What Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)? How It Helps in IVF

12/8/2025 6:05:00 AM   Lotus IVF Team   

The Modern Revolution in IVF You Should Know About

In the world of fertility treatments, innovations come and go. But every once in a while, a breakthrough arrives that completely transforms the path to parenthood. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), offered at Lotus IVF, is one such revolution. Couples who once struggled with repeated IVF failures, recurrent miscarriages, or genetic disorders now have a tool that allows them to start their journey with clarity and confidence.

PGT doesn’t change the IVF process—it enhances it. It adds a layer of precision that was unimaginable just a decade ago. Instead of relying solely on how an embryo looks in the lab, the experts at Lotus IVF can now assess whether it is genetically normal, healthy, and capable of developing into a successful pregnancy.

This powerful combination of science and hope makes PGT one of the most discussed and transformative advancements in modern fertility medicine at Lotus IVF.

So, What Exactly Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)?

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is an advanced technique used to evaluate the genetic health of embryos created during an IVF cycle. Once fertilization takes place and the embryos begin to develop, a few carefully selected cells are gently removed for testing. This procedure is completely safe and does not harm the embryo. Instead, it provides valuable insight into the embryo’s genetic structure.

The purpose of PGT is simple yet powerful:
to identify the healthiest, genetically normal embryo with the highest potential to result in a successful and healthy pregnancy.

PGT can help detect a wide range of genetic issues, including:

• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Single-gene or inherited diseases
• Structural chromosome rearrangements
• Genetic factors that may contribute to implantation failure or miscarriage

By understanding these details, fertility experts can select the embryo with the best developmental potential—giving couples a stronger chance of success in their very first IVF attempt.

Why Is PGT Becoming So Important in IVF Today?

Infertility challenges have become more common, and couples are increasingly looking for safer, more reliable solutions. The truth is, many IVF failures occur due to chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo—something you simply cannot see with the naked eye.

PGT works like a magnifying glass.
It reveals the genetic story that each embryo carries.

Here are the strongest reasons why PGT has become a global game-changer:

1. Selecting the Healthiest Embryo

Sometimes, an embryo may look perfect under the microscope but carry hidden chromosomal issues. PGT screens for conditions like Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, and other abnormalities that can prevent implantation or cause complications later in pregnancy.

With this insight, doctors choose the embryo with the highest developmental potential.

2. Reducing the Risk of Miscarriage

One of the most painful experiences for couples is a miscarriage—often caused by chromosomal irregularities. By identifying genetically normal embryos, PGT significantly lowers the risk of pregnancy loss.

3. Increasing IVF Success Rates

Couples who undergo PGT often experience higher implantation rates and improved overall IVF outcomes. This means fewer IVF cycles, lower emotional stress, and a faster path to parenthood.

4. Preventing Inherited Genetic Disorders

PGT is especially beneficial for couples who carry known genetic mutations. It can screen embryos for specific inherited diseases such as:

• Thalassemia
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Hemophilia
• Muscular Dystrophy

This allows parents to protect their future child from conditions that run in the family.

5. Supporting Healthy Family Planning

For families who want to avoid genetic diseases or ensure better pregnancy outcomes, PGT provides clarity and control. It helps in making informed decisions based on accurate genetic data rather than assumptions or guesswork.

Types of PGT You Should Know About

PGT is not a single test. It includes three major categories, each with its own purpose:

1. PGT-A (Aneuploidy Screening)

1. Checks the number of chromosomes to identify abnormalities.
2. This is the most common type and is especially helpful for women above 35, couples with repeated IVF failures, or those with recurrent miscarriages.

2. PGT-M (Monogenic Disease Testing)

1. Used when one or both parents are carriers of specific genetic diseases.
2. PGT-M prevents these disorders from being passed on to the baby.

3. PGT-SR (Structural Rearrangements)

1. Screens for chromosomal structural changes that may cause IVF failure or miscarriage.
2. Each type of PGT adds a different layer of safety and accuracy to the IVF process.

How PGT Fits Into the IVF Journey

PGT blends seamlessly into the IVF process, adding precision without complicating the treatment. After fertilization, the embryos are allowed to develop for several days until they reach the blastocyst stage—typically around day 5 or 6. At this point, a small and carefully chosen group of cells from each embryo is gently removed and sent for detailed genetic analysis. The embryos themselves are safely frozen and preserved during this time.

When the genetic results are ready, the healthiest, most chromosomally normal embryo is identified for transfer. This thoughtful selection process helps reduce the chances of implantation failure, miscarriage, and genetic complications, ultimately increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

It’s a sophisticated scientific approach that provides clarity, confidence, and peace of mind for couples on their fertility journey.

PGT is recommended for:

1. Women above 35 years:
   As age increases, the chances of chromosomal abnormalities rise. PGT helps identify healthy embryos, improving the chances of a successful pregnancy.
2. Couples with recurrent pregnancy loss:
   Repeated miscarriages are often linked to chromosomal issues in the embryo. PGT can detect these issues early, helping prevent future losses.
3. Couples with repeated IVF failures:
   When IVF cycles fail without a clear reason, PGT helps ensure only genetically healthy embryos are transferred, increasing the success rate.
4. Parents who are known carriers of genetic diseases:
   If either partner carries a hereditary condition, PGT allows the selection of embryos free from that specific disorder.
5. Couples with a family history of genetic disorders:
   PGT offers peace of mind by screening for inherited conditions that may affect future children.
6. Individuals using donor eggs or sperm:
   Even donor gametes can carry genetic abnormalities. PGT adds an extra layer of safety and reassurance.
7. Cases of unexplained infertility:
   When no medical cause is found, hidden genetic issues may still be present. PGT helps uncover these and guides better treatment decisions.

And even without these risk factors, many couples choose PGT simply for the confidence it brings—knowing that their embryo has been thoroughly screened often leads to a smoother, more reassuring IVF journey.

The Emotional Advantage of PGT

Beyond the medical benefits, PGT provides something deeply personal—emotional security. IVF is not just a clinical journey; it’s an emotional one where every step is filled with anticipation, worry, and the constant question: “Will this work?”

PGT helps ease that emotional weight.

Knowing your embryo has been carefully screened gives couples a sense of inner peace that cannot be measured in reports or numbers. It allows you to move forward with your IVF cycle feeling more prepared, more assured, and more hopeful.

It transforms doubt into confidence, because you know you’re choosing the embryo with the strongest potential.
It replaces fear with clarity, as genetic uncertainties are addressed long before pregnancy begins.
And it turns uncertainty into relief, offering a calmness that supports you through the entire process.

For many parents, this emotional reassurance—this feeling of being on a safer, more guided path—is truly priceless.

Final Thoughts: PGT Makes IVF Not Just Possible—But Smarter

Preimplantation Genetic Testing marks a powerful shift in modern fertility care. By identifying the healthiest embryos even before pregnancy begins, PGT reduces risks, enhances success rates, and gives couples the reassurance they truly deserve. It doesn’t take away the natural beauty of becoming parents—it simply strengthens the foundation, giving nature the best possible chance to succeed.

At Lotus IVF, under the expert guidance of Dr. Shruti Ghate, PGT becomes more than just a test—it becomes a thoughtful, supportive step in your journey. With compassionate care and advanced technology, Lotus IVF ensures every couple feels informed, confident, and emotionally supported.

If you are considering IVF or preparing for your next steps in fertility, PGT at Lotus IVF may be the key that brings you one step closer to the family you’ve been dreaming of.

Top 10 FAQs About Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

1. What is the main purpose of PGT?

PGT helps identify embryos with the healthiest genetic profile, increasing the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy during IVF.

2. Is PGT safe for the embryo?

Yes. Only a few cells are tested from the embryo’s outer layer, and the procedure does not affect its growth or development.

3. Who can benefit from PGT?

PGT is useful for couples with recurrent miscarriages, repeated IVF failures, advanced maternal age, or known genetic disorders in the family.

4. Can PGT reduce IVF failures?

Yes. By selecting genetically healthy embryos, PGT significantly lowers the risk of implantation failure and miscarriage, improving overall IVF success rates.

5. How long does it take to get PGT results?

Results typically take 7–14 days. During this period, embryos are safely frozen until the best one is selected for transfer.

6. Does PGT guarantee a pregnancy?

While PGT increases the likelihood of success, it cannot guarantee pregnancy. Multiple factors, such as uterine health and age, also influence outcomes.

7. Can PGT detect inherited genetic disorders?

Yes. PGT can screen for specific genetic diseases carried by one or both parents, helping prevent the transmission of these conditions to the child.

8. Are embryos healthy after freezing for PGT?

Yes. Modern freezing techniques preserve embryos safely, and PGT does not compromise their viability or developmental potential.

9. Is PGT recommended for couples using donor eggs or sperm?

Yes. Even donor gametes may carry chromosomal abnormalities, and PGT ensures that only genetically healthy embryos are transferred.

10. Does PGT increase the chances of a single, healthy pregnancy?

Absolutely. By selecting the healthiest embryo, PGT improves the likelihood of a smooth pregnancy and reduces the risk of complications or miscarriage.