Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is the process of genetically screening embryos obtained during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in a laboratory setting for chromosomal or single-gene disorders before they are transferred into the uterus.
Why Is PGT Important?
Even in embryos that appear perfectly normal (morphologically) under a microscope, approximately 40–50% may have chromosomal number or structural abnormalities (aneuploidy). Embryos with abnormal chromosomes generally fail to implant in the uterus or lead to early miscarriages. With PGT, only genetically healthy (euploid) embryos are selected.“In IVF treatments involving genetic screening, the pregnancy success rate with single embryo transfer exceeds 75%, and the risk of miscarriage drops below 5%.”
Who Should Undergo PGT?
- Women of advanced maternal age (37 years and older),
- Couples experiencing recurrent IVF failure (no pregnancy after 2 or more transfers),
- Those with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss or miscarriage,
- Cases of severe male infertility and high sperm DNA damage,
- Known carriers of inherited single-gene disorders in the family (SMA, cystic fibrosis, thalassemia, etc.),
- Presence of a balanced chromosomal translocation in the prospective mother or father.
