Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies

Advanced Embryo Chromosome Screening Before Pregnancy

At SAFE Fertility Group PCL, we provide PGT-A, or Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies, to help screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before embryo transfer.

PGT-A is an advanced genetic testing technique used with IVF/ICSI treatment. It helps identify embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, supporting more informed embryo selection and increasing the chance of a healthy pregnancy.

SAFE Fertility Group has been using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology since 2014 and was the first fertility clinic in Thailand to introduce this technology for embryo genetic testing.

What is PGT-A?

PGT-A stands for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies.

It is a genetic screening test performed on embryos created through IVF/ICSI before pregnancy occurs. The purpose of PGT-A is to screen embryos for chromosomal number abnormalities, also known as aneuploidies.

Human cells normally contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, including 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes, X and Y. If an embryo has missing or extra chromosomes, it may result in implantation failure, miscarriage, or chromosomal conditions in the baby.

PGT-A helps identify embryos with the correct chromosomal number before they are selected for transfer into the uterus.

Understanding Genetic Abnormalities

Genetic abnormalities or mutations refer to changes in the structure of DNA, genes, or chromosomes. These abnormalities may occur at different levels, including:

Chromosome-level abnormalities
Gene-level abnormalities
Smaller DNA or protein-related changes

Some genetic or chromosomal defects may be detected during pregnancy, but preimplantation genetic testing allows embryos to be screened before pregnancy begins.

This provides couples and doctors with important information before deciding which embryo may be most suitable for transfer.

Why PGT-A is Important

Chromosomal abnormalities in embryos are one of the major factors associated with unsuccessful pregnancy outcomes.

Embryos with abnormal chromosome numbers may lead to:

Failed implantation
Recurrent implantation failure
Miscarriage
Pregnancy complications
Chromosomal disorders in the baby

PGT-A helps fertility specialists and embryologists identify embryos that are more likely to have the correct number of chromosomes. This information can support better embryo selection and treatment planning.

What Does PGT-A Screen For?

PGT-A screens all 23 pairs of human chromosomes, including:

22 pairs of body chromosomes, also known as autosomes
X and Y sex chromosomes

The test is designed to detect chromosomal numerical abnormalities, such as missing or extra chromosomes.

Common examples of chromosomal aneuploidies include:

Down syndrome — Trisomy 21
Edwards syndrome — Trisomy 18
Patau syndrome — Trisomy 13
Turner syndrome — Monosomy X

By screening embryos before pregnancy, PGT-A can help reduce the risk of transferring embryos with certain chromosomal abnormalities.

Who Should Consider PGT-A?

PGT-A may be recommended for couples or individuals undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment, especially in cases involving:

Advanced maternal age
Recurrent implantation failure
Recurrent miscarriage
Previous pregnancy or birth affected by chromosomal abnormality
Previous birth with fetal anomalies
Multiple unsuccessful IVF or ICSI cycles
Couples who want more information about embryo chromosomal status before transfer
Patients who have several embryos and wish to support embryo selection

A consultation with a fertility specialist and genetic counselor is recommended to determine whether PGT-A is appropriate for each patient’s treatment plan.

PGT-A and IVF/ICSI Treatment

PGT-A is performed as part of an IVF/ICSI cycle.

The process generally involves:

1. Ovarian Stimulation

The female patient receives medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs.

2. Egg Retrieval

Mature eggs are collected from the ovaries by the fertility specialist.

3. Fertilization by ICSI

The eggs are fertilized with sperm in the laboratory, commonly using ICSI.

4. Embryo Culture

The fertilized eggs are cultured and monitored until they reach the appropriate stage for biopsy, usually the blastocyst stage.

5. Embryo Biopsy

A small number of cells are carefully taken from the embryo by trained embryologists.

6. Genetic Testing by NGS

The embryo cell sample is analyzed using Next Generation Sequencing technology to screen for chromosomal abnormalities.

7. Embryo Freezing

Embryos are usually frozen while waiting for genetic testing results.

8. Embryo Selection and Transfer Planning

After the results are available, the doctor discusses the findings with the patient and plans embryo transfer using an embryo with suitable chromosomal results, when available.

Next Generation Sequencing Technology

Next Generation Sequencing, or NGS, is an advanced genetic testing technology used to analyze embryo chromosome status with high accuracy and efficiency.

SAFE Fertility Group has used NGS technology since 2014 and was the first clinic in Thailand to introduce this technology for embryo genetic testing.

NGS offers several important advantages:

High-resolution chromosome screening
Ability to screen all 23 pairs of chromosomes
Improved accuracy compared with older techniques
Faster and more efficient testing workflow
Higher throughput for laboratory processing
Enhanced performance in detecting chromosomal abnormalities
Better support for embryo selection in IVF/ICSI treatment

SAFE Fertility Group’s PGT-A method using NGS technology is branded as Life NGS.

Life NGS at SAFE Fertility Group

Life NGS is SAFE Fertility Group’s PGT-A method using Next Generation Sequencing technology.

This technology provides high-resolution screening and can detect chromosomal gain or loss down to at least 10Mb. Because NGS uses millions of data points as detectors, it provides detailed chromosome information to support embryo assessment.

SAFE Fertility Group also uses automation in the library preparation process before samples are transferred to the Illumina NGS machine. This automation helps reduce human error and improve the reliability of results.

SAFE was also the first laboratory in Thailand to introduce automation for library preparation in this process.

Applications of NGS in Embryo Genetic Testing

In addition to screening chromosomal numerical abnormalities, the NGS platform may also support other genetic testing applications using different approaches.

These may include the detection of:

Structural chromosome abnormalities
Chromosomal inversions
Chromosomal translocations
Chromosomal gains and losses
Other chromosome-related abnormalities depending on the testing indication

The appropriate genetic testing method depends on each couple’s medical history, family history, chromosome status, and doctor’s recommendation.

PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR

Preimplantation genetic testing has different purposes and limitations. At SAFE Fertility Group, the available options include:

PGT-A

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies
Used to screen embryos for abnormal numbers of chromosomes.

PGT-M

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders
Used to test embryos for specific inherited single-gene conditions.

PGT-SR

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements
Used for couples with known chromosomal structural rearrangements, such as translocations or inversions.

The fertility specialist and genetic counselor will recommend the most suitable test based on each patient’s condition.

Benefits of PGT-A

PGT-A may provide several benefits in IVF/ICSI treatment, including:

Screening embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer
Supporting selection of embryos with the correct number of chromosomes
Reducing the chance of transferring embryos with aneuploidy
Helping lower the risk of miscarriage related to chromosomal abnormalities
Supporting patients with recurrent implantation failure
Supporting patients with recurrent pregnancy loss
Helping reduce unnecessary embryo transfer attempts
Providing more information for personalized embryo transfer planning

PGT-A does not guarantee pregnancy or the birth of a healthy baby, but it provides valuable genetic information that can support clinical decision-making.

Why Choose SAFE Fertility Group PCL for PGT-A?

First Clinic in Thailand to Use NGS Technology

SAFE Fertility Group has been using Next Generation Sequencing since 2014 and was the first clinic in Thailand to introduce this technology for embryo genetic testing.

Life NGS Technology

SAFE’s PGT-A method, branded as Life NGS, supports high-resolution embryo chromosome screening and provides valuable information for embryo selection.

Automated Laboratory Workflow

SAFE uses automation in the library preparation process to help reduce human error and improve reliability before samples are transferred to the Illumina NGS platform.

Advanced In-House Genetic Testing Support

SAFE Fertility Group provides advanced embryo genetic testing supported by experienced laboratory professionals and fertility specialists.

Comprehensive PGT Options

SAFE offers PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR, allowing treatment plans to be customized according to each couple’s genetic and reproductive needs.

Personalized Fertility and Genetic Counseling

Patients receive personalized consultation from fertility specialists and genetic counselors to understand the purpose, benefits, limitations, and results of genetic testing.

Plan Your Embryo Transfer with Greater Confidence

PGT-A provides important information about embryo chromosomal status before embryo transfer. For couples undergoing IVF/ICSI, this can help support more informed decisions, especially in cases of advanced maternal age, recurrent miscarriage, or previous unsuccessful IVF attempts.

At SAFE Fertility Group PCL, our fertility specialists, embryologists, and genetic testing team are ready to provide advanced embryo screening, professional consultation, and personalized care throughout your fertility journey.

Contact SAFE Fertility Group PCL today to schedule a consultation and learn whether PGT-A with Life NGS is suitable for your IVF/ICSI treatment plan.