IVF — General Information › Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
This page is provided for general information. IVF treatment is not carried out at this practice; it is provided only in assisted reproduction (ART) centres licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health.
Preimplantation genetic testing examines a small sample taken from embryos created during IVF. The aim is to select the embryo for transfer on the basis of firmer information.
When it is considered
- Carriage of a single-gene disorder in the family (PGT-M)
- A chromosomal rearrangement in either partner (PGT-SR)
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Repeated IVF failure
- Advanced maternal age
- A previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal abnormality
How it is done
The embryo is cultured in the laboratory to the blastocyst stage. At that point a few cells are taken from the group that would later form the placenta and examined genetically. Embryos are frozen while the results are awaited.
An embryo found suitable is thawed and transferred in a subsequent cycle.
For single-gene disorders (PGT-M)
Where a single-gene disorder is known in the family, a test specific to that disorder is prepared first. This preparation uses samples from the couple and, where needed, from family members, and requires a defined period before treatment begins.
Couples considering PGT-M therefore avoid losing time by obtaining genetic counselling before starting the IVF process.
Its limits — an honest framing
- PGT offers no guarantee of pregnancy; it provides information for selection
- Not every embryo remains viable after testing
- Results can occasionally be inconclusive and require repeating
- The cells examined do not always represent the whole embryo exactly
- Selection of sex is not legally permitted except for medical necessity
