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Intended Parents

Embryo Genetic Testing and IVF for Surrogacy

Embryo genetic testing is a vital step for intended parents pursuing surrogacy through in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

This testing helps identify genetic abnormalities in embryos before they are transferred, increasing chances of successful implantation and a healthy baby.

If you need a fertility clinic for IVF and embryo genetic testing, we’re here for you. Contact us online to be connected to a reputable professional nearby.

This article will break down genetic testing on embryos for IVF, from the types of testing and what you can glean from those tests, as well as the IVF process.

Genetic Testing for IVF Embryos [PGT-A and PGT-M]

There are two primary types of genetic testing of embryos for IVF: PGT-A and PGT-M.

PGT-A

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, or PGT-A, looks at embryos and their number of chromosomes.

Embryos with the wrong number of chromosomes are considered aneuploid and those with the right number of embryos are considered euploid.

The age of the egg contributor plays the biggest role in determining the chances of an aneuploid embryo. An aneuploid embryo can lead to:

  • Implantation failure

  • Miscarriage

  • Chromosomal disorders

    PGT-M

    Preimplantation genetic testing for a monogenic disorder, or PGT-M, reduces the risk of your child inheriting a genetic disorder from you or your partner.

    Genetic testing of embryos for IVF can detect single gene mutations such as:

    • Cystic fibrosis
    • Huntington’s disease
    • BRCA
    • And more

    IVF and the genetic screening of embryos gives you the chance to identify the best embryos to transfer to your surrogate, giving you the best opportunity to become a parent sooner rather than later.

    This updated article from 2024 puts the success rate of genetically normally embryos at 60-65%  

    IVF and Embryo Genetic Screening [5 Steps]

    Whoever is providing the eggs for the embryo receives medication to help stimulate the ovaries into producing multiple eggs.

    Eggs are surgically removed from the ovaries using a minimally invasive procedure.

    Embryos are created in a lab, fertilizing the eggs in a petri dish with sperm.

    The highest developed, best quality embryos are chosen to be transferred.

    The embryos are transferred to your surrogate’s uterus.

    These five steps offer you a general idea of how embryo genetic testing with IVF works.

    Genetic testing of embryos created through IVF takes place in between steps three and four given above. Once the embryos are created, they are biopsied once they reach a certain stage of development.

    The cells removed during this biopsy are then sent to the lab for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M).

    The Importance of IVF Embryo Genetic Testing for Surrogacy

    PGT for IVF can be beneficial because of its impact on:

    Enhancing Success Rates

    PGT helps identify the embryos that are best suited for transfer. Genetically healthy embryos increase your chances of a successful pregnancy in fewer attempts.

    Reducing the Risk of Miscarriage

    PGT increases success rates by detecting chromosomal abnormalities, such as missing or extra chromosomes, that can lead to miscarriages.

    Avoiding Passing on Genetic Disorders

    Genetic screening of embryos takes place once they develop to the blastocyst stage.

    Then, the embryo itself is frozen while a number of cells from each embryo are biopsied and sent for additional tests to detect genetic disorders.

    Fill out our online contact form to learn more about surrogacy, PGT’s impact and the steps involved.

    How Much Does IVF and Embryo Genetic Testing Cost?

    The American Society for Reproductive Medicine released a report in 2021 that looked at the average cost of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with PGT and found that for patients below the age of 35, the average cost of using IVF with PGT-M/A was $30,086 while the average cost for those 35 and older with PGT-M/A was $31,418.

    There are many factors to consider when determining how much genetic testing of embryos for IVF can cost. You need to factor in

    Depending on your health insurance and what it covers, a singular IVF cycle could cost you $15,000-$30,000.

    Different clinics have different fee structures when it comes to PGT-A and PGT-M. The Pacific Fertility Center of Los Angeles gave a figure of $4,000-$10,000 for PGT-A testing while Arc Fertility put the average cost of PGT-M at $7,000-$12,000 per cycle.

    Surrogacy can cost anywhere from $100,000-$250,000 depending on the professional you work with.

    Why Genetic Testing of Embryos for IVF Matters to Surrogates

    Not only is embryo genetic testing for IVF and surrogacy important for you, it’s important for your surrogate too.

    Put yourselves in a potential surrogate’s shoes. A surrogate is much more likely to match with intended parents with embryos that have a high chance of success.

    PGT for your embryos means your surrogate:

    Is It Worth Doing Genetic Testing on Embryos?

    Yes, it is very much worth conducting genetic testing for IVF created embryos. If none of the embryos you have are viable for transfer, whether that’s because of the lack of development or other issues found through PGT, your timeline to parenthood can be pushed back.

    Whether you already have your embryos created or are currently doing so, get in touch with us to get your surrogacy journey started. Once you have your embryos, we can help you find the perfect surrogate in as little as 1-6 months.

    Male and Female couple smiling with surrogate mother
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