Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a specialized laboratory procedure used during IVF to examine embryos for specific genetic or chromosomal findings before embryo transfer. It can be particularly relevant for couples with a known inherited genetic condition or specific reproductive circumstances where additional embryo information may be useful.

But what actually happens during PGT?

From ovarian stimulation and fertilization to embryo biopsy and genetic analysis, understanding each stage can make the process easier to navigate.

At Almond Blossoms Fertility & Wellbeing Centre in Dubai, PGT is offered as part of individualized fertility care, with options including PGT-A, PGT-M and PGT-SR.

Key Takeaways

• PGT is performed as part of an IVF treatment cycle.
• Embryos generally need to develop to the blastocyst stage before biopsy.
• Different PGT tests answer different genetic questions.
• PGT provides specific genetic information but cannot guarantee pregnancy or a healthy baby.

What Is PGT?

Preimplantation Genetic Testing is a technique used to analyze cells from an embryo created through IVF.

The purpose of testing depends on the type of PGT being performed.

PGT-A

Tests for abnormalities involving chromosome number.

PGT-M

Tests for a specific known single-gene disorder.

PGT-SR

Tests for certain structural chromosome abnormalities.

These tests should not be treated as interchangeable. The appropriate test depends on the patient's genetic and reproductive circumstances.

Does PGT Require IVF?

Yes.

PGT requires embryos to be created outside the body through an IVF process.

This means that a patient considering PGT will generally go through several stages of fertility treatment before the genetic testing stage.

The overall process can be summarized as:

Fertility assessment → ovarian stimulation → egg retrieval → fertilization → embryo development → embryo biopsy → genetic testing → embryo transfer

Not every IVF cycle produces embryos suitable for biopsy or transfer. During IVF, some fertilized eggs stop developing before reaching the blastocyst stage.

Step 1: Fertility Assessment and PGT Consultation

Before beginning treatment, your fertility specialist reviews your medical and reproductive history.

The consultation may include:

• Previous pregnancies
• Previous miscarriages
• Previous IVF cycles
• Family history of genetic conditions
• Genetic test results
• Age and reproductive history
• Fertility diagnosis
• Number of embryos that may be expected

If PGT-M is being considered because of a known genetic condition, genetic counselling and laboratory assessment may be needed before the IVF cycle begins. PGT-M can involve customized test development based on the specific genetic variant.

This preparation is important because PGT should be based on a clear clinical reason rather than simply being added to every IVF cycle.

Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation

The next stage is ovarian stimulation.

Fertility medications are used to encourage the ovaries to develop multiple follicles rather than a single naturally selected follicle.

During this stage, the fertility team monitors ovarian response through appropriate clinical assessments.

The goal is to obtain mature eggs that can potentially be fertilized and developed into embryos.

Step 3: Egg Retrieval

Once the follicles have developed appropriately, the eggs are collected through an egg retrieval procedure.

The retrieved eggs are then taken to the embryology laboratory.

Not every retrieved egg will necessarily be mature, and not every mature egg will fertilize.

This is one reason why the number of eggs retrieved does not equal the number of embryos available for PGT.

Step 4: Fertilization

The collected eggs are fertilized with sperm in the laboratory.

Depending on the treatment plan, conventional IVF or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) may be used.

The fertilized eggs are then monitored for early embryo development.

Step 5: Embryo Development

The embryos are cultured in the laboratory and observed as they develop.

Some embryos continue developing while others may stop growing.

Embryos that develop successfully may reach the blastocyst stage, which generally occurs around day 5 or 6 after fertilization.

At this stage, embryos may be considered for biopsy and PGT.

Step 6: Embryo Biopsy

This is one of the most important stages of PGT.

A trained embryology team removes a small number of cells from the developing blastocyst.

The biopsy sample is then sent for genetic analysis.

The embryo itself is generally cryopreserved while the testing process takes place.

The procedure is designed to obtain genetic information from the sampled cells while preserving the embryo for potential future transfer.

Step 7: Genetic Testing

The biopsy sample is analyzed according to the specific PGT test requested.

PGT-A

PGT-A examines chromosome number and is commonly described as testing for aneuploidy.

PGT-M

PGT-M investigates a specific single-gene disorder.

For example, it may be considered when there is a known inherited condition in the family.

PGT-SR

PGT-SR is used to investigate certain structural chromosome rearrangements.

The important point is that the genetic test must match the clinical question.

Step 8: Understanding the PGT Results

After genetic analysis, the results are reviewed by the appropriate fertility and genetics professionals.

Results may provide information about whether an embryo meets the criteria being assessed.

However, PGT results should always be interpreted carefully.

For example, some embryos may produce mosaic results, meaning the biopsy contains cells with different chromosome profiles.

ASRM notes that mosaic PGT-A results require careful clinical interpretation and individualized decision-making.

This is why patients should not interpret a PGT report without professional guidance.

Step 9: Embryo Selection and Transfer

After the results are available, the fertility specialist discusses the available embryos with the patient or couple.

If an embryo is considered appropriate for transfer, the fertility team plans the embryo transfer according to the overall treatment strategy.

In many cases, embryos are transferred in a subsequent frozen embryo transfer cycle rather than immediately during the same stimulation cycle.

The specific approach depends on the patient's circumstances and clinic protocol.

Does PGT-A Improve IVF Success?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask.

The answer is not necessarily for everyone.

PGT-A can provide information about embryo chromosome status, but current evidence does not support using PGT-A as a routine screening test for every IVF patient. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine states that its value as a universal screening test has not been established.

Therefore, your fertility specialist should consider your individual circumstances before recommending PGT-A.

Who May Benefit From PGT?

PGT may be discussed for patients with specific clinical or genetic circumstances.

These may include:

Couples With a Known Genetic Condition

PGT-M may be considered when there is a significant reproductive risk associated with a known single-gene disorder.

Carriers of Certain Chromosomal Rearrangements

PGT-SR may be relevant when one partner has a structural chromosome rearrangement.

Selected IVF Patients

PGT-A may be considered in specific situations after discussing its potential benefits and limitations.

Couples Seeking Genetic Information Before Transfer

Some couples may want additional information about embryos before deciding which embryo to transfer.

However, PGT is not automatically appropriate for every IVF patient.

What Are the Limitations of PGT?

Although PGT is an advanced reproductive technology, it has limitations.

PGT:

• Does not test for every genetic condition
• Does not guarantee implantation
• Does not guarantee pregnancy
• Does not guarantee a healthy baby
• May produce results requiring additional interpretation
• Cannot compensate for every cause of infertility
• Requires IVF to create embryos for testing

No genetic test can eliminate every possible health risk.

For example, ASRM emphasizes that no technology can guarantee healthy offspring.

Does PGT Replace Prenatal Testing?

No.

PGT is performed before embryo transfer, while prenatal screening and diagnostic testing occur during pregnancy.

For pregnancies achieved following PGT-M, ASRM recommends offering prenatal testing to confirm the embryo testing result and assess for other fetal abnormalities unrelated to the specific PGT-M indication.

Your obstetrician, fertility specialist or genetic counsellor can explain which prenatal tests may be appropriate.

PGT in Dubai: Questions to Ask Your Fertility Specialist

If you're considering PGT testing in Dubai, ask:

1. Why is PGT being recommended for me?
2. Which type of PGT do I need?
3. What condition or chromosome issue will be tested?
4. How many embryos might be available for testing?
5. What happens if no embryo is suitable for transfer?
6. How are mosaic results handled?
7. Will genetic counselling be recommended?
8. How long will testing take?
9. What are the additional costs?
10. Will prenatal testing still be recommended after pregnancy?

These questions can help you make a more informed decision.

PGT vs Standard IVF: What's the Difference?

The decision between standard IVF and IVF with PGT should be individualized rather than based solely on age or a desire for additional testing.

Why Choose Almond Blossoms for PGT in Dubai?

Almond Blossoms Fertility & Wellbeing Centre provides fertility and wellbeing care in Dubai, including IVF-related services and PGT options.

Its PGT service covers:

• PGT-A
• PGT-M
• PGT-SR

The service can be discussed as part of an individualized fertility treatment plan.

This internal link should appear once in the main body and once in the CTA—not repeatedly.

Final Thoughts

PGT is a sophisticated part of modern reproductive medicine that can provide valuable genetic or chromosomal information about embryos created through IVF.

The process involves several stages, beginning with fertility assessment and IVF and continuing through embryo development, biopsy, and laboratory genetic analysis.

However, PGT is not a guarantee of IVF success and is not necessary for every patient. The decision should be based on your reproductive history, genetic circumstances, and individual treatment goals.

If you're considering PGT in Dubai, a consultation with a qualified fertility specialist can help you understand whether testing is appropriate for your IVF journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PGT done before or after IVF?

PGT is performed during an IVF treatment process, after embryos have been created and developed to the stage where biopsy can be performed, but before the embryo is transferred.

How many cells are removed during PGT?

A small number of cells are taken from the embryo's outer cell layer during blastocyst biopsy. The exact number can vary depending on the laboratory technique.

Can PGT damage the embryo?

Embryo biopsy is an established laboratory procedure, but like any laboratory intervention, it has limitations and potential risks. Your fertility clinic should explain its specific laboratory approach.

Can PGT tell if an embryo will definitely implant?

No. PGT cannot predict implantation with certainty.

Is PGT-A recommended for everyone doing IVF?

No. Current ASRM guidance does not support PGT-A as a universal screening test for all IVF patients.

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

PGT-A assesses chromosome number, while PGT-M is designed to test for a specific monogenic or single-gene condition.

Can PGT detect every genetic disease?

No. PGT only assesses the genetic characteristics specifically targeted by the test.

Can I get PGT testing in Dubai?

Yes. PGT is available as part of specialized IVF care, but the appropriate test depends on your individual reproductive and genetic circumstances.