Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

What Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)?

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a method used during IVF treatment that examines the genetic makeup of cells taken from embryos, allowing only healthy embryos to be transferred. PGT can be applied in cases of recurrent pregnancy loss, repeated failure of embryo implantation with IVF, severe male factor infertility, genetic causes such as translocation carriership, or to shorten the time to pregnancy by selecting among embryos.

How Is PGT Performed?

PGT can be performed using three different methods:

• Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A): In this method, the chromosome number and structure of cells taken from the embryo are examined to detect embryos with abnormal chromosomes.
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR): In this method, when the mother or father carries an unbalanced translocation, the embryo is examined to determine whether the translocation is unbalanced. Translocation carriership rises to about 3% in couples with repeated failed attempts and up to 10% in couples with recurrent miscarriages. Although the chance of finding a normal or balanced embryo may be low, when a transfer does take place, the resulting chance of pregnancy is quite high. PGT increases the pregnancy rate in this patient group and can reduce pregnancy loss.
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders (PGT-M): In this method, for diseases with a hereditary genetic pattern in the family, the embryo is examined for the presence of the specific genetic mutation. These embryos are assessed both for the genetic mutation and for numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities. In this way, screening the embryo for genetic disease with IVF prevents transmission to future generations and also contributes to a healthy pregnancy.

In Which Situations Is PGT Applied?

PGT can be applied in the following situations:

• Recurrent pregnancy loss: 50-70% of pregnancy losses are due to chromosomal abnormalities. Detecting embryos with abnormal chromosomes through PGT can help prevent pregnancy loss.
• Repeated implantation failure with IVF: Some of the embryos obtained during IVF treatment may fail to implant in the uterus. Detecting embryos with abnormal chromosomes through PGT can increase implantation success.
• Severe male factor infertility: Some causes of male infertility are related to chromosomal abnormalities in sperm. Detecting sperm with abnormal chromosomes through PGT can help ensure the retrieval of healthy embryos.
• Genetic causes (translocation carriership): If the mother or father carries an unbalanced translocation, this can be passed on to embryos and may cause pregnancy loss. By examining whether the translocation is unbalanced, PGT helps ensure the selection of healthy embryos.
• Shortening the time to pregnancy by selecting among embryos: In IVF treatment, not all embryos obtained may be equally healthy. Identifying healthy embryos through PGT can shorten the time to achieving pregnancy.

Who Should Consider Preimplantation Genetic Testing?

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) allows healthy embryos to be selected by examining the genetic makeup of cells taken from embryos during IVF treatment. PGT is recommended in the following situations:

• Family history of a single-gene disorder: With PGT-M, embryos carrying specific gene mutations can be identified and excluded, preventing the transmission of genetic disease.
• Translocation carriership (unbalanced translocation): If the mother or father carries a translocation, PGT-SR examines the embryo's chromosomal structure for imbalance and selects healthy embryos accordingly.
• Advanced maternal age (generally 35 and older): Chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy) increase with age; PGT-A can help reduce these risks.
• Severe male factor infertility: Sperm-related chromosomal abnormalities can be passed on to the embryo; PGT helps identify healthy embryos.
• Couples seeking to achieve pregnancy faster and more effectively: By selecting the genetically healthiest embryo among those available, unnecessary transfers and repeated cycles can be reduced.

PGT is not routine for every couple, but rather a targeted genetic testing method recommended for those with specific indications. Genetic counseling should be used to determine which type of PGT (PGT-A, PGT-SR, PGT-M) is needed.

When Should Preimplantation Genetic Testing Be Performed?

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) should be applied at the correct time during the IVF treatment process, following specific steps to ensure the most reliable analysis of the embryos:

• Genetic evaluation and counseling (before the IVF cycle): Family history, previous miscarriages, genetic carrier status, and the presence of translocation are examined to determine the need for and type of PGT.
• Ovarian stimulation and fertilization: Eggs are stimulated, retrieved, and fertilized with sperm using the standard IVF protocol.
• Embryo biopsy (generally on day 5 / blastocyst stage): Once embryos reach the blastocyst stage, a few cells are taken and sent for genetic analysis. This stage is when chromosomal and gene mutation analyses are performed most reliably.
• Laboratory analysis: The cells taken undergo genetic analysis according to the selected type of PGT (PGT-A, PGT-SR, PGT-M). The analysis process generally takes 1-2 weeks, during which the embryos are frozen.
• Embryo transfer: Embryos determined to be healthy are transferred into the uterus. Transfer planned based on PGT results is most often performed as a frozen embryo transfer (FET).

For specific genetic targets such as PGT-M, the family-specific mutation must be identified in advance, and the process planned accordingly. Although early (day 3) biopsy is preferred in some cases, blastocyst biopsy provides higher accuracy. If an urgent transfer plan is in place, freezing the embryos until genetic results are available is preferred.

Advantages of the PGT Method

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a method that allows embryos to be genetically evaluated before being transferred into the uterus during the IVF process. As a result:

• Embryos found to be chromosomally normal, meaning healthy, can be selected for transfer; this can increase pregnancy and live birth rates.
• Because embryos carrying genetic abnormalities are eliminated, the risk of early pregnancy loss (miscarriage) may be reduced.
• The efficiency of the treatment process improves by reducing repeated failed attempts and the resulting emotional as well as time and cost burden.
• A more predictable and well-planned pregnancy process becomes possible, avoiding unnecessary repeated cycles until a successful pregnancy is achieved.

Disadvantages of the PGT Method

Along with its benefits, the following disadvantages of PGT should also be considered:

• Because it adds an extra stage to treatment, it results in both additional time and direct cost.
• The process of embryo biopsy and genetic analysis can extend the standard IVF protocol.
• Embryos identified as abnormal by PGT should not automatically be considered entirely incapable of producing a pregnancy or be labeled "unsuccessful"; due to mosaicism or technical limitations, results can sometimes be misleading.
• Interpreting such results requires expert genetic counseling; misinterpretation can affect treatment decisions.

Antalya PGT Prices

PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) prices in Antalya can vary depending on the type of test used, the number of embryos, and the center's infrastructure. For this reason, rather than a fixed fee, precise pricing is determined after personalized planning. A detailed evaluation before starting treatment is important so that you understand which services are included in the price during the process. To learn more about PGT applications in Antalya and to create a treatment plan tailored to you, you can consult Op. Dr. Melek Büyükkınacı, a Gynecology, Obstetrics, and IVF Specialist.

To Learn More About PGT

For PGT treatment in Antalya, you can consult Dr. Melek Büyükkınacı. Dr. Büyükkınacı is an experienced specialist in gynecology, obstetrics, and IVF in this field. To learn more about PGT, please make an appointment.