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Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT)
Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) checks embryos for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities during IVF treatment. It aims to identify the best embryo to reduce the chances of miscarriage or having a child with an inherited genetic disease.
With over 35 years of experience, our fertility specialists and embryologists use the latest technologies and fertility treatments to give you the best chance of success.
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What is pre-implantation genetic testing?
Pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) is used to test embryos for genetic or chromosomal issues.
Chromosomal abnormality is one of the most common causes of miscarriage or IVF failure.
PGT is an additional step during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment to test a few cells from each embryo.
Appropriate embryos can then be chosen for transfer into the uterus or embryo freezing for use in future IVF cycles.
PGT allows many people to make an informed choice about their fertility treatment and future family.
Types of pre-implantation genetic testing
PGT-A
PGT-A was previously known as pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS)
Tests for abnormal numbers of chromosomes (known as aneuploidy) in the embryo
Embryos with aneuploidy have less chance of developing into a baby and are at a higher risk of causing miscarriage or other genetic conditions, such as Down’s Syndrome
PGT-A may be chosen by patients who have had multiple miscarriages or failed IVF cycles
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PGT-M
PGT-M was previously known as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
Tests for specific genetic disorders caused by mutations in a single gene (monogenic disorders), such as cystic fibrosis or Huntington's disease
Used if one or both parents are at risk of passing on a genetic condition to their baby
TFP Oxford Fertility is one of the selected IVF units that provides NHS England funded PGT-M treatment
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PGT-SR
PGT-SR tests for structural changes in the chromosomes that might cause genetic problems or recurrent miscarriage
Identifies embryos unaffected with the structural changes to improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy
TFP Oxford Fertility is one of the selected IVF units that provides NHS England funded PGT-SR treatment
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How is pre-implantation genetic testing done?
If pre-implantation genetic testing is required in your IVF treatment the embryos will be sent to the Cooper Genomics laboratory in London, where your embryos will be tested by expert embryologists.
The PGT IVF cycle continues in the same way as regular IVF but with the extra steps for biopsy and testing.
1. Fertilisation
Eggs are fertilised with sperm in the lab. An embryologist will inject a single sperm into each egg (intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI))
2. Biopsy
At day 5 to 6 when the embryo has grown into a ball of cells called a blastocyst. The embryologists carefully remove a small sample of cells (a biopsy) from the blastocyst using a needle.
3. DNA testing
The DNA from the collected cells is tested to assess the number of chromosomes they contain (PGT-A and PGT-SR) or if they carry a specific genetic condition (PGT-M). This process takes approximately four weeks to complete, so the embryos are frozen after biopsy.
4. Embryo transfer
Embryos that are not affected by genetic or chromosomal abnormalities will be chosen for transfer to continue your IVF cycle.
“Unlike many of my friend’s clinics, where treatments and add-ons are pushed, the team very much had our overall wellbeing in mind.”
“We were given an accurate picture of our situation which actually made me more confident.”
“Even after the losses, TFP Wessex Fertility was there, helping me come to terms with it. They gave great advice and I always felt that we were in this together, that everyone was on my team.”
“I just wanted a diagnosis of the problem so we could address the issue with appropriate treatment.”
Pre-implantation genetic testing pros and cons
PGT-A helps your embryologist identify the best embryo to place into your womb.
It can reduce the time to a pregnancy and your chances of having a miscarriage.
PGT-A may be suitable if you have had a history of recurrent miscarriage or multiple failed IVF treatments.
The HFEA (the UK fertility regulator) advises that PGT-A can’t increase your chances of having a baby, as the test may show that no healthy embryos are available to continue the IVF cycle.
If you have a genetic disease, PGT-M helps identifies the unaffected embryos so that your baby will not be affected with the same disease.
PGT-SR helps identify embryos with normal chromosomal structure to avoid other genetic conditions and avoid miscarriage.
Without PGT, your options include using a sperm or egg donor or testing during pregnancy, where you might face difficult decisions if the unborn baby is found to be affected by a serious genetic condition.
What are the risks of pre-implantation genetic testing?
Babies born after PGT have the same health and development as babies born with IVF alone.
There’s no evidence that shows an increased level of health problems in babies born after PGT testing compared to standard IVF alone.
During the testing phase, there is a possibility that the embryo may become damaged and unusable for IVF treatment or that the test gives incorrect information.
Our experienced embryologists use the latest equipment and evidence-based techniques to minimise these risks.
Fertility counselling and support
As part of your personalised treatment plan with us, you’ll have access to a fertility counsellor.
They can help you decide what’s right for you and what to expect from your treatment journey.
We’re here to reassure you, answer your questions, and give you the emotional support you need every step of the way.
How much does pre-implantation genetic testing cost?
Our price list aims to give you a clear view of the cost of PGT and the associated costs, to allow you to make informed financial planning.
Read about ways to pay for your treatment.
Work up and genetic counselling
Non-refundable; Includes DNA reference collection and development of unique test that lasts for 2 years
PGT-A | No charge |
PGT-SR | £1,700 |
PGT-M | £2,700 |
Genetic Counselling (PGT-SR and PGT-M include one session) | £300 |
PGT
Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A), Monogenic Diseases (PGT-M) and Structural Rearrangement (PGT-SR). Includes biopsy and testing and excludes production, freezing, storage and transfer of embryos (see below for cycle charges).
1 embryo | £770 |
2 embryos | £1,320 |
3 embryos | £1,870 |
4 embryos | £2,310 |
5 embryos | £2,750 |
6 embryos | £3,190 |
Additional Analysis (per embryo) | £385 |
Cycle packages
To create the embryos for testing and to transfer embryos once screened.
TFP Freeze - all and Transfer Cycle | Please see main clinic pricelist |
TFP Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycle | Please see main clinic pricelist |
Thaw and refreeze
For patients who undertake genetic testing after their embryos have been frozen. Includes thaw and re-freeze of embryo(s) to be tested.
Thaw and refreeze per embryo | £250 |
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