Genetic Testing (PGT) Explained: Who Actually Needs It
PGT gets presented sometimes as a blanket add-on every IVF patient should simply say yes to. It genuinely isn’t. Preimplantation Genetic Testing is valuable — sometimes essential — for specific situations, and far less …
Samarth IVF team
Updated 10 Sep 2026 3 min read
PGT gets presented sometimes as a blanket add-on every IVF patient should simply say yes to. It genuinely isn’t. Preimplantation Genetic Testing is valuable — sometimes essential — for specific situations, and far less clearly necessary for others. Here’s an honest breakdown of what it actually checks, who genuinely benefits, and what it can’t do.
What PGT Actually Checks For
PGT-A — Aneuploidy Screening
Checks embryos for chromosomal number abnormalities. This is the most commonly discussed type of PGT.
PGT-M — Monogenic/Single-Gene Testing
Tests for one specific, known inherited genetic condition running in the family — such as thalassemia, which is relatively common in India.
PGT-SR — Structural Rearrangements
Relevant for parents with a known chromosomal structural rearrangement, such as a translocation.
How PGT Actually Works
A small biopsy of a few cells is taken from the embryo, typically at the blastocyst stage (Day 5 or 6), without disturbing the rest of the developing embryo. Those cells are analysed genetically, and the results help guide which embryo or embryos are selected for transfer.
Who Actually Benefits From PGT
- Couples with a known specific inherited genetic condition in the family (PGT-M)
- Couples with a known chromosomal translocation (PGT-SR)
- Women of advanced maternal age, where chromosomal abnormality risk rises naturally with age (PGT-A)
- A history of recurrent pregnancy loss, after appropriate evaluation
- A history of previous failed IVF cycles despite good-quality embryos
Who Probably Doesn't Need It
For younger patients with no known genetic risk factors and no history of loss, the evidence for universal benefit is considerably more debated — the added cost and complexity may not be clearly justified for this group specifically.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| Assuming PGT automatically improves everyone's odds. | Asking your specialist directly whether your specific case is one where the evidence actually supports it. |
What PGT Does Not Do
- It does not guarantee a successful pregnancy — it only assesses the embryo's genetic status, not implantation success or uterine factors
- It does not test for every possible genetic condition — only what it's specifically designed to check (aneuploidy, or a named mutation)
- It does not replace prenatal testing during pregnancy — standard prenatal screening is still typically recommended afterward
The Cost and Decision Worth Having With Your Specialist
PGT is a genuinely useful tool for the right case. It isn't a universal upgrade everyone needs to say yes to.
On This Page
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PGT necessary for every IVF cycle?
No. It's clearly beneficial for specific situations, but the evidence for universal benefit in every case is much less clear-cut, especially for younger patients without known risk factors.
What's the difference between PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR?
PGT-A screens for chromosomal number abnormalities. PGT-M tests for one specific known inherited genetic condition. PGT-SR checks for known chromosomal structural rearrangements like translocations.
Does PGT guarantee a successful pregnancy?
No. PGT assesses the embryo's genetic status only — it doesn't account for implantation success, uterine receptivity, or other factors.
Is embryo biopsy for PGT risky to the embryo?
The biopsy is performed carefully at the blastocyst stage by trained embryologists, and is generally considered a low-risk, well-established part of the process.
Do I still need prenatal testing during pregnancy if I did PGT?
Yes. PGT is performed before transfer and doesn't replace standard prenatal screening during pregnancy.
Who should specifically consider PGT?
Couples with a known inherited genetic condition, a known chromosomal rearrangement, advanced maternal age, recurrent pregnancy loss, or previous failed cycles despite good-quality embryos.
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Suitability and response to any treatment vary between individuals.
