Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
Checking the genetics of embryos using PGT-A

PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) is an embryo screening technique that allows the detection of genetic alterations in embryos before their transfer to the uterus. We speak of PGT-A when the study is done at the chromosomal level, and PGT-M when it is the study of a particular gene.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

Preimplantation Genetic Testing

Checking the genetics of embryos using PGT-A

PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) is an embryo screening technique that allows the detection of genetic alterations in embryos before their transfer to the uterus. We speak of PGT-A when the study is done at the chromosomal level, and PGT-M when it is the study of a particular gene.

Who is it for?

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can be performed on any treatment once we have viable embryos in the laboratory. However, there are particular cases for which our experts will indicate a PGT in order to increase the chances of successful results and improve the prognosis for an ongoing pregnancy:

  • Couples carrying genetic abnormalities.
  • Altered karyotype even for only one of the parents.
  • Women over 40 years of age, as there is a higher risk of having embryos with chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Patients with several previous failed in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles.
  • Patients with a history of repeated miscarriages.
  • Altered FISH in sperm.

Advantages of the PGT

The transfer of these viable embryos following genetic testing reduces the risk of miscarriage, implantation failure or transmission of genetic diseases.

Using this technique, we reduce the waiting time to achieve an ongoing pregnancy, which considerably lowers the stress for many patients facing the uncertainty of a viable pregnancy.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing PGT

What is the Preimplantation Genetic Testing procedure?

To perform a Preimplantation Genetic Testing, we need to extract several cells from the embryos at the blastocyst stage (Day 5-6 of embryo development). During this biopsy, about 8 cells are extracted in order to have enough genetic material and to be able to give a reliable result regarding the viability of the embryo.

After the biopsy, the embryos are vitrified (frozen) until receiving the test results, which takes about 3-4 weeks. With this test, we will be able to know with certainty whether the embryos will be able to result into an ongoing pregnancy, which considerably increase the life birth of a healthy baby.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing in Spain

PGT or Preimplantation Genetic Testing is a technique that is authorised and easily accessible in Spain. Depending on each patient’s case, our gynaecologists and fertility specialists will be able to recommend the use of this technique to improve the embryo selection. PGT can be carried out as a preventive measure, or if there is a high risk of transmitting diseases to the child.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing PGT

Frequently asked questions about preimplantation genetic diagnosis or PGT

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGT), is a laboratory technique that allows embryos created by IVF to be genetically analysed before being transferred to the uterus.

Its aim is to select embryos that are free from genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, thereby increasing the chances of implantation and reducing the risk of miscarriage or hereditary diseases.

PGT can detect:

  • Numerical chromosomal abnormalities (Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome, Turner syndrome, etc.).
  • Chromosomal translocations in couples with altered karyotypes.
  • Hereditary monogenic diseases (cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophies, haemophilia, Tay-Sachs, etc.).

In addition, using advanced techniques, it is possible to identify embryos with an increased risk of complex diseases, although always within agreed ethical and medical criteria.

At Vida Fertility, undergoing IVF treatment with PGT can significantly improve implantation rates per transfer and pregnancy rates, especially in patients with advanced maternal age, recurrent miscarriages or previous implantation failures.

By transferring only chromosomally normal (euploid) embryos, we increase the probability of pregnancy on the first attempt and reduce the risk of pregnancy loss.

The cost of PGT varies depending on the number of embryos to be analysed and the type of genetic study (PGT-A, PGT-M or PGT-SR).

In general, PGT is contracted as an additional module to IVF treatment and is customised on a case-by-case basis. At Vida Fertility, we will give you a fixed quote after assessing your clinical case, your family history and the objective of the analysis.

The aim is not only to study more embryos, but to select the embryo with the best implantation rates.

There are different types of PGT:

o    PGT-A: to detect chromosomal abnormalities.

o    PGT-M: to detect monogenic diseases.

o    PGT-SR: to detect structural chromosomal rearrangements.

PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies) analyses whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes.

It detects abnormalities such as trisomies (e.g. Down syndrome), monosomies and other chromosomal abnormalities that can prevent implantation or cause recurrent miscarriages.

PGT-A does not diagnose specific genetic diseases, but it allows genetically viable embryos to be selected, which is especially useful for women aged 38-39 and over, in cases of implantation failure or previous unsuccessful IVF attempts.

PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic disorders) allows the identification of hereditary diseases caused by mutations in a single gene.

It is indicated when one or both members of the couple are known carriers of a genetic disease (such as cystic fibrosis, beta-thalassaemia, muscular dystrophy, etc.).

The study is carried out on a personalised basis after a prior genetic analysis, and allows only embryos free of the hereditary mutation to be transferred.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR) is an advanced technique that is applied to embryos through an embryo biopsy. Its objective is to identify possible chromosomal imbalances —that is, the presence of additional or missing genetic material— that occur when one of the parents has a structural alteration in their chromosomes, such as a translocation or inversion.

Thanks to PGT-SR, it is possible to select chromosomally balanced embryos for transfer, thus reducing the risk of miscarriage and increasing the chances of achieving a healthy, full-term pregnancy.

  • Increases implantation and pregnancy rates.
  • Reduces the risk of miscarriage.
  • Decreases the possibility of genetic diseases in the baby.
  • Allows for a safer and more targeted transfer.

At our Vida Fertility fertility clinics, it is possible to perform IVF with PGT as we have a state-of-the-art laboratory and work with the best international genetics centres specialising in preimplantation diagnosis.

Our processes are integrated so that you can complete your IVF treatment with PGT at our fertility clinics in Madrid or assisted reproduction centre in Alicante, with medical monitoring and ongoing genetic counselling.

Beatriz Lozano

Especialistas en Diagnóstico Genético Preimplantacional

I am Beatriz Lozano, director of the Vida Fertility laboratory. With extensive experience in reproductive genetics, my goal is to help you identify the embryo with the greatest potential for success, reducing the risk of miscarriage and hereditary diseases

‘At Vida Fertility, we analyse your embryos with the utmost scientific precision and with the sensitivity required to make such important decisions as becoming a mother.’

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD or PGT) allows you to select embryos that are chromosomally normal or free of specific genetic alterations, depending on your case.

At Vida Fertility, we personalise each treatment and work with the best international genetic laboratories.

If you are considering IVF treatment with PGT, we invite you to book an initial consultation with our specialists. We will answer your questions and guide you with clarity and confidence from the very first step.

Experiences FIV with DGP

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Anne
Chloe's mom

It is incredible how, from absolute resignation, these doctors have lifted my spirits. They got me pregnant and gave me my life back. They live up to their name. 

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Lucia
Oliver's mom

I had to find a way to become a mother if I wanted to pursue my career and not settle for just any partner. I made the right choice.

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Ángela
Lucas' mom

From the very first moment I felt I was being listened to, understood, and above all, I felt that my treatment was finally going in the right direction. 

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Anonymous

Hello dear Mrs Ortega,
you and the whole team of Vida fertility make us so happy. Finally a relief that we can be helped! Many thanks to you and all the others for the great care and exceptional quality work. This high quality means a lot to us. We hope that in 2024 we can take a healthy baby full of love into our arms.❤️

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Mariana

Thanks to Dr. Kathi’s support and by following all her advice, the best moment of the treatment came: I got pregnant.

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Rachel

I didn’t know if I would ever be able to get pregnant and now I’m in my 5th month of pregnancy.

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Weslly

It hasn’t been an easy journey. After the second attempt, I am happy to say that in two months I will be meeting my little girl.  

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Lucy and Helen

Being able to experience this shared motherhood has been a gift for the two of us.
THANK YOU to this great team for everything!

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Egg donation treatment

We highly recommend Vida Fertility to anyone who has already given up hope and wants to give it one last try.

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Anonymous
Testimony on egg donation

A huge thank you to the entire Vida Fertility team, especially to Sophie and Dr. Spies, who helped us achieve the wonderful project of expanding our family. We met a very competent team who perfectly guided and advised us on the medical choices to make at each stage of our journey. 🫶

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A.K
Pregnancy with Egg donation

I recommend Vida Fertility for their professionalism, humanism, and availability.

Our wonderful baby is the proof that the results are there!

Thank you!

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Anonymous
Pregnancy with Ropa-Method

Thanks to Vida fertility, we are now mums. Mums!!

It’s the greatest gift of all, we’re so happy! 

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Anonymous
Egg donation

The good feeling will certainly have contributed to the success of the treatment.

When we first contacted the clinic, I didn’t expect to become a mum so quickly, and now I even have hope that we might be able to create a sibling for our son with the remaining blastocysts. 

Thank you!

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P.V
Single Women

I chose Vida Fertility because it’s a clinic that offers human support from the very beginning. I’m convinced that my state of mind, so influenced by the unconditional support they gave me, was key to the success of my treatment.

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Anonymous
Pregnancy with Egg donation

At the first consultation, I felt heard, understood, and full of hope again. The final transfer, our last chance, took place in February 2024… and it worked. Our little girl has brought immense joy to our whole family.

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Natalie Le Prevost
Single Women

Being a single parent brings challenges, but I’d recommend anyone thinking about it to go for it. Vida Fertility made my dream come true with my first IVF.