No Result or Inconclusive PGT in Thailand: What It Means and What to Do Next

An inconclusive or “no result” PGT report means the laboratory could not produce a clear, reliable interpretation for that embryo. It is not the same as an abnormal result, and it is not a diagnosis of the embryo. In many cases the cause is technical, such as too little DNA in the sample, and the embryo itself may still be suitable for transfer or further testing. Your clinic should explain which test was used, why the result was unclear, and what options remain.

At a glance

• “No result” usually reflects a laboratory or sample issue, not a confirmed problem with the embryo.
• PGT-A, PGT-M and PGT-SR are different tests with different purposes and different failure modes.
• Options may include re-biopsy, re-testing the same sample, transferring without a result, or leaving the embryo in storage.
• Ask your clinic for the specific reason code or lab note, not just the summary.
• Any decision should weigh the uncertainty of the result against the risks of another biopsy and the realities of your own situation.

What “no result” and “inconclusive” actually mean

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a group of tests performed on a small sample of cells taken from an embryo, usually at the blastocyst stage. The sample is sent to a genetics laboratory, where DNA is extracted and analysed. A result can come back in several forms:

• Informative result: the laboratory reports a clear finding for the chromosomes or gene region being tested.
• Inconclusive result: some data were obtained, but not enough to make a confident call.
• No result: the analysis could not produce usable data for that embryo.

These categories are not always used identically by every laboratory. Ask your clinic to show you the actual report wording and explain what it means for your embryo.

Why results can fail: common technical reasons

PGT relies on a very small amount of starting material. That makes it sensitive to several technical factors. Commonly discussed reasons include:

• Low or absent DNA in the sample. The biopsy may have contained too few cells, or DNA may not have amplified well.
• Degraded sample. Handling, transport or storage conditions can affect sample quality.
• Laboratory or assay limitations. Some regions of the genome are harder to read than others, and some tests have known technical limits.
• Mosaicism or ambiguous signals. Mixed signals can make an interpretation uncertain rather than clearly normal or abnormal.
• Embryo-specific factors. Occasionally the embryo itself does not yield enough analysable material.

Your clinic should be able to tell you which of these is most likely in your case, based on the laboratory’s notes.

PGT-A, PGT-M and PGT-SR: different tests, different failure modes

It helps to know which test was performed, because the meaning of an inconclusive result differs by test type.

Test	What it looks at	Typical purpose
PGT-A	Chromosome number (aneuploidy screening)	To estimate the chance that an embryo has an abnormal number of chromosomes
PGT-M	A specific inherited condition or gene variant	For couples with a known genetic condition in the family
PGT-SR	Chromosome structure (translocations, inversions)	For couples where one partner carries a structural rearrangement

An inconclusive PGT-A result is often about DNA quantity or quality. An inconclusive PGT-M or PGT-SR result may also reflect the difficulty of reading a specific region of the genome. The next steps your clinic recommends can differ accordingly.

What happens next: options your clinic may discuss

There is no single correct path after a no-result or inconclusive PGT report. The options below are commonly discussed, but availability and suitability depend on your clinic, the laboratory, the embryo, and your own medical situation.

1. Re-testing the original sample

Sometimes the laboratory can re-run the same sample with a different method or more careful analysis. This does not require another biopsy. It may or may not be possible depending on how much sample remains and the laboratory’s protocols.

2. Re-biopsy of the embryo

A second biopsy takes a new sample of cells from the same embryo. This can sometimes produce a clearer result. However, re-biopsy is not always technically possible, and it involves additional handling of the embryo. Your clinic should explain the specific risks and the likelihood of success in your case.

3. Transfer without a result

Some patients choose to transfer an embryo without a conclusive PGT result, accepting the uncertainty. This decision depends on many factors, including your age, your reasons for testing, and what you and your clinician consider acceptable. It is a personal decision, not a default.

4. Continued storage

If you are unsure, you may be able to keep the embryo in storage while you gather more information or consider other options. Storage terms, limits and costs vary by clinic and should be confirmed directly.

5. Discarding the embryo

Some patients decide not to keep an embryo with an unclear result. This is a significant decision and should only be made after a full discussion with your clinic and, if you wish, a genetic counsellor.

Questions to ask your clinic

Bring these questions to your next appointment or email them in advance:

• Which PGT test was performed, and what exactly did the report say?
• What is the laboratory’s stated reason for the no-result or inconclusive finding?
• Can the original sample be re-tested? If so, what is the process and expected timeline?
• Is re-biopsy technically possible for this embryo? What are the risks?
• If we transfer without a result, how should we interpret the uncertainty?
• Are there any changes to our plan that might improve the chance of a clearer result in a future cycle?
• What are the costs associated with each option? (Ask for a written breakdown.)
• Can we speak with a genetic counsellor about what this result means for our family planning?

What not to assume

An inconclusive result is not proof that the embryo is abnormal. It is also not a guarantee that the embryo is normal. It is a gap in information. Avoid treating a no-result as a diagnosis, and avoid making irreversible decisions based only on a summary line. Ask for the full report and a clear explanation.

Planning and practical considerations

If you are an international patient, you may also need to think about travel, time away from work, and coordination between your home clinic and the clinic in Thailand. These are logistics, not medical decisions, but they affect how quickly you can act. Ask your clinic about:

• How results are communicated and how quickly.
• Whether re-testing or re-biopsy can be done remotely or requires travel.
• What documents or consent forms are needed for each option.
• How storage and transport of samples are handled.

Because policies and practical arrangements vary, confirm these details directly with your treating clinic rather than relying on general information.

Next-step checklist

1. Request the full laboratory report, not just the summary.
2. Ask for the specific reason the result was inconclusive or absent.
3. Clarify which options are available for this embryo at your clinic.
4. Ask about the risks, costs and timelines for each option.
5. Consider speaking with a genetic counsellor if you have one available.
6. Take time to decide; ask about storage if you need it.
7. Document your questions and the answers you receive for future reference.

For more background on PGT in Thailand, see our PGT in Thailand guide. You can also browse our guides and FAQ for related topics.

Frequently asked questions

Does a no-result PGT mean the embryo is abnormal?

No. A no-result or inconclusive PGT report means the laboratory could not produce a clear interpretation. It is not the same as an abnormal result. The embryo may still be suitable for transfer, but the uncertainty should be discussed with your clinic.

Can an embryo be re-biopsied in Thailand?

Re-biopsy is technically possible in some cases, but it depends on the embryo, the laboratory and the clinic's protocols. It is not always successful and carries some risk to the embryo. Your clinic can tell you whether it is an option for your specific embryo.

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

PGT-A screens for chromosome number, PGT-M tests for a specific inherited condition, and PGT-SR looks at chromosome structure such as translocations. Each test has different purposes and different reasons why a result might be inconclusive.

Should I transfer an embryo with an inconclusive PGT result?

That is a personal decision that depends on your medical situation, your reasons for testing, and what you and your clinician consider acceptable. There is no universal right answer. Ask your clinic to explain the uncertainty and the possible outcomes so you can make an informed choice.

Can I get a second opinion on a PGT report from Thailand?

Many patients seek a second opinion from a genetic counsellor or another genetics laboratory. Your clinic may be able to share the raw data or report with another provider. Ask your clinic about the process and any associated costs.

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.