Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) is the screening of embryos obtained during IVF for certain chromosomal or genetic conditions before they are transferred to the uterus. The aim is to help make an informed choice.

PGT is a screening method; it does not guarantee pregnancy or a healthy birth but supports informed decisions.

PGT may be considered for situations such as advanced maternal age, recurrent pregnancy loss, a known family genetic condition, or recurrent IVF failure. It is not recommended routinely for every patient; the indication matters.

The decision to have PGT should be made together with genetic counseling. Counseling helps you understand what the test means, its limitations and possible outcomes. This is important for an informed and realistic decision.

PGT usually requires freezing the embryos after biopsy and transferring a suitable one in a later cycle according to the results. This is closely related to the frozen embryo transfer (FET) approach and allows more controlled timing.

PGT examines the embryos created during IVF before they are transferred to the uterus. “Preimplantation” refers to the stage before the embryo implants.

It allows embryos to be checked for their chromosome number or for specific known single-gene disorders. This helps select the most genetically suitable embryo for transfer — which can support implantation and reduce the risk of passing certain genetic conditions to the next generation.

PGT is not a treatment on its own but a laboratory/genetic step added to IVF. It is usually planned together with embryo freezing and a frozen embryo transfer.

It is worth being clear about what PGT can and cannot do. It does not create healthier embryos or change an embryo's genetics; it helps to identify and select the embryos most likely to be chromosomally suitable from those you already have. For that reason, PGT tends to add most value when there are several embryos to choose between, and when age or history raises the chance of chromosomal problems.

PGT is not needed for every IVF patient, but can help in specific situations.

None of these situations makes PGT mandatory on its own; each is weighed as part of a wider assessment of age, ovarian reserve and the likely number of embryos. For more on age, see our guides on getting pregnant after 40 and recurrent miscarriage and implantation failure.

Because an embryo's sex can also be identified during PGT, clear and accurate information matters here.

In Turkey, non-medical (family-balancing) sex selection is not legal. Sex information from PGT may only be used when there is a medical necessity — such as preventing a serious sex-linked genetic disease.

This framework reflects both the law and ethical principles. This aspect of the process is explained to you clearly at consultation, and all practice is carried out in line with the regulations.

The biopsy used for PGT is considered safe when performed by experienced hands.

• Biopsy from the right layer: cells are taken from the outer layer that forms the placenta, not the baby.
• Experience matters: the step is done carefully to avoid harming the embryo.
• Process risks: the usual IVF risks apply and are managed.

Whether PGT suits you, and any limitations, are explained clearly before treatment begins.

In couples with recurrent miscarriage or recurrent IVF failure, a significant share of losses can have chromosomal (genetic) causes.

Especially with advancing maternal age, chromosome-number errors (aneuploidy) in embryos become more common. Such embryos often either fail to implant or end in early loss. PGT-A can identify these embryos and help select those that are chromosomally suitable for transfer.

That said, chromosomal problems are not the only cause of recurrent loss; uterine, hormonal and clotting factors are also assessed. PGT is therefore considered as part of a wider evaluation. See recurrent miscarriage and implantation failure for more.

PGT — especially for a known inherited disease (PGT-M) or a chromosomal rearrangement (PGT-SR) — is planned together with genetic counselling.

Genetic counselling covers evaluating the family history, planning carrier testing and explaining results in an understandable way. This helps the couple clearly understand the process and their options.

Our aim is to help you make decisions with accurate, clear information. All your questions are answered openly throughout, with no pressure.