Treatment Overview
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a laboratory technique applied to embryos created via IVF (using donor sperm) to assess their genetic or chromosomal integrity before implantation. A small number of cells (often from the trophectoderm in a blastocyst) are biopsied and subjected to genetic analysis (e.g. for aneuploidy, structural rearrangements, or single-gene mutations). Only embryos deemed “normal” or within acceptable risk thresholds are selected for transfer. In Korea, leading fertility centers incorporate PGT into donor-sperm IVF programs, leveraging high-throughput sequencing, AI-supported interpretation, and rigorous laboratory standards. For example, CHA Fertility Center in Seoul offers PGT-A, PGT-SR, and PGT-M in its genetic clinic. seoul.chamc.co.kr
Purpose & Benefits
- To reduce the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy) in embryos, thereby lowering the risk of failed implantation or miscarriage. seoul.chamc.co.kr+1
- To screen for structural chromosome rearrangements (PGT-SR) or monogenic (single‐gene) diseases (PGT-M) when either the donor, recipient, or family has known mutations. seoul.chamc.co.kr
- To increase the odds of selecting healthier embryos for transfer, improving clinical pregnancy and live birth rates.
- To avoid repeated unsuccessful cycles due to genetic abnormalities.
- To enhance the efficiency, predictability, and safety of donor sperm IVF programs.
Ideal Candidates
PGT is most useful in the following situations:
- Women of advanced maternal age (e.g. over 35), where aneuploidy risk is higher. seoul.chamc.co.kr+1
- Couples with a history of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) or recurrent miscarriage.
- Known chromosomal rearrangement carriers (balanced translocation etc.).
- When the donor or recipient is a known carrier of a genetic disorder, and PGT-M is relevant.
- Cases where multiple embryos are available, making embryo selection meaningful.
- Patients desiring maximal safety in a donor sperm IVF cycle.
Possible Risks & Complications
- Possible embryo damage or reduced viability due to the biopsy procedure.
- Mosaicism or sampling error: the biopsied cells may not fully represent the entire embryo’s genetics.
- False positive / false negative results or ambiguous interpretations.
- Ethical and emotional stress if no “normal” embryo is found.
- Increased time or delay due to awaiting genetic results.
- Added cost and complexity to the IVF cycle.
Techniques & Methods Used
- Biopsy of embryos (typically at the blastocyst stage, sampling trophectoderm cells)
- Whole-genome amplification of biopsied cells
- Genetic assays: next-generation sequencing (NGS) for chromosomal aneuploidy, targeted gene panels, or microarray for structural rearrangements
- Bioinformatics pipelines for variant calling, annotation, and filtering
- Embryo vitrification (freezing) during the waiting period for results
- Strict labeling, chain-of-custody, and sample tracking systems
- Integration with AI or algorithmic embryo ranking in high-end labs
In Korean IVF programs, PGT workflows are tightly coordinated with embryology labs, ensuring minimal handling stress and rapid turnaround.
Recovery & Aftercare
- The biopsy procedure itself is on the embryo, not the patient, so no physical recovery is needed.
- Once embryos are returned for transfer, usual IVF aftercare applies: hormonal support, monitoring, blood tests, ultrasound.
- Emotional support and genetic counseling are often part of aftercare, especially if unexpected genetic findings arise.
Results & Longevity
- Euploid embryos (those passing PGT) generally show higher implantation rates, lower miscarriage rates, and better chances of live birth.
- Surplus “normal” embryos may be cryopreserved for future transfers.
- Genetic test results remain valid for the life of the embryo (barring new scientific insights).
- Because donor sperm is already screened and reliable, combining it with PGT further improves outcome consistency.
- Clinics in Korea report favorable success trends when PGT is included in donor sperm IVF cycles. Korea Science+1
Treatment Process in Korea
- Fertilization of eggs with donor sperm (often via ICSI)
- Culture embryos to blastocyst stage
- Biopsy a few trophectoderm cells from the embryo
- Vitrify (freeze) the embryos while awaiting results
- Genetic testing (PGT-A / PGT-M / PGT-SR) in specialized labs
- Interpretation and classification of embryos (normal, abnormal, mosaic, etc.)
- Thaw and transfer of selected “normal” embryos into the uterus in a later cycle
- Remaining embryos (if normal) remain in cryostorage
What makes Korean PGT programs especially strong:
- Rapid turnarounds in genetic analysis
- High-throughput, AI-augmented interpretation systems
- Seamless coordination between donor sperm banks, IVF clinics, and genetic labs
- High regulatory, ethical, and quality oversight
- Skilled embryologists and geneticists collaborating in integrated workflows
- Relatively lower cost structure combined with high technical standards
Cost Range
PGT adds a substantial incremental cost to IVF cycles. Approximate ranges include:
- PGT-A per embryo: USD 1,500 – 3,000
- PGT-M (for monogenic disorders) may cost more depending on the disease complexity
- Biopsy, amplification, and handling included in those ranges
- Cryopreservation (freezing) during waiting period may add additional fees
These costs are typically offered as optional add-ons to premium donor sperm IVF packages.
Popular Clinics
Some Korean fertility centers recognized for offering PGT services in donor sperm or general IVF programs:
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul) — provides PGT-A, PGT-SR, PGT-M services in its genetic clinic. seoul.chamc.co.kr
- Maria Fertility Hospital — known for IVF and genetic diagnostics services.
- Major university-affiliated centers and large fertility hospitals also commonly offer PGT in Korea due to research and lab capabilities.
