What is PGT Testing and Who Needs It?
- BMP Fertility Clinic
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
The Question Most IVF Patients Ask Too Late
"Should we have done genetic testing on our embryos?"
This is one of the most common things we hear from couples after a failed IVF cycle. We also hear it after an early pregnancy loss.
The answer, for many patients, is yes — and it was available all along.
PGT (Pre-implantation Genetic Testing) is one of the most powerful tools in modern fertility medicine. Yet many couples going through IVF don't fully understand what it is, who it's for, or what a difference it can make.
This post answers the questions we hear most often — clearly and honestly.
What Does PGT Stand For?
PGT stands for Pre-implantation Genetic Testing.
It is a laboratory procedure performed during an IVF cycle. Before an embryo is placed in the uterus, a few cells are removed and sent for genetic testing.
The results tell us:
Whether the embryo has the correct number of chromosomes
Whether it carries any inherited genetic conditions
Whether the chromosomal structure is normal
This information helps our embryologists pick the healthiest embryo for transfer. It gives you the best chance of a successful, healthy pregnancy.
How Is PGT Different From Regular IVF?
Standard IVF selects embryos based on how they look under a microscope — their shape, size and development stage. This is called morphological grading.
Morphology is useful, but it has limits. An embryo can look perfect on the outside and still carry a chromosomal abnormality. This is one of the main reasons IVF cycles fail even when everything appears to go well.
PGT goes deeper. It reads the genetic content of the embryo — not just how it looks, but what it actually contains.
Think of it as the difference between judging a book by its cover versus reading the first chapter.
The Three Types of PGT
PGT-A — Aneuploidy Screening
This is the most commonly performed type. PGT-A checks whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes — 46 in total, arranged in 23 pairs.
Embryos with the wrong number of chromosomes, called aneuploid embryos, are less likely to implant. They are more likely to cause miscarriage or certain chromosome conditions. PGT-A identifies these embryos so that only chromosomally normal ones are selected for transfer.
PGT-M — Monogenic Disorder Testing
PGT-M is used when one or both parents carry a known genetic condition that could be passed to a child. Examples include sickle cell disease, thalassaemia, cystic fibrosis, and certain hereditary cancers.
This test screens embryos specifically for that condition before transfer — significantly reducing the risk of passing it on.
PGT-SR — Structural Rearrangement Testing
Some individuals carry chromosomal rearrangements — where sections of chromosomes are in the wrong position. PGT-SR identifies embryos that have inherited a problematic rearrangement versus those that are chromosomally balanced.
What Does a PGT Report Actually Show?
A full PGT-A report analyses all 23 chromosome pairs in an embryo. This includes the sex chromosomes (X and Y), which are part of the complete chromosomal picture.
As a result, couples who undergo PGT get a full chromosomal profile for each tested embryo. It includes details about all chromosome pairs. For families who want to consider the full chromosomal picture when planning, this information supports family balancing.
At BMP Fertility, we share this information in a clear, detailed report for every patient who has PGT.
Who Should Consider PGT?
PGT is not only for couples with known genetic conditions. It is increasingly recommended for a much wider group of patients.
You may benefit from PGT if you:
Have experienced two or more failed IVF cycles without a clear explanation
Have had recurrent miscarriages or unexplained pregnancy loss
Are over 35, as chromosomal abnormality risk increases with maternal age
Are over 40, where PGT can significantly improve IVF success rates
Have a known genetic condition or a family history of hereditary disease
Carry a chromosomal rearrangement identified in previous testing
Want to give your embryo transfer the highest possible chance of success
One important thing to understand: PGT does not increase the number of eggs or embryos. It improves the quality of the selection process — ensuring the embryo chosen for transfer is the strongest candidate available.
Does PGT Harm the Embryo?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions — and an entirely understandable one.
The biopsy removes 3 to 5 cells from a blastocyst-stage embryo. This happens on day 5 or 6. At that time, the embryo has about 200 cells. The cells taken come from the outer layer, called the trophectoderm. This layer will form the placenta. The cells are not from the ones that develop into the baby.
Multiple large-scale studies have confirmed that PGT biopsy does not harm the embryo or the resulting child. Babies born after PGT show no difference in health outcomes compared to those born from untested embryos.
What Happens After PGT?
Once the biopsy results return — typically within 7 to 14 days — our clinical team reviews the findings with you.
Embryos are categorised as:
Euploid (chromosomally normal) — suitable for transfer
Aneuploid (chromosomally abnormal) — not recommended for transfer
Mosaic — a mixed result requiring individual clinical assessment
Only euploid embryos are transferred. If several normal embryos are available, our team will talk with you about the best plan. We will also ask about any family preferences you may have.
Untransferred normal embryos can be vitrified (frozen) for use in future cycles.
PGT at BMP Fertility, Baku
At our clinic in Baku, Azerbaijan, PGT is performed using the latest next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology in partnership with accredited genetic laboratories.
Our team works with patients travelling from Pakistan, India, the UAE, the United Kingdom and across the world. We know traveling abroad for fertility treatment is a big decision. We will keep each step clear, supported, and effective.
At BMP Fertility, PGT is available as:
A standalone addition to your IVF cycle
Part of a comprehensive IVF + PGT package
A recommended step following previous IVF failure or recurrent miscarriage
Every case is assessed individually. If PGT is right for you, we will explain why. We will also explain what to expect. We will explain what the results mean for your treatment plan.
Common Questions About PGT
Is PGT covered by insurance? In most cases, international patients self-fund fertility treatment. At BMP Fertility, our team will provide a full cost breakdown before any commitment is made.
How many embryos do I need for PGT to be worthwhile? PGT is most effective when multiple embryos are available for testing. However, it can be performed on as few as one or two embryos. Our team will advise based on your specific cycle response.
What if none of my embryos are normal? This is a difficult outcome — but an important one to know. Knowing your embryos have chromosome problems can help you plan your next steps. This may include another cycle, using donor eggs, or choosing a different path. This knowledge is far more useful than a failed transfer without explanation.
Can PGT guarantee a pregnancy? No test can guarantee a pregnancy. However, transferring a chromosomally normal embryo significantly improves the probability of implantation and reduces the risk of early pregnancy loss.
The Bottom Line
PGT is not a procedure reserved for high-risk cases or extreme circumstances. It is a widely recommended step that can boost your IVF cycle. It helps ensure you transfer the embryo most likely to succeed.
For couples who have faced loss or repeated failure, PGT is often the clearest path forward.
It can also help couples who want to make the most informed decision possible.
Speak to Our Team
If you have questions about PGT — whether it is right for you, how it fits into an IVF cycle, or what to expect from the process — our English-speaking team is ready to help.
📲 Send "PGT" on WhatsApp and we will get back to you within a few hours — privately and without obligation.
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