Treatment Overview
Genetic screening in IVF—also called Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)—is a method to analyze the chromosomal or genetic integrity of embryos before they are transferred into the uterus. In Korea, leading fertility clinics incorporate genetic screening as part of advanced IVF protocols. After eggs are retrieved and fertilized (via conventional IVF or ICSI), embryos are cultured to the blastocyst stage, and a small biopsy of cells is taken from the embryo’s trophectoderm (outer layer). These cells are then genetically analyzed to detect aneuploidy (abnormal chromosome numbers), single-gene disorders, or structural chromosomal rearrangements. Only genetically viable (euploid or unaffected) embryos are transferred or cryopreserved.
Korean IVF labs combine next-generation sequencing (NGS), comprehensive chromosome screening, time-lapse embryo monitoring, and AI-aided embryo evaluation to integrate genetic screening seamlessly into IVF cycles, maximizing safety, success, and selection precision.
Purpose & Benefits
The role of genetic screening in IVF is to improve the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy by selecting embryos with optimal genetic profiles.
Key benefits include:
- Reduced risk of implantation failure and early miscarriage by avoiding chromosomally abnormal embryos.
- Increased per-transfer success rates by prioritizing embryos with normal chromosomal content.
- Ability to avoid selected single-gene disorders when parents are known carriers (PGT-M).
- Fewer cycles needed to achieve pregnancy, saving time, cost, and emotional stress.
- Safer embryo selection for patients with advanced maternal age or prior IVF failures.
- Potentially lower rates of multiple pregnancies by enabling confident single-embryo transfer.
Many Korean fertility centers promote PGT as a standard adjunct in “premium IVF” packages to improve outcomes and patient confidence.
Ideal Candidates
Genetic screening in IVF is particularly beneficial for couples or individuals facing certain risk profiles, though it is optional in many cases. Ideal candidates include:
- Women aged 35 and older, because the risk of aneuploid embryos rises with maternal age.
- Patients who have suffered recurrent miscarriages or repeated implantation failures.
- Couples with known genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, rearrangements, or carriers of monogenic disorders.
- Patients who have had prior IVF cycles with poor embryo quality or failed outcomes.
- Those desiring to minimize the number of transferred embryos while maintaining high success.
- Couples seeking assurance about embryo health before transfer.
In cases without risk factors, clinics often discuss the cost vs. benefit of PGT with patients before offering it.
Possible Risks & Complications
While genetic screening in IVF is widely regarded as safe and effective, some potential risks or limitations exist.
- The biopsy procedure, though small, may cause damage to the embryo (though risk is minimized with expert technique).
- False positives or false negatives are possible due to mosaicism (when some cells differ genetically from others).
- Genetic testing does not guarantee implantation or a healthy baby — other factors like uterine receptivity and embryo viability still matter.
- Added cost and extended time (waiting for genetic results) in IVF workflow.
- Ethical and emotional considerations around discarding embryos with detected abnormalities.
Korean reproductive medicine centers mitigate risks by using highly trained embryologists, validated biopsy methods, strict quality control, and counseling around limitations of genetic testing.
Surgical & Laboratory Techniques Used
Though the embryo biopsy is not a surgical procedure on the patient, it is technically delicate and requires high laboratory expertise. The key techniques involved in IVF with genetic screening include:
- Blastocyst biopsy (trophectoderm biopsy): A few cells are removed from the embryo’s outer layer on day 5 or 6, minimizing impact on embryo viability.
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): Allows comprehensive chromosome analysis with high resolution.
- Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) / Array-CGH / SNP arrays: Alternative platforms used for chromosomal screening.
- Assisted hatching (optional): Sometimes used if embryo shell is thick, to facilitate implantation.
- Cryopreservation (vitrification): Embryos are frozen post-biopsy until results are ready and transfer timing is optimal.
- Time-lapse imaging / AI embryo analysis: Monitors embryo development continuously to complement genetic findings.
- Ultrasound-guided embryo transfer: Placement of selected embryo(s) into the uterus at the ideal window.
Korean fertility labs adhere to strict standards (ISO, GMP), and often integrate automated systems and AI to support reproducibility and minimize human error.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery after embryo transfer in a genetic-screened IVF cycle is nearly identical to that of standard IVF. Patients typically resume normal light activity shortly after the transfer.
Aftercare practices include:
- Resting for 10–20 minutes immediately post-transfer.
- Avoiding strenuous activity for 1–2 days.
- Continuing prescribed luteal support medications (e.g., progesterone, estrogen).
- Monitoring for mild symptoms such as bloating or spotting.
- Performing a serum pregnancy test (β-hCG) about 10–14 days later.
- If pregnancy is confirmed, follow-up ultrasound and obstetric monitoring begin.
- If the first transfer is unsuccessful, the patient can use other genetically normal embryos from the same cycle.
Clinics in Korea often provide emotional counseling, nutrition guidance, and personalized follow-up to support patients during the waiting period and beyond.
Results & Longevity
Genetic screening in IVF improves the per-transfer success and may lead to more lasting outcomes by reducing miscarriage rates and improving implantation consistency.
Typical reported outcomes:
- Higher implantation and live birth rates per transfer (especially in older patients).
- Lower miscarriage rates when euploid embryos are transferred.
- Patients often require fewer IVF cycles to succeed.
- Embryos tested and transferred successfully via PGT tend to result in healthy, long-term pregnancies.
Peer-reviewed literature indicates that PGT’s use of comprehensive chromosome screening helps reduce genetic-related failure rates and contributes to more stable outcomes in reproductive medicine.
Treatment Process in Korea
Korean IVF clinics implement genetic screening IVF in a structured sequence, combining advanced technology with patient-specific customization:
Pre-IVF Consultation & Genetic Counseling
Comprehensive discussion of family history, genetic risks, testing options, benefits and limitations, and costs. Recipient and donor (if any) undergo carrier screening.
Ovarian Stimulation & Egg Retrieval
Standard stimulation protocols (customized) lead to egg retrieval under sedation.
Fertilization & Embryo Culture
Eggs are fertilized (IVF or ICSI), cultured to blastocyst stage.
Trophectoderm Biopsy & Genetic Analysis
A biopsy is performed, and sampled cells are sent for genetic testing using NGS or equivalent platforms. Embryos are frozen while awaiting results (freeze-all strategy).
Genetic Report & Embryo Selection
Normal (euploid or unaffected) embryos are identified; abnormal ones are excluded from transfer. Mosaic results are interpreted case by case.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
In a later cycle with optimized endometrial preparation, the selected embryo is thawed and transferred under ultrasound guidance.
Luteal Support & Pregnancy Check
Hormonal support continues, and pregnancy is assessed via blood test ~10–14 days later.
Why Korea is a top destination for Genetic Screening IVF:
Korea’s fertility industry is internationally recognized for stringent laboratory standards, regulatory oversight, high technology adoption (AI, automated embryo systems), and favorable cost-to-quality ratio. Clinics like CHA offer specialized genetic IVF services (PGT-A, PGT-M, PGT-SR). seoul.chamc.co.kr The integration of genetics into IVF cycles is more mature in Korean clinics than many centers elsewhere, and patients from abroad often seek out Korean IVF centers for their reputation in embryo genetic diagnostics.
Cost Range
Because genetic screening adds laboratory and analytical steps, it increases the cost of IVF. Typical ranges in Korea for IVF with genetic screening:
- IVF baseline without genetic testing: USD 4,000 – 6,000
- Genetic screening (PGT-A) add-on: USD 2,000 – 4,500
- More complex genetic testing (PGT-M / structural rearrangement) or expanded panels: USD 3,500 – 6,000
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) cycles: USD 2,000 – 4,000
Many clinics offer bundled packages combining IVF + genetic screening + FET to simplify pricing. The total cost depends on the number of embryos tested, the genetic platform used, and the clinic’s reputation and technology level.
Popular Clinics
Several prestigious fertility institutions in Korea are known for their expertise in genetic screening IVF:
CHA Fertility Center (Seoul & Bundang) is a recognized leader, offering comprehensive PGT services integrated with their IVF protocols.
Hamchoon Women’s Clinic is widely known for reproductive genetics, embryo diagnostics, and infertility services.
MizMedi Women’s Hospital and centers with strong ART laboratories also provide advanced PGT-equipped IVF services.
Asan Medical Center’s reproductive medicine department is reputed for high-standard IVF and genetic diagnostics programs.
