By Dr. Francisco Arredondo, Founder and Medical Director, Pozitivf | June 2026

When you start researching IVF, you’ll probably come across the term PGT-A — preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. And usually, people have one of two reactions:

Either it sounds reassuring (“Testing embryos before transfer makes sense”), or it sounds overwhelming (“Wait… are they looking for something wrong?”).

The truth is, it’s much simpler — and much less intimidating — than it sounds.

This guide explains what PGT-A actually is, what it can and can’t tell you, and how to decide whether it makes sense for your fertility journey.

What PGT-A Does — In Simple Terms

Not every embryo is chromosomally normal. That’s a normal part of human biology and not something caused by anything you did or didn’t do.

Even healthy embryos can have an abnormal number of chromosomes. When that happens, the embryo may not implant successfully or could result in an early miscarriage.

PGT-A is a test used during IVF to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer.

Here’s how it works:

After fertilization, embryos develop in the lab for about five days until they reach the blastocyst stage. At that point, a few cells are carefully biopsied and sent to a genetics laboratory for analysis.

The lab then identifies whether the embryo appears:

• Euploid (chromosomally normal)
• Aneuploid (chromosomally abnormal)

This information helps your care team select the embryos with the best chance of leading to a healthy pregnancy before transfer takes place.

In other words, you’re making decisions with more information — not guessing.

What PGT-A Does Not Do

This part is just as important.

PGT-A does not guarantee pregnancy or a successful transfer.

Even a chromosomally normal embryo still has to implant successfully, and implantation depends on many factors — including uterine receptivity, timing, overall health, and biological factors we still can’t fully predict.

PGT-A also does not test for every possible genetic condition.

It specifically screens for abnormalities in chromosome number (aneuploidy). It does not test for:

• All inherited genetic diseases
• Single-gene disorders (those require a different test called PGT-M)
• Every possible chromosomal issue people sometimes assume it detects

What PGT-A does do well is help identify embryos that are less likely to result in a successful pregnancy or that may carry a higher risk of certain chromosomal conditions.

The most honest way to think about it is this:

PGT-A can improve your starting point — but it’s not a guarantee.

Who Benefits Most From PGT-A?

The answer depends on your personal history, age, and fertility goals. But there are a few situations where PGT-A can offer the clearest clinical benefit.

Patients Over 35

As age increases, the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos also increases.

For patients over 35 — and especially over 38 — PGT-A can help identify which embryos have the strongest chance of leading to a healthy pregnancy.

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

If you’ve experienced multiple miscarriages, chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo may be one possible explanation.

PGT-A can help determine whether chromosome-related factors may be contributing to repeated losses.

Previous Failed Transfers

If you’ve gone through IVF transfers that didn’t implant, PGT-A can help rule out chromosomal abnormalities as one possible reason moving forward.

How We Approach PGT-A at Pozitivf

At Pozitivf, PGT-A is available and discussed as part of your consultation — but we don’t believe it should automatically be recommended for everyone.

The right decision depends on:

• Your age
• Your medical history
• The number of embryos available
• Your goals and priorities

And most importantly, we believe you deserve honest guidance.

We won’t recommend testing simply to add costs to your treatment plan. If we don’t believe PGT-A will meaningfully change your clinical outcome, we’ll tell you that. And if we do think it could help, we’ll explain exactly why — including costs, expectations, and limitations — before you make any decisions.

That’s what we mean by The Pozitivf Way: clear information, compassionate care, and no pressure.

If you’re trying to decide whether PGT-A belongs in your plan — or you’re just beginning to explore IVF options — a free consultation is a great place to start.

We’ll answer your questions honestly and help you understand your options without rushing the conversation.

Before thinking about PGT-A, knowing your ovarian reserve and overall fertility picture is the essential first step.This June, Pozitivf is offering a Complete Fertility Panel + Specialist Consultation for only $499 (total value $990+): AMH Test, HyFoSy, Saline Ultrasound, Semen Analysis, and a Specialist Consultation — everything you need to understand where you stand before making any decisions about advanced testing like PGT-A.📍 Book your appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PGT-A guarantee a successful transfer?

No. PGT-A helps provide more information before transfer and can improve embryo selection, but it does not guarantee pregnancy. Implantation still depends on multiple biological factors.

Is PGT-A recommended for a first IVF cycle?

It depends.

For some patients, especially those over 35 or with a history of miscarriage, PGT-A may make strong clinical sense from the beginning. For others, particularly younger patients with no history of loss or failed transfers, the benefits may be less clear.

Your care team can help you decide based on your specific situation.

How much does PGT-A cost?

The cost depends on how many embryos are being tested.

PGT-A pricing depends on the number of embryos being tested. Ask your care team for a clear estimate during your consultation — we walk through all costs before treatment begins.And if you’re still in the early stages of your fertility journey, our Complete Fertility Panel ($499 this June) is the right first step before considering PGT-A. It gives you the full fertility picture — including ovarian reserve — so any next steps are based on real information.

What’s the difference between PGT-A and PGT-M?

PGT-A screens for abnormalities in chromosome number (aneuploidy).

PGT-M is a different type of testing used to screen for specific inherited genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease, when one or both partners are known carriers.

They serve different purposes and are recommended in different situations.