PGT-A vs PGT-M: What’s the Difference? Top IVF Technology & Success Rate Guide

PGT-A vs PGT-M: Wondering which IVF genetic test you need? Compare these key IVF technologies, success rates and differences to make a smart choice for embryo screening.

What Is the Difference Between PGT-A and PGT-M in IVF Treatment?

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a specialized technique that combines in vitro fertilization (IVF) with genetic testing of embryos before implantation. There are three main PGT types (PGT-A, PGT-M, PGT-SR), each serving a different purpose.

In PGT-A vs PGT-M, what roles do they play in IVF treatment is a significant difference. In essence, PGT-A looks at the number of chromosomes, while PGT-M looks for a specific, inherited gene mutation.

Understanding their differences is the first step toward making an informed, confident decision about your fertility care.

PGT-A: Screening for Aneuploidy (Chromosome Count)

PGT-A stands for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy. A healthy human embryo should have 46 chromosomes, with 23 inherited from each parent.

However, the likelihood of forming embryos with an abnormal number of chromosomes rises dramatically with parental age. These embryos are called "aneuploid," and they are a leading cause of implantation failure and early miscarriage.

The beauty of PGT-A is that it helps your embryologist identify which embryos have the correct chromosome count, known as "euploid" embryos, giving you the best possible chance at a successful pregnancy.

Additionally, PGT-A does not require parents to undergo pre-test genetic screening, making it a widely accessible and convenient option for most individuals and couples pursuing assisted reproduction.

PGT-M: Detecting Single Gene Disorders

PGT-M, on the other hand, stands for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic conditions.

Unlike the broad chromosome screening of PGT-A, PGT-M is a highly targeted genetic test designed to identify specific inherited single-gene conditions that run in a family. Common examples include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Huntington’s disease.

While PGT-A checks the overall number of chromosomes, PGT-M focuses on specific gene mutations. For this reason, the test is fully customized for each couple.

The process requires DNA samples from both partners, and in some cases, from affected family members. The laboratory then develops a personalized genetic probe to target and detect the specific familial gene mutation.

As a result, PGT-M requires several weeks of preparatory work before the start of the IVF cycle.

Key Differences at a Glance

1. PGT-A: Screens all 23 chromosome pairs to identify euploid embryos. Recommended for age-related fertility issues or recurrent miscarriage.

2. PGT-M: Targets a single known genetic mutation. Custom-built for couples who are carriers of a hereditary disorder.

3. Often used together: Because PGT-A looks at chromosome number and PGT-M looks at a single gene, both tests are frequently performed on the same embryo biopsy.

Indications for Use: When Do You Need PGT-A vs PGT-M?

Understanding the indications for use of PGT-A vs PGT-M is crucial to choosing the right test for your situation.

Indications for PGT-A

Clinical guidelines recommend PGT-A in several scenarios. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), PGT-A is particularly beneficial for women of advanced maternal age — typically 36 to 40 years. Additional indications include:

1. Recurrent pregnancy loss (especially after two or more miscarriages).

2. Multiple failed IVF cycles.

3. Previous pregnancy with a chromosomal abnormality.

4. Couples who wish to transfer a single embryo with greater confidence.

Indications for PGT-M

The ASRM committee opinion states that PGT-M can be offered to all patients with a confirmed single‑gene disorder who wish to avoid passing that condition to their children. Specific indications include:

1. Both partners are carriers of an autosomal recessive disorder (e.g., cystic fibrosis).

2. One partner carries an autosomal dominant disorder (e.g., Huntington's disease).

3. A family history of an X-linked condition (e.g., Duchenne muscular dystrophy).

4. Previous child with a genetic disorder.

PGT-A vs PGT-M Combined Testing: When Both Tests Are Recommended

In many cases, couples who qualify for PGT-M also benefit from concurrent PGT-A screening. After all, selecting an embryo that is both unaffected by the genetic mutation and chromosomally normal maximizes the chances of a live birth.

Can You Combine Both? The short answer is yes. Combined PGT-A and PGT-M testing is not only feasible but also widely adopted in modern fertility clinics.

A single embryo biopsy and one genetic counseling session suffice for both tests. On day 5 or 6 of development (the blastocyst stage), embryologists extract a few cells from the trophectoderm (the outer layer that develops into the placenta). These samples are then sent to a genetic lab for simultaneous dual analysis.

Labs usually use next-generation sequencing (NGS) to conduct both assessments: checking overall chromosome copy numbers for PGT-A, and tracing haplotype inheritance to detect targeted gene mutations for PGT-M.

Research has verified full consistency across all tested embryos, proving this combined approach is highly accurate and reliable.

Benefits and Limitations

Combined testing delivers great efficiency: patients complete just one IVF cycle and one biopsy, while gaining full genetic details of every embryo.

That said, it comes with higher costs and demands a lab equipped with advanced NGS technology. Also, since PGT-M requires custom genetic probes, several weeks of advance planning are needed.

Success Rates Compared: PGT-A vs PGT-M

Understanding PGT-A vs PGT-M success rates by age can help you set realistic expectations.

PGT-M Success Rate for Single Gene Disorders

Clinical outcomes for PGT-A and PGT-M are well validated in recent large-scale studies.

A 2025 study in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics analyzing 572 PGT-M IVF cycles recorded a 51.3% clinical pregnancy rate and a 44.8% live birth rate per embryo transfer.

A separate 2025 study in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics confirmed the overall superiority of PGT-assisted IVF over conventional IVF, with a 46.12% live birth rate for the PGT group versus 34.74% for standard IVF.

Among all PGT subtypes, PGT-A delivered the strongest performance, achieving a 48.28% live birth rate.

PGT-A vs PGT-M Success Rates by Age

There is a clear contrast in PGT-A vs PGT-M success rates by age. Maternal age strongly influences PGT-A performance but barely affects PGT-M outcomes.

Since PGT-M targets fixed familial single-gene mutations, its success rates remain stable across all age groups.

In comparison, PGT-A addresses age-related chromosomal errors, so its clinical benefits are highly age-dependent.

Age Group / Clinical Feature	Strength of Recommendation for PGTA	Key Evidence (Cumulative Live Birth Rate or Odds Ratio)
< 35 years, good prognosis	Not recommended	Slightly lower cumulative live birth (RR 0.96)
35–37 years, good prognosis	May be considered – limited benefit	RR 1.04
38–40 years, good prognosis	Recommended	RR 1.14; live birth rate 51.3% (with PGT-A) vs 44.8% (without)
> 40 years	Strongly recommended	Euploid rate drops to ≈20% (vs 60-70% under 35); PGT-A avoids futile transfers
Recurrent pregnancy loss (≥2 unexplained miscarriages)	Recommended	Live birth per transfer OR 2.17; miscarriage OR 0.42

The advantages of PGT-A are especially prominent in PGT-A vs PGT-M success rates for women over 40. Advanced maternal age causes a sharp decline in euploid embryo ratios, dropping from 60-70% in women under 35 to roughly 20% after age 40 and only 10% after age 44.

A large-scale 2024 Fertility and Sterility study proved that women aged 38 and above benefit the most from PGT-A, with good-prognosis patients aged 38-40 seeing a 14% relative increase in cumulative live birth rates with PGT-A screening.

Beyond advanced age groups, PGT-A also delivers remarkable improvements for patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Corresponding meta-analysis data further validated that it effectively elevates pregnancy and live birth outcomes while reducing miscarriage risks.

Considering Treatment Abroad? PGD in Thailand

For many international patients, PGD in Thailand has become an attractive option due to high-quality care, advanced technology, and competitive pricing.

Availability of PGT-A and PGT-M in Thai IVF Clinics

Thailand has emerged as a regional hub for fertility treatment. Many clinics offer both PGT-A and PGT-M using NGS technology.

For example, MedPark Hospital and CEF in Bangkok provide comprehensive PGT-A packages that include stimulation, egg retrieval, NGS testing, and embryo freezing.

Some sources suggest that success rates at leading Thai clinics can reach 60-80% for third‑generation IVF.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Thailand permits PGT for medical reasons, including sex-linked disorders, but not for non-medical sex selection.

Additionally, Thai legislation requires that IVF procedures be provided only to married heterosexual couples.

Questions to Ask a Thai Clinic Before Committing

Before choosing a clinic abroad, ask:

1. Do you offer combined PGT-A and PGT-M testing?

2. What is your live birth rate per transfer for patients in my age group?

3. How long is the turnaround time for NGS results?

4. What is included in the package price?

Which PGT Test Is Right for Me? PGT-A vs PGT-M: Decision Guide

Ultimately, the question “PGT-A vs PGT-M? which PGT test is right for me?” comes down to your medical history and personal goals.

Step-by-Step Decision Flow

Your Clinical Situation	Primary Test Recommended	Combined Testing (PGT-A + PGT-M)	Expected Benefit
Known or suspected carrier of a monogenic disorder	PGT-M  (monogenic testing)	Strongly recommended;  same biopsy can also screen for chromosome number	Avoid passing on the genetic condition while selecting a euploid embryo to improve live birth rate
No known monogenic disorder, female age ≥ 38 years	PGT-A  (aneuploidy screening)	Generally no need to combine with PGT-M	Identify chromosomally normal embryos; significantly reduces miscarriage risk and increases cumulative live birth by ≈14%
No known monogenic disorder, female age 35–37 years	PGT-A may be considered  (modest benefit)	No routine combination	Modest improvement compared to no testing; decision should factor in prior miscarriage or IVF failure history
No known monogenic disorder, female age < 35 years, no recurrent pregnancy loss	PGT-A not routinely recommended	Not applicable	/
Two or more unexplained miscarriages  (recurrent pregnancy loss, RPL)	PGT-A	Unless also a known monogenic condition	Increases live birth rate per transfer >2-fold and reduces early pregnancy loss by >50%
One partner carries a balanced translocation or other structural rearrangement	PGT-SR  (structural rearrangement testing)	May combine with PGT-A depending on lab protocol	Select balanced/normal embryos to avoid recurrent miscarriage or abnormal offspring

PGT-A vs PGT-M: Empowering Truth

For many patients, the real question is not "PGT-A vs PGT-M" but rather "which combination of tests best serves my family‑building goals".

These two technologies are not competitors; they are complementary tools. PGT-A maximizes the chance of a successful pregnancy by selecting chromosomally normal embryos. PGT-M ensures that your child will not inherit a specific genetic condition you carry. When used together, they provide the most powerful protection available.

Conclusion

PGT-A vs PGT-M play distinct, essential roles in modern IVF, helping patients collaborate better with their fertility teams. Enabled by next-generation sequencing (NGS) for PGT, both tests are safe and highly accurate, and can be completed simultaneously.

Whether pursuing PGD in Thailand or local fertility care, patients should rely on genetic counseling to choose treatment suited to their medical needs.

Overall, preimplantation genetic testing has greatly advanced IVF, helping more intended parents achieve healthy pregnancies and successful live births.

 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified fertility specialist and genetic counselor to determine the best approach for your individual situation.

FAQ

Can NGS really test for both PGT-A and PGT-M from a single embryo biopsy?

Yes. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) for PGT allows simultaneous PGT-A and PGT-M analysis from a single biopsy sample. This eliminates the need for multiple biopsy procedures and shortens turnaround times.

What is PGT-SR, and how does it help couples with recurrent miscarriage?

PGT-SR (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements) is a third subtype of PGT, beyond PGT-A and PGT-M.

It screens for structural rearrangements such as balanced translocations in one or both parents. Approximately 5% of recurrent miscarriages are linked to these types of chromosomal rearrangements.

PGT-SR helps identify embryos that have unbalanced genetic material, which can significantly reduce the risk of repeated pregnancy loss.