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PREIMPLANTATION GENETIC TESTING (PGT/PGS/PGD) IN IVF

ADVANCED EMBRYO SCREENING FOR HEALTHIER PREGNANCIES

Select the healthiest embryos. Reduce miscarriage risk. Improve your chances of IVF success. At Advanced Fertility Center of Texas (AFCT), we offer Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) as part of our advanced IVF program. This cutting-edge technology allows us to analyze embryos before transfer to ensure they have the best chance of implantation and healthy development.

Whether you're starting IVF due to age-related fertility decline, unexplained infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or considering family balancing (gender selection), PGT provides clarity and confidence on your fertility journey.

ADVANCED GENETIC SCREENING

What Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)?

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is an advanced laboratory technique performed during IVF. At the blastocyst stage (Day 5–6), a few cells are carefully removed from the embryo's outer layer (which becomes the placenta). These cells are analyzed to:

  • Confirm the embryo has the correct number of chromosomes
  • Screen for inherited genetic conditions
  • Provide the option of gender selection for family balancing or medical reasons

By selecting embryos with a normal chromosomal profile, we can improve pregnancy rates, reduce the risk of miscarriage, and support elective single embryo transfer (eSET) to minimize multiple births.

PGT genetic testing and embryo screening

GENETIC TESTING OPTIONS

PGT, PGS & PGD – What's the Difference?

Understanding preimplantation genetic testing options for your IVF journey

PGT-A

PGT-A

(formerly PGS)

What It Screens For

Screens for missing or extra chromosomes (e.g., Down syndrome/Trisomy 21)

Who It's For

Women over 35, couples with miscarriage history, unexplained IVF failure

PGT-M

PGT-M

(formerly PGD)

What It Screens For

Detects known single-gene inherited conditions (e.g., cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs, BRCA mutations)

Who It's For

Couples with a family history or known carriers of genetic disease

PGT-SR

PGT-SR

 

What It Screens For

Screens embryos for structural rearrangements like translocations or inversions

Who It's For

Patients with known chromosome rearrangements

GENETIC TESTING

PGT Testing Overview

Preimplantation Genetic Testing helps identify the healthiest embryos for transfer

Laboratory technician performing genetic testing on embryos

Who Should Consider Genetic Testing?

PGT is not required for everyone, but it can be very helpful for:

  • Women over 35 (higher chance of chromosomal abnormalities)
  • Couples with a history of recurrent miscarriage
  • Patients with failed IVF cycles or poor embryo development
  • Known carriers of inherited genetic conditions
  • Couples interested in family balancing (gender selection)

Benefits of PGT

  • Reduces miscarriage risk by avoiding abnormal embryos
  • Improves implantation rates by selecting the healthiest embryos
  • Helps inform single embryo transfer (eSET) while maintaining success rates
  • Provides peace of mind for patients with genetic risks
  • Offers gender selection for medical or personal family balancing reasons
At AFCT, our genetic counselors work closely with you to determine if PGT is right for your family. We use the latest technology to ensure accurate results while maintaining the highest standards of embryo care.

THE TESTING JOURNEY

How Does the PGT Process Work?

A comprehensive step-by-step guide to genetic testing for your embryos

Advanced genetic testing laboratory equipment and embryologist at work
1

IVF & Fertilization

Eggs are retrieved and fertilized in the lab using either standard IVF or ICSI techniques to create embryos.

2

Blastocyst Biopsy

On Day 5-6, a few cells are safely removed from the embryo's trophectoderm (which becomes the placenta).

3

Genetic Analysis

Biopsied cells are sent to a certified genetics lab for detailed chromosomal or genetic testing.

4

Embryo Freezing

Embryos are cryopreserved using vitrification while we wait for the genetic test results.

5

Embryo Transfer

After reviewing results with your physician, the healthiest embryo is selected for transfer in a frozen cycle.

STEP BY STEP PROCESS

How Does Gender Selection Work?

IVF Cycle Icon

IVF Cycle & Fertilization

Eggs are retrieved and fertilized in the lab (via IVF or ICSI).

Embryo Biopsy Icon

Embryo Biopsy at Blastocyst Stage

On Day 5-6, a few cells are gently removed from the embryo's outer layer (trophectoderm).

Chromosome Analysis Icon

Chromosome & Gender Analysis

The biopsied cells are analyzed in a certified genetics lab. This identifies both the chromosomal health of the embryo and its sex (XX for girl, XY for boy).

Embryo Selection Icon

Embryo Freezing & Selection

Embryos are cryopreserved while waiting for results. You and your physician can then choose an embryo of the desired gender for transfer in a future cycle.

THE TESTING JOURNEY

How Does the PGT Process Work?

A comprehensive step-by-step guide to genetic testing for your embryos

1
IVF Cycle Icon

IVF & Fertilization

Eggs are retrieved and fertilized in the lab using either standard IVF or ICSI techniques to create embryos.

2
Embryo Biopsy Icon

Blastocyst Biopsy

On Day 5-6, a few cells are safely removed from the embryo's trophectoderm (which becomes the placenta).

3
Chromosome Analysis Icon

Genetic Analysis

Biopsied cells are sent to a certified genetics lab for detailed chromosomal or genetic testing.

4
Embryo Selection Icon

Embryo Freezing

Embryos are cryopreserved using vitrification while we wait for the genetic test results.

5
Embryo Selection Icon

Embryo Transfer

After reviewing results with your physician, the healthiest embryo is selected for transfer in a frozen cycle.

AFCT Advantage

Expertise + Advanced Lab Technology

All embryo biopsies and culture are performed through Omni Med Laboratory, directed by Dr. Dmitri Dozortsev, one of the first embryologists to introduce ICSI technology to the United States.

Time-lapse imaging to monitor embryos in real time

Advanced biopsy techniques for safe, accurate testing

Partnerships with leading genetics labs for reliable results

Personalized embryo selection to maximize your chances of success

ANSWERS & CLARITY

Frequently Asked Questions About PGT

No. PGT reduces the risk of transferring embryos with chromosomal or genetic abnormalities, but no test can guarantee a completely healthy baby.

No. Only cells from the outer layer (which become the placenta) are removed, leaving the part of the embryo that becomes the baby untouched.

Yes. Through PGT-A, we can identify embryo sex for family balancing or to avoid sex-linked genetic conditions.

Not always. Your fertility specialist will recommend it if it provides meaningful benefit for your situation.

Your doctor will discuss the results with you and explore next steps, such as another IVF cycle or other options.

Ready to Learn More?

Whether you're planning your first IVF cycle, have experienced miscarriages, or are interested in family balancing, PGT can give you clarity and confidence on your path to parenthood.

Serving Houston, The Woodlands, and College Station — with Telemed consultations nationwide.

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