Understanding PGT-A Success Rates in Thailand: What Patients Should Know

What Does “Success Rate” Mean for PGT-A?

When patients ask about the success rate of PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy), they often have different expectations. Unlike a pregnancy rate, PGT-A success is typically measured by the test’s ability to correctly identify embryos with a normal number of chromosomes (euploid) or an abnormal number (aneuploid). Key metrics include:

• Accuracy: How often the test result matches the true chromosomal status of the embryo.
• No-result rate: The percentage of biopsied embryos that do not yield a conclusive result, often due to DNA amplification failure or mosaicism.
• Clinical utility: Whether using PGT-A improves the chance of a live birth per transfer, especially for specific patient groups.

It is important to understand that PGT-A does not guarantee a pregnancy or a healthy baby. The test reduces the risk of transferring an aneuploid embryo, which is a major cause of implantation failure and miscarriage, but other factors such as maternal age, embryo quality, and uterine environment also play critical roles.

Factors Influencing PGT-A Accuracy

Several factors can affect the reliability of PGT-A results:

• Embryo biopsy technique: The skill of the embryologist and the stage at which cells are removed (day 5 or day 6 blastocyst) can impact DNA quality.
• Laboratory protocols: Different labs use varying methods for whole genome amplification and analysis (e.g., next-generation sequencing, array CGH). Validation and quality control measures differ.
• Mosaicism: Some embryos contain both normal and abnormal cells. PGT-A may detect mosaicism, but its interpretation and clinical significance are still evolving.
• Number of cells biopsied: Typically 3–10 trophectoderm cells are taken. Too few cells may lead to amplification failure or inaccurate results.

Because of these variables, success rates can vary between clinics and laboratories. Patients should ask their clinic about their specific validation data, no-result rates, and how they handle mosaic results.

What to Expect from Thai Laboratories

Thailand has several IVF centers that offer PGT-A with in-house or partnered genetic laboratories. While specific success rates are not standardized or publicly reported in a uniform way, patients can expect:

• Use of modern technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), which is widely considered the gold standard for PGT-A.
• Turnaround times typically ranging from 7 to 14 days for results, depending on the lab’s workflow and whether the biopsy is sent to an external facility.
• Counseling from genetic counselors or fertility specialists to interpret results and discuss transfer options.

It is advisable to ask the clinic directly about their laboratory’s accreditation, experience, and quality control measures. Some clinics may also offer PGT-M (for monogenic disorders) or PGT-SR (for structural rearrangements) alongside PGT-A.

Questions to Ask Your Clinic About PGT-A Success

To make an informed decision, consider asking the following questions:

• What is your laboratory’s no-result rate for PGT-A? How often do you get inconclusive results?
• How do you define a “normal” embryo? Do you report mosaicism, and if so, how do you counsel patients?
• What is your clinic’s live birth rate per euploid embryo transfer for patients in my age group?
• Do you have internal validation studies comparing PGT-A outcomes to non-tested cycles?
• How do you handle discrepancies between PGT-A results and prenatal testing (e.g., chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis)?

Remember that PGT-A is not recommended for all patients. It is most often considered for women over 35, those with recurrent pregnancy loss, previous aneuploid conceptions, or severe male factor infertility. Discuss with your doctor whether PGT-A is appropriate for your situation.

Alternatives and Limitations

PGT-A is not the only way to assess embryo health. Alternatives include:

• Morphological grading: Selecting embryos based on appearance under a microscope. This is less precise but non-invasive.
• Time-lapse imaging: Monitoring embryo development continuously to identify abnormal division patterns.
• Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) itself: The most accurate method currently available, but still with limitations.

Limitations of PGT-A include the inability to detect all genetic abnormalities (e.g., small deletions, uniparental disomy), the risk of embryo damage from biopsy (though low with experienced labs), and the possibility of false positives or false negatives. Confirmatory prenatal testing is recommended after pregnancy is achieved.

Next Steps for Patients

• Consult with a fertility specialist to determine if PGT-A is right for you.
• Ask for detailed information about the laboratory that will process your biopsies.
• Request data on the clinic’s outcomes with PGT-A, including no-result rates and live birth rates per transfer.
• Consider the cost and whether it fits your budget, as PGT-A adds significant expense to an IVF cycle.

For more general information, see our PGT in Thailand overview, patient guides, and frequently asked questions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average success rate of PGT-A in Thailand?

There is no single average success rate because outcomes depend on the clinic’s laboratory, patient age, and embryo quality. Success is measured by accuracy (e.g., concordance with prenatal diagnosis) and clinical pregnancy rates per euploid transfer. Ask your clinic for their specific data.

Can PGT-A guarantee a healthy baby?

No. PGT-A reduces the risk of transferring an embryo with an abnormal number of chromosomes, but it cannot detect all genetic conditions, and other factors (uterine environment, maternal health) affect pregnancy outcome. Prenatal testing is still recommended.

How long does it take to get PGT-A results in Thailand?

Typically 7–14 days after biopsy, depending on the laboratory’s workflow and whether the sample is sent to an external lab. Confirm the expected timeline with your clinic.

Is PGT-A recommended for all IVF patients?

No. It is most often recommended for women over 35, those with recurrent miscarriage, previous aneuploid pregnancies, or severe male factor infertility. Discuss with your doctor whether the potential benefits outweigh the costs and risks for your specific case.

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.