Understanding PGT-A in IVF: A Key to Healthy Embryos

For patients undergoing IVF, one of the most important goals is to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) is a powerful tool that helps identify chromosomal abnormalities in embryos—giving fertility specialists critical information to improve IVF outcomes. 

At the Center for Reproductive Medicine, we offer PGT testing in Orlando and believe that informed decisions lead to better results. If you're considering or currently undergoing IVF, here's what you should know about PGT-A, how it works, and whether it might be right for your treatment plan. 

What Is PGT-A? 

PGT-A stands for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy. It's a type of genetic screening performed on embryos during an IVF cycle to check for chromosomal abnormalities—specifically, the incorrect number of chromosomes (too many or too few). 

A normal human embryo has 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). When embryos have too few or too many chromosomes (a condition called aneuploidy), the chances of implantation, successful pregnancy, or a healthy birth are significantly reduced. 

PGT-A allows fertility specialists to select embryos with the correct number of chromosomes for transfer, increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy. PGT testing, which also determines the sex of the embryo, is becoming more common among IVF patients in Florida seeking the most accurate embryo selection methods. 

How Does PGT-A Work? 

PGT-A is performed as part of the IVF process. Here's how it fits into the timeline: 

1. Egg Retrieval and Fertilization: Eggs are retrieved and fertilized in the lab. 

2. Embryo Development: Embryos are cultured for 5–7 days until they reach the blastocyst stage. 

3. Embryo Biopsy: A few cells are gently removed from the outer layer of each blastocyst. This layer from which the cells are removed becomes the placenta, not the baby. 

4. Genetic Analysis: The sampled cells are tested in a lab to count the number of chromosomes. 

5. Embryo Freezing: Embryos are frozen while results are processed. 

6. Transfer of a Healthy Embryo: Once results are in, a chromosomally normal (euploid) embryo is selected for transfer. 

Patients seeking PGT testing in Central Florida can expect these steps to be part of a seamless, closely monitored IVF cycle with our experienced care team.  

Benefits of PGT-A in IVF 

Improved Embryo Selection 

PGT-A helps identify which embryos are chromosomally normal, giving your care team the best chance to choose an embryo with the highest potential for successful implantation. 

Reduced Risk of Miscarriage 

Chromosomal abnormalities are a leading cause of early pregnancy loss. By transferring only euploid embryos, PGT-A can help reduce the risk of miscarriage and improve peace of mind for parents in Orlando. 

Shorter Time to Pregnancy 

By improving embryo selection, many patients experience fewer IVF cycles and achieve pregnancy more quickly—especially those using frozen embryo transfers. 

Single Embryo Transfer (SET) with Confidence 

PGT-A supports single embryo transfer, lowering the risk of twin or triplet pregnancies while maintaining high success rates. 

Useful for Specific Patient Populations 

PGT-A is particularly beneficial for: 

• Women over 35, whose embryos have a higher risk of aneuploidy 

• Patients with a history of miscarriage 

• Couples with multiple failed IVF cycles 

• Those using donor eggs or embryos 

For patients in Orlando and surrounding areas, PGT testing in Central Florida is a valuable option in the IVF journey. 

Limitations and Considerations 

While PGT-A can be helpful, it’s not the right choice for everyone. Here are a few important points to consider: 

It Does Not Guarantee Pregnancy