PGT and IVF Terminology: Questions to Ask Before You Speak With Thai Clinicians

Before a consultation about preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), it helps to separate three things: the vocabulary clinicians use, the questions you want answered, and the decisions that only you and your treating clinician can make. PGT is a group of laboratory tests performed on cells taken from an embryo during IVF. It is not a treatment that guarantees a pregnancy, a live birth or a healthy child, and it is not necessary or suitable for every patient. The most useful preparation is to learn the common terms, then ask how each one applies to your own situation.

At a glance

• PGT is an umbrella term covering several different embryo tests, each with a different purpose.
• PGT-A, PGT-M and PGT-SR are not interchangeable; they look for different things.
• A result report uses specific words such as euploid, aneuploid, mosaic, affected, carrier and inconclusive.
• PGT cannot guarantee an outcome, and it does not replace other prenatal testing options.
• Your clinician decides whether PGT is appropriate for you, based on your history and their clinical judgement.

Why terminology preparation matters

Fertility consultations often move quickly, and much of the language is technical. If you hear an unfamiliar term for the first time during the appointment, it can be difficult to ask a follow-up question or to remember what was said afterwards. Preparing a short list of terms and questions in advance can help you follow the conversation, take notes and ask for clarification when something is unclear.

Preparation does not mean deciding in advance what you want. It means arriving able to understand the options your clinician describes, including the option of not doing PGT.

Core IVF terms you are likely to hear

PGT sits inside the wider IVF process, so a few basic terms are worth knowing first.

• IVF (in vitro fertilisation): a procedure in which an egg is fertilised by sperm outside the body, and an resulting embryo may later be transferred to the uterus.
• Embryo: an early stage of development after fertilisation.
• Blastocyst: a later stage of embryo development, often the stage at which cells may be sampled for testing.
• Biopsy: the removal of a small number of cells from an embryo for laboratory analysis.
• Embryo transfer: placing an embryo into the uterus.
• Cycle: one round of treatment, from preparation through to transfer or freezing.
• Cryopreservation (freezing): storing embryos or other reproductive tissue at low temperature for possible later use.

Ask your clinician to explain any term you do not recognise, and to spell out abbreviations the first time they use them.

PGT terms explained in plain language

PGT is not one single test. The letters after PGT describe what the test is looking for.

PGT-A

PGT-A looks at the number of chromosomes in the embryo’s cells. Human embryos can have an incorrect number of chromosomes, which is called aneuploidy. PGT-A aims to identify embryos with a typical number of chromosomes (euploid) and those with an atypical number (aneuploid). It does not test for a specific inherited condition, and it does not guarantee that an embryo will implant or develop normally.

PGT-M

PGT-M is used when there is a known risk of a specific inherited condition caused by a change in a single gene. It looks for that particular gene change. PGT-M is usually considered only when a specific condition has been identified, often after genetic counselling and testing of the parents or family members.

PGT-SR

PGT-SR relates to structural rearrangements of chromosomes, such as translocations or inversions. These are changes in the structure of chromosomes rather than in their number. PGT-SR looks for imbalances that may result from a known structural rearrangement carried by a parent.

Other terms you may encounter

• Chromosome: the structure that carries genetic material.
• Gene: a section of DNA that provides instructions for a particular function.
• Mosaic: a result in which an embryo has a mix of cells with different chromosome patterns.
• Inconclusive: a result that does not give a clear answer, sometimes because the sample was insufficient or the analysis could not be completed.
• Carrier: a person who has one copy of a gene change but may not have the condition themselves.
• Affected: a result indicating that the gene change or chromosome pattern associated with a condition is present.
• Unaffected: a result indicating that the specific change being tested for was not found.

Questions to ask about PGT terminology

These questions are designed to help you understand the words, not to interpret your own results or to decide on treatment.

1. Which type of PGT are you recommending, and what exactly does it look for?
2. What do the terms euploid, aneuploid, mosaic and inconclusive mean in the context of my report?
3. How do you describe a result that is not clear, and what usually happens next?
4. What is the difference between a screening test and a diagnostic test in this context?
5. What does PGT not tell us about an embryo?
6. If we decide not to do PGT, what are the alternatives for our situation?
7. Would you explain the same information again in simpler words, or provide it in writing?

Questions to ask about your own situation

These questions help you understand how the terminology applies to you. They are not a substitute for clinical advice.

• Based on my history, is PGT something you would discuss with me, and why?
• What are the possible benefits and the possible limitations in my case?
• What are the alternatives, including proceeding without PGT?
• What does the process involve for me, step by step?
• What costs are involved, and which parts are optional or separately charged?
• What documents or records would you need from me, and how should I send them?
• How will results be communicated, and who will explain them to me?
• What follow-up or records will I need when I return home?

Understanding result language without interpreting it yourself

Result reports use precise language, and the same word can carry different implications depending on the test and the laboratory. For example, a mosaic result is not the same as a fully aneuploid result, and an inconclusive result is not the same as an affected result. Because these distinctions matter, it is safer to ask your treating clinician or a genetic counsellor to explain your own report rather than to interpret it from a general article.

You can prepare by asking:

• Who will explain my result to me, and when?
• Will I receive a written report, and in what language?
• If I have questions after the appointment, how can I ask them?
• Would a genetic counselling appointment be useful before or after testing?

Limitations and alternatives to keep in mind

PGT has limitations. It tests a small sample of cells, and the result may not represent every cell in the embryo. Some results are inconclusive. PGT does not guarantee implantation, pregnancy, live birth or a child without a health condition. It also does not replace other tests that may be offered during pregnancy.

Alternatives depend on your situation and may include proceeding with IVF without PGT, using donor gametes, prenatal testing during pregnancy, or choosing not to pursue treatment. Your clinician can explain which options are relevant to you and what each involves.

Practical preparation checklist

• Write down the terms you want explained, and bring the list to your appointment.
• Ask for abbreviations to be spelled out.
• Request written information or a summary you can review later.
• Ask whether an interpreter is available if you are not comfortable in the language of the consultation.
• Ask how records and results will be shared with your home clinic, if relevant.
• Keep a note of who said what, so you can follow up accurately.

Next steps

Start by listing the terms you have already heard and the questions you most want answered. Then decide how you would like to receive information — for example, in writing, with an interpreter, or in a follow-up call. You can compare hospitals and read more about PGT in Thailand through our hospital directory, our PGT in Thailand overview, our patient guides and our frequently asked questions. These resources can help you prepare questions, but they do not replace personalised clinical advice.

Frequently asked questions

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

PGT-A looks at the number of chromosomes in an embryo. PGT-M looks for a specific inherited condition caused by a known gene change. PGT-SR looks for imbalances related to a known structural rearrangement of chromosomes. They are different tests with different purposes, and your clinician can explain which, if any, is relevant to your situation.

Does PGT guarantee a healthy baby or a successful pregnancy?

No. PGT cannot guarantee implantation, pregnancy, live birth or a child without a health condition. It tests a small sample of cells and may give an inconclusive result. It also does not replace other tests that may be offered during pregnancy.

What should I do if I do not understand a term during my consultation?

It is reasonable to ask your clinician to explain the term in simpler words, to spell out any abbreviation, and to repeat or write down the explanation. You can also ask whether written information or an interpreter is available.

Should I decide about PGT before speaking to a clinician?

It is helpful to prepare questions, but the decision about whether PGT is appropriate belongs in a consultation with your treating clinician. They can explain benefits, limitations and alternatives for your individual situation.

What does an inconclusive PGT result mean?

An inconclusive result means the test did not give a clear answer, which can happen for technical reasons. It is not the same as an affected or unaffected result. Your treating clinician or a genetic counsellor can explain what an inconclusive result means in your case and what options may follow.

Continue your research

• Thailand hospital directory
• 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.