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Is it safe? · Pregnancy Smart

PGT-A Testing: What It Can and Cannot Tell You

Assigned clinical reviewerMichael Yuzefovich· MD, FACOGDraft · pending clinical reviewUpdated

What does the evidence say about pgt-a testing?

  1. ASRM's 2024 opinion states that the value of PGT-A as universal screening for all IVF patients has not been demonstrated. The potential benefit depends on the clinical situation, available embryos, testing method, and which outcome is being measured. 1
  2. ACOG distinguishes PGT-A from PGT-M for a specific single-gene condition and PGT-SR for structural chromosome rearrangements. None is a test for every possible health condition. False-positive and false-negative results can occur. 2
  3. A euploid embryo is generally transferred one at a time under ASRM embryo-number guidance. Choosing PGT-A and choosing the number of embryos to transfer are related conversations, but single-embryo transfer is also possible without PGT-A. 3
  4. Genetic counseling helps connect the test offered to your history, questions, and preferences. Bring any parental chromosome or carrier-screening results so the team can explain whether chromosome-number screening addresses the actual concern. 4
  5. Prenatal testing can evaluate a pregnancy after transfer. Discuss which screening or diagnostic options are appropriate rather than assuming the embryo biopsy has replaced them. The information, timing, and limitations differ between available tests. 5

What should you discuss before and after PGT-A?

  • Before IVF, identify the question the proposed genetic test can answer.
  • Before embryo selection, review any uncertain result with the laboratory and genetics team.
  • Once pregnant, revisit prenatal screening and diagnostic choices with your prenatal clinician.

Questions for your fertility or prenatal team

Decision pointWhat to clarify
PurposeIs the concern chromosome number, a single gene, or a structural rearrangement?
Expected benefitWhat is known about cumulative live birth for patients like me?
Uncertain resultWhat counseling and transfer options apply to mosaic or inconclusive findings?

Frequently asked questions

Is PGT-A the same as testing for a known inherited condition?

No. PGT-A addresses chromosome-number differences. PGT-M targets a specified single-gene condition, and PGT-SR addresses structural rearrangements. Ask the laboratory to name the test and the exact question it is intended to answer.

Does every IVF patient benefit from PGT-A?

A universal benefit has not been established. Ask about evidence for patients with your age, embryo number, and history, including the possibility of having no embryo classified as suitable for transfer.

Why can success per transfer look better without more births overall?

Testing may select which embryos reach transfer, changing the group being counted. Ask for cumulative live birth per retrieval and the number of cycles with no transfer, as well as success among completed transfers.

What does a mosaic result mean for my next step?

It requires a detailed discussion of the laboratory finding and its limitations. Ask for genetic counseling and the clinic's policy before making a transfer decision. A short label should not substitute for that review.

Can a euploid result guarantee a healthy baby?

No. PGT has technical limitations and does not assess every genetic or medical condition. A reassuring result reduces uncertainty about the question tested, but it cannot promise a particular pregnancy or childhood outcome.

Will I still be offered prenatal screening or testing?

Yes. ACOG advises that prenatal screening and diagnostic options remain available after PGT. Discuss these choices in pregnancy even when an embryo was reported as euploid.

Does PGT-A mean I should transfer more embryos?

No. ASRM recommends one euploid embryo regardless of patient age. Discuss transfer number separately from whether testing is worthwhile in your circumstances.

What should I ask before agreeing to PGT-A?

Ask about biopsy and laboratory limitations, possible inconclusive or mosaic results, cost, embryo storage, and outcomes for comparable patients. Clarify how each type of result could change the transfer plan before testing begins.

Related in the library

References

  1. The use of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy: a committee opinion

    ASRM · https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/the-use-of-preimplantation-genetic-testing-for-aneuploidy-a-committee-opinion-2024/

  2. Preimplantation Genetic Testing

    ACOG · https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/03/preimplantation-genetic-testing

  3. Guidance on the limits to the number of embryos to transfer: a committee opinion

    ASRM · https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/guidance-on-the-limits-to-the-number-of-embryos-to-transfer-a---committee-opinion-2021/

  4. Prenatal genetic counseling

    MedlinePlus · https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000510.htm

  5. Amniocentesis (amniotic fluid test)

    MedlinePlus · https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/amniocentesis-amniotic-fluid-test/

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.