PGT-A in IVF: process, costs and accuracy limits

What PGT-A checks—and what it does not

PGT-A screens an embryo sample for abnormalities in chromosome number. It is not the same as PGT-M, which addresses specified single-gene conditions, or PGT-SR, which concerns structural chromosome rearrangements. The older labels PGS and PGD are not interchangeable descriptions of every modern test. A specialist should clarify the test and the question it is intended to answer.

PGT-A does not diagnose every genetic condition, repair an embryo or guarantee a healthy child. Choosing whether any testing is appropriate requires a discussion of your medical history, possible results and alternatives. This page explains the concept; it does not describe an authorized FertilyMed testing program.

The general process at a provider that performs testing

After IVF creates embryos, an embryologist may take a small cell sample for chromosome analysis. A laboratory tests that sample, and a clinician interprets the report with the patient. Embryos may be frozen while results are awaited, with transfer considered later. The testing method, embryo stage, laboratory policy and transfer pathway must be confirmed with the responsible provider.

Before consenting, ask about biopsy risks, sample handling, reporting categories, inconclusive results and the policy for mosaic findings. Clarify who provides counseling and what happens if no embryo is considered suitable for transfer. Do not assume a short travel itinerary covers biopsy, results and a later transfer in one visit.

Accuracy is not a single universal percentage

A sample is used to infer information about the embryo; it does not examine every cell. Mosaicism, sampling limitations and laboratory interpretation can complicate that inference. False-positive, false-negative or inconclusive results are possible. Ask a qualified provider for the validation and limitations of its actual method instead of relying on a generic accuracy claim.

HFEA discusses concerns that potentially viable embryos may be excluded after testing. ASRM's 2024 committee opinion states that the value of routine PGT-A screening for all IVF patients has not been demonstrated. Test accuracy, pregnancy rate per transfer and cumulative live birth per retrieval are different measures. A favorable laboratory result does not guarantee implantation or a live birth.

Cost questions for IVF with genetic testing in Mexico

No verified FertilyMed PGT-A price or package is provided. The confirmed $6,500–$7,500 USD standard IVF range excludes medications and must not be described as including genetic testing. A testing quote from another responsible provider should distinguish the IVF fee, biopsy, laboratory analysis, number of embryos, freezing, storage, counseling and any later embryo transfer.

Ask whether there are minimum charges, charges for additional embryos, repeat analysis or an inconclusive result. Include medications, extra appointments and additional travel separately. Do not apply the standard-IVF savings calculator to a genetic-testing package: the scope and price would be different.

What to discuss with your specialist

Ask what medical question testing could answer in your case and whether the evidence supports that use. Review the possibility of no transferable embryos, uncertainty in mosaic results and the implications for treatment time and cost. Discuss pregnancy screening and diagnostic options with your prenatal clinician if pregnancy occurs; an embryo test is not a substitute for that conversation.

Use the HFEA and ASRM sources below to prepare questions, not to self-prescribe a test. They describe general evidence rather than FertilyMed outcomes, laboratory accreditation or a local authorization. No individual success rate, medical-review identity or claim of perfect accuracy is invented here.

Sources

• HFEA: PGT-A
• ASRM: committee opinion (2024)

Frequently asked questions