PGT-A and genetic testing: when it's worth it
The trade-offs no one explained when they handed you the consent form.
What PGT-A tests for
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) takes a small biopsy of cells from a day-5 or day-6 blastocyst and screens for whole-chromosome abnormalities (extra or missing chromosomes — the most common cause of miscarriage and failed implantation).
Where it helps most
PGT-A meaningfully increases per-transfer success rates and reduces miscarriage risk for people 35 and older, where aneuploid embryos are common. For people under 35 with multiple normal-looking embryos, the benefit per cycle is smaller and ASRM does not universally recommend it.
Real trade-offs
Cost: $3,000–$7,000 per cycle (biopsy + lab fee + freezing). Risk: small chance of false positives discarding viable embryos, and biopsy itself carries a very small risk to the embryo. Logistics: requires a freeze-all cycle (no fresh transfer).
Not the same as PGT-M or PGT-SR
PGT-M tests for a specific known genetic disease in the family (cystic fibrosis, Huntington's, BRCA, etc.). PGT-SR tests for structural rearrangements when a parent carries a translocation. These are clinically different from PGT-A and are recommended in different situations.
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- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
- SART — Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology
- FertilityIQ — IVF & IUI cost data
Cited figures (cycle counts, dollar ranges, mandate lists) reflect publicly available data as of early 2026. Always confirm specific numbers against the linked sources before relying on them — pricing, protocols, and laws change.
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