timeline
Timing is one of the most common sources of delay. Some tests are cycle-dependent, meaning they must be done on a specific day of your menstrual cycle. Others can be done at any time. Work backwards from your intended travel date and confirm each test’s window with your clinic.
| Stage | What to do | Questions to confirm with your clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Before consultation | Gather past records, medication lists, and any previous fertility test results. | Which records do you need, and in what language? |
| Remote consultation | Discuss your history, treatment options, and the clinic’s testing requirements. | Which tests can be done locally, and which must be repeated in Thailand? |
| Local testing | Complete the requested tests at an accredited laboratory or clinic near you. | What are the acceptable laboratories, and how should results be reported? |
| Records sharing | Send results through the clinic’s secure portal or approved channel. | What is the deadline for receiving results before my cycle can start? |
| Clinic review | Your clinic reviews results and confirms whether any repeat or additional tests are needed. | How long does review take, and who will contact me? |
| Travel planning | Book flights and accommodation only after your clinic confirms your start date. | What is the latest date I can arrive, and what if my cycle dates shift? |
Preparing records and communicating with your clinic
Clear, complete records help your clinic plan your cycle and avoid unnecessary repeat testing. Ask for copies of all results in a format your clinic accepts, such as PDF reports with reference ranges and the laboratory’s name and accreditation details. If your records are not in English or Thai, ask whether a certified translation is required.
Use the clinic’s secure patient portal or encrypted email for medical documents. Avoid sending sensitive health information through ordinary messaging apps unless the clinic confirms that channel is secure. Keep a personal copy of everything you send.
When you speak with your clinic, take notes and ask for written confirmation of key instructions. If you are communicating across time zones, agree on a preferred contact method and a reasonable response window.
Privacy and data considerations
Your medical information is sensitive. Before sharing records internationally, ask your clinic how it stores and transmits data, who can access your file, and whether your information will be shared with third parties such as laboratories or genetic testing providers. You may also want to ask about your rights to access or correct your records. These are reasonable questions, and a well-organized clinic should be able to answer them.
Travel flexibility and accommodation planning
IVF cycles can shift. Your stimulation start date may depend on your menstrual cycle, test results, or clinic scheduling. Build flexibility into your travel plans:
- Choose flights and accommodation that can be changed or cancelled without excessive cost.
- Plan to arrive a few days before your first appointment if your clinic recommends it.
- Consider accommodation near the clinic to reduce travel time during monitoring visits.
- Check whether your clinic has a preferred area or partner hotels, but confirm details directly.
- Keep a buffer of several days after your expected treatment window in case of changes.
Visa rules, entry requirements, and length-of-stay limits change over time. Check with the relevant embassy or immigration authority for your nationality, and confirm with your clinic whether you need a medical letter for your visa application.
Questions to ask your clinic before you travel
- Which diagnostic tests do you require before I travel, and on which cycle days should they be done?
- Which tests can be performed locally, and which will be repeated in Thailand?
- What are your requirements for laboratory accreditation, report format, and translation?
- How should I send my records, and what is the deadline for receiving them?
- How long does it take to review results and confirm my treatment start date?
- What happens if a test result needs follow-up or a repeat test?
- What are your policies on privacy, data storage, and sharing with third parties?
- What is the estimated total cost of the tests and the cycle, and what does it include?
- What support do you offer for travel, accommodation, and communication during my stay?
- What follow-up care do you recommend after I return home?
Next-step checklist
- Request a remote consultation with your chosen clinic.
- Ask for a written list of required tests and their timing.
- Identify a local laboratory or clinic that can perform the tests.
- Complete the tests within the recommended window.
- Obtain complete reports with reference ranges and laboratory details.
- Send records through the clinic’s secure channel and confirm receipt.
- Wait for clinic review and written confirmation of your start date.
- Book flexible travel and accommodation only after confirmation.
- Prepare a folder with copies of all records, prescriptions, and contact details.
- Arrange follow-up care with your local doctor for after you return.
After you return home
Follow-up after a PGT IVF cycle may include blood tests, ultrasound, and communication with your Thai clinic. Ask your clinic in advance how it will share results with your local doctor and what monitoring is recommended. If you are planning a frozen embryo transfer later, confirm how and when that would be arranged.
For more general guidance, see our international patient information, treatment process overview, and patient resources.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do all my pre-IVF tests in my home country?
Many tests can be done locally, but some clinics prefer or require certain tests to be performed in their own laboratory, especially cycle-dependent hormone tests or semen analysis. Ask your clinic which tests it will accept from an outside laboratory and which it will repeat in Thailand.
How long before travel should I complete my tests?
Timing depends on the specific tests and your cycle. Some tests must be done on particular days of your menstrual cycle, while others can be done at any time. Your clinic should give you a testing window and a deadline for receiving results. Build in extra time for repeat tests or shipping delays.
What if my test results are abnormal?
Abnormal results do not automatically mean you cannot proceed. Your clinic may recommend further evaluation, treatment, or a modified plan. Only your treating clinician can interpret your results and advise on next steps.
How should I share my medical records with a clinic in Thailand?
Use the clinic's secure patient portal or an encrypted email service. Ask whether translations are needed and what report format the clinic accepts. Keep a personal copy of everything you send, and confirm that the clinic has received your records.
What should I ask about privacy before sharing my records?
Ask how your data is stored and transmitted, who can access it, whether it is shared with third parties such as laboratories, and how you can access or correct your records. A well-organized clinic should be able to explain its policies clearly.
Continue your research
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.
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