Understanding PGT
What is preimplantation genetic testing?
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a specialist laboratory technique used alongside IVF to assess embryos before transfer.
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This involves carefully examining genetic or chromosomal information from an embryo to help identify whether it may be suitable for transfer, depending on your individual circumstances and treatment goals.
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For some patients, this may help support decision-making during IVF treatment, particularly where there is a history of recurrent miscarriage, repeated unsuccessful IVF treatment, chromosomal concerns, or specific inherited genetic conditions.
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PGT is a highly specialised area of fertility treatment and is only recommended where clinically appropriate.
Who it may help
When PGT may be considered
PGT may be considered in selected circumstances, including:
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recurrent miscarriage
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repeated unsuccessful IVF treatment
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recurrent implantation failure
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advanced maternal age
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known chromosomal rearrangements
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inherited genetic conditions
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where additional information may help guide embryo selection
Where genetic counselling may be beneficial, Ms Ben Nagi works closely with specialist genetic counselling services, including Guided Genetics, as well as other leading genetics providers. This ensures that patients have access to expert genetic assessment, counselling, carrier screening, reproductive genetics advice, and personalised guidance to support informed decision-making throughout their fertility journey.
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At your consultation, Ms Ben Nagi will carefully review your history and discuss whether this is a relevant option for you.
Initial consultation
A detailed consultation to review your fertility history, previous treatment, and whether PGT may be clinically appropriate.
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If you are seeking PGT due to an inherited genetic condition or a known chromosomal rearrangement, you will also meet with a genetic counsellor, who will review your detailed medical and family history with you.
IVF treatment cycle
Eggs are collected following ovarian stimulation and fertilised in the laboratory as part of IVF treatment.
Embryo development
Embryos are carefully monitored as they develop in the laboratory.
Embryo biopsy
At the appropriate stage of development, a small number of cells are carefully removed from the embryo for testing.
Genetic analysis
The biopsy sample is assessed in a specialist laboratory to provide relevant genetic or chromosomal information.
Treatment planning
Results are reviewed carefully and discussed with you in the context of your overall treatment plan.
Embryo transfer
Where appropriate, embryo transfer is planned based on your treatment pathway and laboratory findings.
Our approach
Care that feels clear and carefully considered
PGT is a complex and highly specialised area of fertility treatment, and it is important that patients receive balanced, evidence-based guidance.
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At Consilium Clinic, treatment recommendations are never routine. If PGT is discussed, this is because it may be relevant to your individual circumstances and fertility history.
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You will have time to understand the potential role of testing, its limitations, and what the results may or may not mean for your treatment.
Consultant-led care
Your care, guided by experience
Your care is led by Ms Jara Ben Nagi, Consultant Gynaecologist and accredited specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery.
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She has extensive experience in advanced fertility care and previously developed and led specialist preimplantation genetic testing programmes within established fertility centres.
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Her approach combines specialist expertise with thoughtful, personalised care, ensuring treatment recommendations are carefully tailored to each patient’s circumstances.
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Preimplantation Genetic Testing – Important Information
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can provide additional information about embryos in selected circumstances, but it does not guarantee pregnancy or a live birth.
There are different types of PGT. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) assesses embryos for abnormalities in the number of chromosomes and may be considered as part of IVF treatment in selected circumstances.
PGT-A is classified by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) as a fertility treatment add-on. The evidence regarding its benefits varies according to the outcome being considered and an individual patient's circumstances. The HFEA currently rates PGT-A red for increasing the chance of having a baby for most fertility patients, while evidence indicates that it can reduce the chance of miscarriage for most fertility patients.
Other forms of PGT, including PGT-M for certain monogenic (single-gene) conditions and PGT-SR for chromosomal structural rearrangements, are used for different clinical indications and are not classified in the same way as PGT-A.
As with all fertility treatment, the likelihood of success depends on several factors, including age, embryo development, reproductive history and overall fertility health.
Where PGT-A may be relevant to your treatment, we will discuss its potential benefits, limitations and risks with you, taking account of your individual circumstances, so that you can make a fully informed decision about your care.
For independent information about PGT-A and the latest evidence and HFEA ratings, please visit the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) website.
No. PGT is an additional laboratory technique used alongside IVF, rather than a separate fertility treatment.
No. PGT may provide additional information in selected cases, but it cannot guarantee pregnancy or treatment success.
No. PGT is only appropriate in specific clinical circumstances and is not routinely recommended for all fertility patients.
Yes. If PGT may be clinically appropriate based on your history or treatment goals, this will be discussed clearly during consultation.