- Treatment Process Explained
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 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
Assuming PGT automatically improves everyone's odds.
Try
Asking your specialist directly whether your specific case is one where the evidence actually supports it.
Is PGT Actually Right for Your Case?
Let's look at your specific history and risk factors before deciding either way.
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 adds meaningfully to the overall cost of a cycle (our full cost breakdown covers this in detail). This is genuinely a case-by-case decision to make directly with your specialist based on your own risk factors — not something to accept by default simply because it's offered.
PGT is a genuinely useful tool for the right case. It isn't a universal upgrade everyone needs to say yes to.
Is PGT Actually Right for You?
Let's look at your specific risk factors before deciding, not a generic recommendation.
A Bright Future, Together™
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
No. PGT assesses the embryo's genetic status only — it doesn't account for implantation success, uterine receptivity, or other factors.
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.
Yes. PGT is performed before transfer and doesn't replace standard prenatal screening during pregnancy.
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 educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee of outcomes. Whether PGT is appropriate depends on individual history and risk factors. Please consult a Samarth IVF specialist for guidance specific to your own situation.
