PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) in Turkey

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A) — formerly known as PGS (preimplantation genetic screening) — is a powerful laboratory technique performed during an IVF cycle that analyses the chromosomal constitution of embryos before they are transferred to the uterus. By selecting only euploid (chromosomally normal) embryos for transfer, PGT-A significantly reduces the risk of miscarriage, failed implantation, and chromosomally abnormal pregnancies. Turkey's top fertility clinics offer PGT-A using next-generation sequencing (NGS) at costs that are 40–60% lower than in Western Europe or the United States.

What is PGT-A?

PGT-A is a genetic analysis test performed on a biopsy of 5–10 cells taken from the trophectoderm (the outer layer of a blastocyst — a day 5–6 embryo) without disturbing the inner cell mass that forms the foetus. The biopsy cells are sent to a specialist genetics laboratory where next-generation sequencing (NGS) analyses all 24 chromosome types to determine whether the embryo has the correct number of chromosomes (46 in total for humans). Aneuploid embryos — those with extra or missing chromosomes — are the leading cause of implantation failure and miscarriage. Only euploid embryos identified by PGT-A are selected for transfer.

How is it Performed?

PGT-A is integrated into a freeze-all IVF cycle. After ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, embryos are cultured in the laboratory to the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6). An embryologist performs trophectoderm biopsy using a laser-assisted technique — a precise procedure that takes a small cell sample without harming embryo development. The biopsied cells are sent to the genetics laboratory, and all embryos are vitrified (frozen) simultaneously. Results are returned within seven to fourteen days. Only embryos confirmed as euploid are selected for a subsequent frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle. The entire PGT-A process therefore adds one to four weeks to the overall IVF timeline.

Who Needs It?

PGT-A is most beneficial for: women of advanced maternal age (35 and over, with increasing benefit after 37); couples with recurrent miscarriage (two or more pregnancy losses); patients with repeated implantation failure (two or more failed transfers); couples with a previous chromosomally abnormal pregnancy; men with severe male factor infertility (high DNA fragmentation or abnormal chromosomes); and patients wishing to reduce time-to-pregnancy by identifying the single best embryo for transfer.

Recovery & Aftercare

PGT-A does not add to the physical demands of the IVF process beyond the blastocyst culture period. The trophectoderm biopsy is performed on the embryo in the laboratory — the patient experiences no additional procedures. The embryo transfer cycle (FET) that follows a PGT-A result is straightforward: the uterine lining is prepared with oestrogen and progesterone, and the single euploid embryo is transferred in a simple office procedure.

Risks & Success Rates

In couples where PGT-A identifies at least one euploid embryo for transfer, implantation rates per euploid embryo transfer are remarkably consistent — typically 60–70% clinical pregnancy rate and 50–65% live birth rate regardless of maternal age — because chromosomally normal embryos behave the same whether the mother is 30 or 42. PGT-A significantly reduces miscarriage rates (from a general IVF miscarriage rate of 15–20% to approximately 5–8% per euploid transfer). The main limitation is that PGT-A cannot guarantee pregnancy if no euploid embryos are found — a more common outcome in older women with diminished ovarian reserve.

Why Turkey & Turkare?

Turkish fertility clinics performing PGT-A partner with accredited genetics laboratories — several of which hold ISO 15189 and ESHRE PGT Consortium certification. NGS-based PGT-A in Turkey costs $1,200–$2,500 for the full panel (typically added to an IVF cycle cost), compared to $3,000–$5,000 in the USA or UK. Turkare coordinates with genetics laboratories to ensure a seamless sample chain of custody, timely result reporting, and expert genetic counselling for patients wishing to understand their embryo results in detail. For patients with complex genetic histories, PGT for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) and structural rearrangements (PGT-SR) is also available through Turkare's network.