Preimplantation Genetic Testing: What It Is and How It Helps IVF Success

When couples turn to preimplantation genetic testing, a lab procedure used during IVF to check embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation. Also known as PGT, it helps select the healthiest embryos for transfer, improving chances of a successful pregnancy and reducing the risk of miscarriage or genetic disorders. This isn’t science fiction—it’s a routine part of fertility care in major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, where clinics now offer it as a standard option for couples with recurrent IVF failure, advanced maternal age, or known genetic risks.

There are three main types of preimplantation genetic testing: PGT-A (aneuploidy screening), checks for extra or missing chromosomes, which is most common for women over 35; PGT-M (monogenic disorder screening), used when parents carry genes for conditions like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell; and PGT-SR (structural rearrangement screening), for parents with chromosomal translocations. These aren’t just labels—they’re tools that directly impact outcomes. Studies from Indian fertility centers show PGT-A can increase live birth rates by 10–15% per transfer in older patients, and cut miscarriage rates by nearly half.

It’s not for everyone. If you’re under 35 with no family history of genetic disease and haven’t had multiple failed IVF cycles, your doctor might not recommend it. But if you’ve lost pregnancies, had a child with a chromosomal condition, or are using donor eggs with known risk factors, this test can be life-changing. The process takes about 5–7 days after embryo biopsy, and only a few cells are removed—no harm to the embryo when done by skilled labs. Costs vary across India, from ₹40,000 to ₹1,20,000, depending on the clinic and number of embryos tested.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real stories and facts from people who’ve walked this path—how PGT changed their IVF journey, what the results actually mean, and how it connects to broader topics like IVF success rates, embryo quality, and genetic counseling in India. You’ll also see how it ties into other health decisions, like whether to test for inherited conditions before trying to conceive, or how lifestyle and age affect embryo health. No fluff. Just what matters when you’re trying to build a family.