What is assessed?
Biopsy findings relating to the copy number of all 24 chromosomes in the embryo.
Genetic Treatments · Chromosome-Number Screening
PGT-A Testing
PGT-A is designed to screen embryos created through IVF for findings suggesting missing or extra chromosome copies and to provide additional information for embryo-transfer prioritisation.
- PGT-A is not routinely recommended for everyone
- The possibility of mosaic and no-result reports is explained
- Standard prenatal screening or diagnostic options remain relevant during pregnancy
Understand the topic in one minute
PGT-A: Quick Summary
What is not assessed?
Specific single-gene conditions and all inherited or de novo genetic changes.
Possible use
Selection information that may help reduce transfer of aneuploid embryos in some patients.
Key limitation
The tested cells may not always represent the entire embryo perfectly.
Key information
What Is PGT-A?
PGT-A stands for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.
In brief:
A cell sample from the blastocyst is examined for missing or extra chromosome copies. Results may be reported in categories such as euploid, aneuploid, mosaic, segmental or no result.
Aneuploidy means having more or fewer copies of a chromosome than expected. It may reduce the likelihood of implantation, be associated with miscarriage or, less commonly, result in an ongoing chromosomal condition.
A PGT-A result is based on a limited sample of trophectoderm cells. Complete agreement with the embryo’s inner cell mass cannot be guaranteed in every case; mosaic results in particular require detailed counselling.
PGT-A does not genetically “correct” embryos. It only adds information from the available biopsy to transfer prioritisation and may sometimes result in no embryo being considered suitable for transfer.
- Patient age and expected blastocyst number are assessed
- Potential effects of PGT-A on live birth, miscarriage and number of transfers are discussed separately
- The policy for mosaic and segmental results is explained in advance
- The option not to test is also presented impartially
Differences between tests
What Is the Difference Between PGT-A and PGT-M?
PGT-A and PGT-M may be performed from the same biopsy sample, but they answer different questions.
PGT-A
Screens for missing or extra chromosome copies in an embryo.
- Does not require a pre-identified family variant
- A mosaic result may be reported
- Does not detect all genetic conditions
PGT-M
Assesses transmission of a specific confirmed genetic change within a family.
- May require development of a case-specific test
- Uses the inheritance pattern
- May distinguish carrier and affected results
Is PGT-A the same as embryo quality?
No. An embryo reported as euploid is not guaranteed to implant or result in live birth. Embryo development, uterine factors and biological variables outside the test still influence the outcome.
Who should be assessed?
Who May Be Suitable for PGT-A?
PGT-A is meaningful only when potential benefits and possible losses are considered together.
Assessment in advanced maternal age
Because the probability of aneuploidy increases with age, potential individual benefit may be discussed.
Patients with multiple blastocysts
Additional chromosome information may be considered when prioritising embryos for transfer.
Selected miscarriage histories
Cases in which a chromosomal cause for previous losses has been confirmed or is strongly suspected.
Embryo-banking plans
Future family-size goals and age may be considered together.
Repeated transfer failure
After other causes have been assessed, PGT-A may be discussed with clear explanation of the evidence limitations.
Individual priorities
The desire to reduce miscarriage risk is balanced against cost, embryo number and time.
Does PGT-A increase the chance of pregnancy for everyone?
No. Current professional assessments do not support PGT-A as a routine live-birth-enhancing test for every IVF patient. In some groups, the aim may instead be to reduce miscarriage or avoid transfers of embryos with aneuploid findings.
Preparation before testing
What Is Assessed Before PGT-A?
The decision should be made before oocyte collection with a realistic expectation of how many embryos may be available.
Age and ovarian reserve
Expected oocyte and blastocyst numbers are estimated.
Previous IVF outcomes
Fertilisation, blastocyst development, miscarriage and transfer history are reviewed.
Genetic history
Whether there is a different indication requiring PGT-M or PGT-SR is assessed.
Mosaic-result policy
The laboratory’s reporting threshold and transfer approach are explained.
Alternative plan
Morphology-based embryo selection and the option not to test are compared.
Prenatal follow-up
It is explained that standard screening and diagnostic options continue to be relevant during pregnancy.
Step-by-step process
How Is PGT-A Performed?
PGT-A involves blastocyst biopsy and chromosome copy-number analysis.
IVF plan
Ovarian stimulation and oocyte collection are planned.
Fertilisation
Oocytes are fertilised by IVF or, commonly, ICSI.
Blastocyst culture
Embryos are monitored until days 5–7.
Biopsy
A small number of trophectoderm cells are removed.
Vitrification
Biopsied embryos are frozen.
DNA analysis
Cell DNA is amplified and chromosome copy number is analysed.
Reporting
A result may be reported as euploid, aneuploid, mosaic, segmental or no result.
Transfer decision
Results are considered together with embryo quality and patient preferences.
Timeline
How Long Does It Take to Receive a PGT-A Result?
The IVF and testing timeline varies according to laboratory workflow.
Stimulation
Approximately 10–14 days before oocyte collection.
Blastocyst development
Approximately 5–7 days after oocyte collection.
Biopsy and freezing
Performed on the same day when a blastocyst is suitable.
Genetic analysis
May take several days or longer depending on the laboratory.
Counselling
Results are explained before a transfer decision is made.
FET
If an appropriate embryo is available, transfer is planned in a subsequent cycle.
How many days do I need to stay in Cyprus?
Oocyte collection usually requires a plan of approximately 10–14 days. You do not need to remain in Cyprus while waiting for the PGT-A report; a separate short visit can be planned for transfer.
Factors affecting outcomes
What Influences PGT-A Results and Clinical Benefit?
Analytical accuracy of the test should be distinguished from the patient’s likelihood of live birth.
Blastocyst number
When few embryos are available, testing may leave no embryo available for transfer.
Female age
Influences the proportion of aneuploid embryos and the chance of identifying a euploid embryo.
Biopsy sample
How well the sampled cells represent the embryo is important.
Mosaic thresholds
Laboratory algorithms and reporting thresholds can influence the result.
Embryology laboratory
Quality of culture, biopsy, freezing and warming can affect clinical outcomes.
Transfer and uterus
A euploid result does not guarantee implantation or live birth.
Important distinction:
Pregnancy per transfer, cumulative live birth per oocyte retrieval and miscarriage rate are different outcome measures. The decision should be based on the patient’s individual goals.
Personalised cost planning
PGT-A Costs
PGT-A cost varies according to the IVF cycle, biopsy and number of embryos tested.
IVF treatment
Medication, monitoring, oocyte collection and fertilisation.
Blastocyst culture
Monitoring embryos until the biopsy stage.
Embryo biopsy
Sampling each suitable blastocyst.
NGS or testing platform
Chromosome-analysis method and genetics-laboratory service.
Number of embryos
Testing may be priced as a fixed fee or according to the number of embryos.
Freezing and FET
Vitrification, storage and the subsequent transfer cycle.
Find out what your individual plan may include
Share your age, AMH level and previous blastocyst numbers so we can assess the potential benefit of PGT-A alongside cost and the possibility of having fewer embryos available after testing.
Laboratory and traceability01 02 03 04 05 06
NGS Analysis, Mosaicism and Traceability in PGT-A
A PGT-A report reflects biopsy quality, DNA amplification, the analysis platform and the laboratory algorithm together.
Biopsy identity
The embryo and biopsy tube are verified through electronic matching.
DNA amplification
Enough DNA for analysis is prepared from the small number of cells.
24-chromosome analysis
Copy number relating to all autosomes and sex chromosomes is assessed.
Mosaic assessment
Intermediate signal levels may be reported according to laboratory thresholds.
Segmental findings
Depending on the platform, copy-number changes affecting part of a chromosome may be detected.
Report verification
Results are transferred to the clinical record using double verification against the embryo code.
Multidisciplinary approach
PGT-A Treatment and Laboratory Team
The PGT-A decision requires clinical rationale, embryology-laboratory capability and genetic-result interpretation to be considered together.
Obstetrics, Gynaecology and IVF Specialist
Op. Dr. Beril Yüksel
Assesses the possible role of PGT-A according to patient age, ovarian reserve and transfer plan.
View profile →
Scientific Director
Prof. Dr. Münevver Serdaroğulları
Coordinates evidence review, consent, mosaic-result policy and quality processes.
View profile →
Embryology Laboratory Director
Zafer Atayurt
Manages blastocyst culture, biopsy, vitrification and matching of results to embryos.
View profile →Medical genetics assessment
Clinical interpretation of genetic risk and test results should involve an appropriately qualified medical geneticist or genetic counsellor. The IVF and embryology team manages integration of testing into reproductive treatment.
Balanced information
What Are the Risks and Limitations of PGT-A?
Potential benefit should be discussed alongside the possibility of losing transfer options and receiving uncertain results.
No proven routine benefit
It has not been shown to increase live birth for all IVF patients.
Incorrect result
The biopsy sample may not perfectly represent the entire embryo.
Mosaic uncertainty
Some embryos that might otherwise have the potential to result in live birth may be excluded.
No-result analysis
Insufficient DNA may lead to re-biopsy or ongoing uncertainty.
Biopsy and freezing
Zero risk to the embryo cannot be guaranteed.
Cost and time
Additional testing, freezing and a separate transfer cycle may be required.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions About PGT-A
Key answers about chromosome screening, mosaicism, treatment outcomes and pregnancy follow-up.
What is PGT-A?
A preimplantation genetic test that screens embryos for findings suggesting missing or extra chromosome copies.
Does PGT-A detect genetic diseases?
It does not test for specific single-gene conditions; it mainly focuses on chromosome copy number.
Is PGT-A necessary for everyone?
No. A routine live-birth benefit has not been demonstrated in all IVF patients.
Does PGT-A reduce miscarriage risk?
In some patient groups it may reduce transfer of embryos with aneuploid findings and thereby affect miscarriage risk, but it cannot prevent every miscarriage.
Does PGT-A increase pregnancy rates?
The answer varies by patient group and outcome measured. An increase in cumulative live birth has not been demonstrated for all patients.
What is a mosaic embryo?
A biopsy result suggesting a mixture of normal and abnormal chromosome copy-number signals.
Can a mosaic embryo be transferred?
The decision depends on the type of mosaic finding, availability of other embryos, laboratory policy and detailed genetic counselling.
Can PGT-A give an incorrect result?
Yes. Rare false-positive, false-negative and no-result analyses are possible.
How many embryos are needed for PGT-A?
There is no fixed number; when few blastocysts are available, the risk of having no embryo available for transfer after testing becomes more important.
Is amniocentesis required after PGT-A?
Prenatal screening and diagnostic options should be offered during pregnancy because PGT-A does not exclude all fetal genetic conditions.
How long does a PGT-A result take?
It may take several days or longer depending on the laboratory; embryos are usually frozen while results are pending.
Does PGT-A reveal embryo sex?
Sex chromosomes can technically be analysed, but use and reporting depend on applicable current regulations and medical indications.
How long do I need to stay in Cyprus for PGT-A?
Oocyte collection generally requires approximately 10–14 days; you do not need to stay while awaiting the report, and transfer can be planned separately.
What determines the cost of PGT-A?
Cost depends on IVF, biopsy, number of embryos tested, analysis platform, freezing and transfer components.