PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR at Brown Fertility
You may be considering genetic testing because a condition runs in your family, previous testing identified a genetic concern, or you want more information about your embryos before transfer.
Preimplantation genetic testing, also known as PGT, evaluates embryos created through in vitro fertilization for specific chromosomal or genetic findings.
At Brown Fertility, we help you understand which type of testing may apply, what the results can tell you, and where the limitations need to be considered. Embryo samples are analyzed by specialized third-party genetic laboratories, while our fertility specialists help you understand how the findings may fit into your IVF plan.
What Are the Three Types of Preimplantation Genetic Testing?
PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR answer different questions about an embryo. The type of testing considered will depend on your medical history, genetic findings, and family-building goals.
PGT-A Screens Chromosome Number
PGT-A stands for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy.
A typical human embryo has 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. An embryo with the expected number is generally described as euploid. An embryo with an extra or missing chromosome is described as aneuploid.
PGT-A screens a small sample of cells to determine whether the embryo appears to have the expected number of chromosomes. Your physician and embryology team may consider this information alongside embryo development, age, reproductive history, and other clinical factors when discussing embryo transfer.
PGT-A is not routinely recommended for every IVF patient. Its potential value depends on your age, treatment history, the number of embryos available, and what you hope to learn from testing.
PGT-A is a screening test rather than a diagnostic test. It cannot identify every genetic or chromosomal condition or guarantee implantation, pregnancy, or the birth of a healthy child.
PGT-M Tests for a Known Genetic Variant
PGT-M stands for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Conditions.
It is designed to test embryos for a specific single-gene condition or genetic variant that has already been identified in an individual or family.
PGT-M does not test an embryo for every possible genetic condition. It answers a specific question about the condition or variant already identified in the family.
Because every case is different, the genetic laboratory may need to review medical records, confirm previous genetic results, study the family history, or request DNA samples from relatives. A customized test may then need to be developed before embryo testing can begin.
The laboratory will determine whether PGT-M is technically possible for the genetic variant in question. Beginning this process before an IVF cycle can give the laboratory time to complete its review and test development.
Exploring IVF and Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer Risk?
For individuals and families navigating hereditary cancer risk, IVF with PGT-M may offer the opportunity to reduce the risk of passing certain inherited genetic conditions to future generations.
Through our partnership with Previvor, Brown Fertility is helping expand awareness, education, and access to fertility care for individuals facing hereditary cancer risks.
PGT-SR Evaluates Structural Rearrangements
PGT-SR stands for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements.
It may be considered when one intended parent has a known structural chromosome rearrangement.
A rearrangement occurs when parts of chromosomes are exchanged, repositioned, inverted, or otherwise altered. Someone with a balanced rearrangement may be healthy because the expected amount of genetic material is present, even though it is arranged differently.
During reproduction, that rearrangement can increase the chance of an embryo receiving an unbalanced amount of chromosomal material.
Structural rearrangements can sometimes be connected with infertility, pregnancy loss, or an increased chance of a pregnancy affected by a chromosome imbalance.
Every rearrangement is different. A genetic counselor and the testing laboratory can explain whether PGT-SR is possible and what the test may identify in your situation.
How Does PGT Work During IVF?
PGT is performed on embryos created through IVF. Testing becomes one part of the IVF process rather than a separate fertility treatment.
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1
Eggs Are Retrieved and Fertilized
Medication is used to support the development of multiple eggs.
Once the eggs are ready, they are retrieved and fertilized in the embryology laboratory to create embryos.
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Embryos Are Monitored
The embryos are carefully monitored as they develop.
Only embryos that reach the appropriate developmental stage can be considered for biopsy.
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3
A Small Cell Sample Is Collected
An embryologist removes a small number of cells from each eligible embryo.
These cells generally come from the part of the embryo that contributes to the placenta rather than the part that develops into the fetus.
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4
The Embryos Are Frozen
The biopsied embryos are usually cryopreserved while testing is completed.
This allows time for the genetic laboratory to analyze the samples and prepare the results.
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5
The Samples Are Analyzed
The cell samples are sent to a specialized third-party genetic testing laboratory.
The laboratory performs the selected PGT-A, PGT-M, PGT-SR, or combined analysis.
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6
We Review the Findings With You
Once the report is available, your Brown Fertility physician will explain the findings and answer your questions.
The results are considered alongside embryo development, your medical history, previous treatment, and the other factors shaping your embryo-transfer plan.
What Can PGT Results Tell You?
PGT can provide useful information about the chromosomal or genetic finding included in the selected test. It cannot answer every question about an embryo or future pregnancy.
Results Come From a Small Sample
Only a few cells are removed from an embryo and tested.
Those cells may not always represent every cell within the embryo. This is one reason results require careful interpretation.
Some Findings Need Further Discussion
Depending on the test and laboratory, a result may be reported as euploid, aneuploid, mosaic, inconclusive, or no result.
A mosaic result suggests that the sampled cells contain more than one chromosomal pattern. Your physician or genetic counselor can explain what this finding means and whether any additional steps should be considered.
False Results Are Possible
False-positive and false-negative results can occur.
PGT also cannot identify every genetic condition, developmental concern, birth defect, or health issue that could affect a child.
Prenatal Testing Still Matters
Prenatal screening and diagnostic testing should still be discussed during pregnancy, even when an embryo has undergone PGT.
Your obstetric provider or genetic counselor can explain the available options and what each test may determine.
How Does Brown Fertility Coordinate Genetic Testing?
Brown Fertility offers access to PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR with IVF when appropriate.
Several teams may be involved, and each has a different role.
Brown Fertility Manages the IVF Process
Our team provides or coordinates:
- Your IVF treatment
- Embryo development
- Embryo biopsy
- Cryopreservation
- Sample handling
- Treatment planning after results are received
Your physician will help you understand why a particular test is being considered and how the findings may affect your treatment plan.
A Third-Party Laboratory Performs the Testing
The genetic analysis is completed by a specialized independent laboratory.
Depending on the selected test, the laboratory or a genetic counselor may also help with:
- Reviewing genetic records
- Confirming whether testing is possible
- Developing a customized PGT-M test
- Collecting additional samples
- Explaining consent requirements
- Interpreting complex findings
Fees May Be Separate
Third-party genetic testing fees may be separate from Brown Fertility’s IVF, biopsy, embryology, cryopreservation, and treatment fees.
Our team can explain which services are provided through Brown Fertility and which are billed by the genetic laboratory.
You can also review our insurance coverage and financial resources.
Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing Right for You?
There is no single answer for every IVF patient.
Your priorities matter, too.
Some patients choose PGT because the results could provide information that is important to their treatment decisions. Others decide that testing does not fit their needs, values, timeline, or circumstances.
Your physician may consider:
- Your age
- Your medical and reproductive history
- Your family genetic history
- Carrier-screening results
- Known genetic variants
- Chromosome or karyotype results
- Previous pregnancies
- Previous IVF treatment
- The number of embryos available
- Your family-building goals
Our role is to explain the available options without pressure. We will help you understand what each test may offer and what it may leave unanswered before you decide how to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions About PGT
Do I need IVF to have PGT?
Yes. Preimplantation genetic testing is performed on embryos created through IVF.
The embryos must develop to the appropriate stage before a small cell sample can be collected and sent for testing.
What happens to the embryos while we wait for results?
The biopsied embryos are typically frozen and stored while the genetic laboratory analyzes the samples.
Once results are available, your physician can discuss how they may factor into a future frozen embryo transfer.
Can more than one type of PGT be performed?
Yes. More than one type of testing may be used when clinically and technically appropriate.
For example, a patient using PGT-M for a known inherited condition may also discuss whether another type of testing belongs in the same testing strategy.
Can PGT-M test embryos for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant?
PGT-M may be an option for some families with a known pathogenic BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant.
The fertility team, genetic counselor, and testing laboratory will need to review the specific genetic finding and determine whether a customized test can be developed.
Is genetic testing included in the cost of IVF?
Genetic testing is performed through a third-party laboratory, and its fees may be separate from IVF, embryo biopsy, embryology, cryopreservation, and other treatment costs.
Our team can help you understand which charges come from Brown Fertility and which come from the genetic laboratory.
Does PGT guarantee a healthy pregnancy?
No. PGT provides information only about the chromosomal or genetic findings included in the selected test.
It cannot evaluate every possible condition or guarantee implantation, an ongoing pregnancy, or the birth of a healthy child. Prenatal screening and diagnostic testing should still be discussed during pregnancy.
Make Genetic Testing Part of an Informed IVF Plan
Choosing genetic testing is about deciding whether the information it provides will be useful to you.
We will review your fertility history, genetic information, concerns, and family-building goals before discussing the available options.
Together, we can determine whether PGT-A, PGT-M, PGT-SR, or another approach belongs in your IVF plan.
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