Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is an optional laboratory procedure performed on embryos before transfer during an IVF cycle, used to screen for chromosomal abnormalities or specific inherited conditions. Whether it is recommended for you depends on your medical history, age, and family circumstances, so speak with a fertility specialist registered with AHPRA before deciding.
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What is preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)?
Preimplantation genetic testing is a process carried out in an IVF laboratory where one or more cells are biopsied from an embryo, usually at the blastocyst stage (around day five or six of development), and sent to a genetics laboratory for analysis. The results help your fertility team select embryos that are more likely to implant successfully or that are free from a known heritable condition before any embryo is transferred to the uterus.
There are three main categories of PGT used in Australia:
- PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies): Screens embryos for abnormal chromosome numbers, such as an extra or missing chromosome. - PGT-M (preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders): Tests for single-gene disorders such as cystic fibrosis, fragile X syndrome, or BRCA-related hereditary cancers. - PGT-SR (preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements): Used when one or both partners carry a chromosomal rearrangement such as a translocation.
Each type involves different laboratory techniques and has different costs and turnaround times. Your fertility specialist and a genetic counsellor will help determine which type, if any, is appropriate for your situation.
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When is PGT recommended in Australia?
PGT is not a standard part of every IVF cycle. Australian fertility specialists typically discuss it with patients in the following circumstances:
- Advanced maternal age: Chromosomal errors in embryos become more common as people age. Because this is a biological trend rather than a fixed threshold, your specialist will discuss how this applies to your particular situation. - Recurrent implantation failure or miscarriage: If you have experienced multiple failed transfers or pregnancy losses, chromosomal issues in embryos may be a contributing factor. - Known genetic condition in the family: If you or your partner are carriers of a single-gene disorder or a chromosomal rearrangement, PGT-M or PGT-SR may significantly reduce the risk of passing that condition to a child. - Previous pregnancy affected by chromosomal abnormality: A history of a pregnancy with a condition such as Down syndrome may prompt a conversation about PGT-A.
The Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand provides guidelines for its member clinics on the appropriate use of genetic testing in ART cycles. Always ask your clinic whether they follow current FSANZ guidelines and what their internal protocols are.
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How much does PGT cost in Australia?
PGT adds a meaningful out-of-pocket expense to an already substantial IVF investment, but exact costs vary considerably between clinics, laboratories, and the type of testing involved. Costs are generally broken into two components: the embryo biopsy fee charged by the IVF clinic, and the laboratory analysis fee charged by the genetics laboratory.
Because clinic pricing changes regularly and published fee schedules differ widely, we have not listed specific dollar figures here. Instead, we strongly recommend:
1. Requesting an itemised quote from your chosen clinic before consenting to any cycle. 2. Checking the MBS Online schedule to confirm which components, if any, attract a Medicare rebate and under what conditions. 3. Asking whether your private health insurance extras cover any portion of the genetics laboratory cost.
Medicare rebates may apply to certain PGT-M and PGT-SR procedures under specific clinical criteria, but PGT-A is generally not attracting a Medicare benefit for routine use at the time of writing. Confirm current rebate status directly via MBS Online or with your clinic's billing team, as Medicare policy can change.
For a broader overview of what an IVF cycle costs in Australia, see our cost guide.
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The PGT process: what to expect step by step
Understanding the workflow helps you plan both emotionally and financially.
1. Genetic counselling: Before committing to PGT-M or PGT-SR, most clinics require or strongly recommend a session with an accredited genetic counsellor. This is particularly important if a hereditary condition is involved, as probe design for PGT-M can take several weeks. 2. IVF stimulation and egg collection: The standard ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval process proceeds as normal. 3. Fertilisation and embryo culture: Fertilised eggs are grown to blastocyst stage over approximately five to six days. 4. Biopsy: A small number of cells (the trophectoderm) are removed from each embryo suitable for biopsy. The embryos are then vitrified (frozen) while awaiting results. 5. Laboratory analysis: The biopsied cells are sent to a specialist genetics laboratory. Results typically take one to two weeks, though timelines differ by test type. 6. Embryo selection and transfer: Suitable embryos are ranked, and a frozen embryo transfer (FET) is planned for a subsequent cycle.
Because PGT almost always involves a freeze-all approach followed by FET, you should factor in the cost and timing of a frozen transfer cycle as well.
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Limitations and things to consider
PGT is a powerful tool, but it is important to understand what it cannot do:
- It does not guarantee a pregnancy. A euploid (chromosomally normal) embryo still may not implant or may miscarry for other reasons. Refer to the Your IVF Success estimator for a personalised, evidence-informed indication of your likelihood of a live birth based on your own data. - It reduces but does not eliminate risk. PGT-M, for example, has a very high but not absolute accuracy rate; residual risk should be discussed with your genetic counsellor. - Fewer embryos may be available for transfer. Biopsy and testing can mean some embryos are not suitable for transfer, reducing the total number available. - Ethical and emotional considerations. Deciding not to transfer certain embryos is a significant decision for many people. Counselling support is available through most accredited clinics.
The AIHW Mothers and Babies data provides broader context on ART outcomes in Australia and is updated periodically.
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Choosing a clinic for PGT in Australia
Not all fertility clinics perform PGT in-house; some outsource biopsies or genetics analysis. When comparing clinics, ask:
- Is the embryology team experienced in trophectoderm biopsy? - Which genetics laboratory do they use, and is it accredited by NATA or a comparable body? - What is their policy on returning results and counselling patients through difficult outcomes? - Are genetic counsellors available at or through the clinic?
You can verify that any fertility specialist you are considering is currently registered via the AHPRA Registers of Practitioners. For location-specific recommendations, browse our best IVF clinics in Sydney listings or explore the full methodology behind how we assess and rank clinics.
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FAQ
Q: Is PGT-A recommended for everyone doing IVF? A: No. PGT-A is not considered routine for all IVF patients in Australia. It is most commonly discussed for patients with specific risk factors such as recurrent pregnancy loss or advanced age. Ask your fertility specialist whether it is clinically appropriate for your circumstances. Q: Does Medicare cover PGT in Australia? A: Medicare rebates may apply to certain types of PGT (particularly PGT-M and PGT-SR) under specific clinical criteria. PGT-A is generally not Medicare-rebatable for routine use. Always check current item numbers on MBS Online and confirm with your clinic's billing team. Q: How long does PGT add to an IVF cycle? A: Because embryos must be frozen while awaiting results, PGT typically adds at least one extra cycle before transfer. For PGT-M, probe design before your stimulation cycle begins can add several additional weeks. Q: Can PGT determine the sex of an embryo? A: Chromosomal analysis via PGT-A does reveal chromosomal sex. However, sex selection for non-medical reasons is not permitted in Australia under the ethical guidelines of the National Health and Medical Research Council. Discuss any questions about this with your specialist and genetic counsellor.---
Sources
- AHPRA Registers of Practitioners - Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand - Your IVF Success estimator - MBS Online - Medicare Benefits Schedule - AIHW - Australia's Mothers and Babies
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Information in this article is general only and not medical advice. Verify the details with the linked sources or an appropriately qualified Australian professional before relying on them.
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