What PGT-A Tests For
PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy) screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. A small biopsy of cells is taken from each embryo at the blastocyst stage (day 5–6), and the cells are analyzed to determine whether the embryo has the correct number of chromosomes (46 — euploid) or an incorrect number (aneuploid).
Chromosomal abnormalities are the primary cause of implantation failure, miscarriage, and certain birth defects (such as Down syndrome). By selecting only euploid embryos for transfer, PGT-A aims to increase per-transfer pregnancy rates and reduce miscarriage risk.
Cost of PGT-A in Colombia
| Component | Colombia | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Embryo biopsy (lab fee) | $500–$800 | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Genetic analysis per embryo | $200–$350/embryo | $250–$400/embryo |
| Total for 4–6 embryos tested | $1,000–$2,000 | $2,500–$5,000 |
Who Benefits Most from PGT-A
The clinical value of PGT-A is strongest for specific patient populations. Women over 37 produce a higher percentage of aneuploid embryos — PGT-A avoids transferring embryos that are unlikely to implant or will miscarry. Patients with recurrent pregnancy loss may have a higher rate of chromosomal issues in their embryos. Patients with prior IVF failure where good-quality embryos didn't implant. Couples with known chromosomal translocation or other structural chromosomal abnormalities (this is PGT-SR, a related test). Single embryo transfer (SET) patients who want to maximize the odds that their one transferred embryo is chromosomally normal.
The debate: For young patients under 35 with good ovarian reserve who produce many embryos, the benefit of PGT-A is less clear. Some studies suggest that the biopsy process itself may marginally reduce an embryo's implantation potential, and that young patients produce mostly euploid embryos anyway — meaning PGT-A adds cost without substantially changing outcomes. This remains an active debate in reproductive medicine.
The Mosaic Embryo Question
PGT-A sometimes identifies "mosaic" embryos — embryos with a mix of normal and abnormal cells. The clinical significance of mosaicism is evolving. Some mosaic embryos can "self-correct" during development and produce healthy pregnancies. Current guidelines suggest that mosaic embryos can be considered for transfer when no euploid embryos are available, with appropriate counseling about the (relatively small) increased risk.
This is an area where the experience and judgment of your reproductive endocrinologist matters significantly. Ask your Colombian clinic about their approach to mosaic embryos and their outcomes data for mosaic transfers.
Logistics with PGT-A in Colombia
PGT-A results take 7 to 14 days, which means a freeze-all approach is necessary — embryos are biopsied and vitrified, results are reviewed, and euploid embryos are transferred in a subsequent frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle. This typically means two trips to Colombia: one for stimulation and retrieval (10–14 days), and a return trip for the FET (5–7 days). Some clinics manage the FET preparation remotely, allowing the return trip to be as short as three to four days.
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