IVF with PGT-A
Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is an optional test that can provide additional information about suitable embryos during in vitro fertilisation (IVF). At Bourn Hall, we’ll explain what PGT-A can and can’t tell you, talk through your options clearly and support you in making a decision that feels right for you.
Page Guide
We understand that fertility treatment can be a complex and emotional journey. Our team is dedicated to providing you with all the information and support you need throughout the process.
How it works
What is PGT-A?
During IVF, embryos are usually assessed based on their development and appearance under the microscope. PGT-A adds another layer of information by screening embryos for chromosomal changes that may reduce the likelihood of an ongoing pregnancy or the birth of a baby.
PGT-A doesn’t improve embryo quality or guarantee pregnancy, but it can help build a more complete picture of the embryos created during treatment.
Is PGT-A right for me?
PGT-A isn’t the right choice for everyone, but it may be worth considering in certain situations. Your fertility specialist may discuss PGT-A with you if:
- You’re in your mid-to-late thirties or early forties
- You’ve experienced miscarriage
- You’re exploring embryo banking before transfer
- You’re likely to create several embryos suitable for testing
- You’ve had previous IVF cycles that haven’t been successful
- You’d like to understand if PGT-A could influence your treatment plan
When discussing PGT-A, your Bourn Hall team will consider factors such as your age, ovarian reserve, treatment history and the number of embryos you’re likely to create. Together, you can decide if PGT-A could be a helpful part of your treatment.
Why embryo numbers matter
PGT-A can only be carried out when embryos develop to a stage where they’re suitable for biopsy and testing. Some patients may create several blastocysts, while others may create one or none.
Based on Bourn Hall clinic data, the proportion of patients with at least one additional blastocyst available was:
- 62% for patients under 35
- 42% for patients aged 35 to 39
- 23% for patients aged 40 or over
These figures can’t predict what will happen in an individual cycle. Your fertility team will consider your age, ovarian reserve and previous response to treatment when discussing what you may realistically expect.
What can PGT-A help with?
| PGT-A may help to | PGT-A can’t |
|---|---|
| Identify embryos that are very unlikely to lead to a baby | Guarantee pregnancy or a baby |
| Reduce the chance of transferring an embryo with the wrong number of chromosomes | Improve the quality of embryos created during IVF |
| Reduce miscarriage risk in some circumstances | Guarantee that an embryo will implant |
| Reduce the number of transfers that are unlikely to work | Test for every genetic condition |
| Support single embryo transfer decisions | Ensure you’ll have an embryo suitable for transfer |
| Give you more information about embryos stored for future treatment | Remove all risk of miscarriage |
PGT-A may be discussed alongside IVF if your specialist feels embryo testing could help guide transfer decisions. It may be suitable if you’re likely to create embryos that can be biopsied and tested before transfer.
In some cases, a fresh embryo transfer may still be possible. If a fresh transfer takes place, that embryo won’t usually be tested before transfer. Any remaining embryos suitable for PGT-A may then be tested and frozen for possible future use.
If ICSI is recommended as part of your IVF treatment, your specialist can also discuss if PGT-A may be appropriate. This may depend on your sperm results, previous treatment history, embryo development and the number of embryos likely to be suitable for testing.
PGT-A isn’t right for everyone. For some patients, IVF or ICSI without embryo testing may be the most appropriate route.
Your specialist will talk through the options with you, including how each one may affect your treatment timeline and embryo transfers.
How PGT-A works during IVF
PGT-A can be used as part of your IVF treatment pathway. Here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Treatment begins with IVF or IVF with ICSI
- Embryos are grown in the laboratory and assessed by the embryology team
- Embryos that continue to develop may reach the blastocyst stage
- If an embryo is suitable for biopsy, a small number of cells may be carefully removed from the part that would usually form the placenta
- The biopsy sample is tested for chromosome changes
- Embryos suitable for freezing may be frozen while results are awaited
- Your specialist will explain your results and discuss what they may mean for embryo transfer
PGT-A can affect how and when embryo transfer is planned. Your team will guide you through each stage, with time to ask questions as your plan develops.
Understanding your results
Your PGT-A results will help your clinical team understand which embryos may be recommended for transfer. An embryo may be reported as suitable for transfer, not suitable for transfer or, less commonly, inconclusive.
A suitable result doesn’t guarantee pregnancy. If the result is inconclusive, the test hasn’t provided a clear answer and your specialist will talk you through the possible next steps.
Some results may fall within a mosaic range, which means the cells tested show a mixture of chromosome findings and can be harder to interpret with certainty. Bourn Hall and its testing partner don’t routinely report uncertain mosaic-range findings as a separate result. Your clinical team can explain this approach before testing and answer any questions you may have.
What happens next
PGT-A, pregnancy and baby health
The evidence available so far is generally reassuring, including for outcomes such as birth differences, early birth and low birth weight.
There may be a possible link with high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, although it isn’t clear if this is related to PGT-A, embryo biopsy, frozen embryo transfer or differences between patient groups.
Long-term information about children born following PGT-A is still limited. Your specialist will talk you through the current evidence and answer any questions before treatment.
Talk to us about IVF with PGT-A
Choosing whether to include PGT-A in your IVF treatment can feel like a significant decision. Our team is here to help you understand what embryo testing can and can’t tell you, and explore what may be most appropriate for your circumstances.
Flexible Pricing Options
To help make your treatment affordable and achievable, we offer fixed price treatment package options and a variety of finance solutions for patients looking to spread all or part of the cost of their treatment.
Explore our prices
Discover our prices and finance options, making treatments more accessible for you.
Book a 15 minute Discovery call
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Fertility funding partners we work with:
Our IVF success rates
At Bourn Hall, you can be assured of the best chances of having a baby within the shortest possible time. If you are under 35, you have a 72% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
*Data from 2025
If you are under 35, you have a 72% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
If you are 35-37 years old and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have a 64% chance of getting pregnant within one year.
If you are a female aged over 40 and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have about a 50% chance of getting pregnant within one year.
Success rates by age
At Bourn Hall, you can be assured of the best chances of having a baby within the shortest possible time. If you are under 35, you have a 72% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
*Data from 2025
Younger than 35
If you are under 35, you have a 72% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
35 to 39 years old
If you are 35-37 years old and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have a 64% (58% for 38-39 year olds) chance of getting pregnant (pregnancy seen on scan) within one year.
40+ years old
If you are a female over 40 and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have about a 50% chance of getting pregnant within one year.
Support at every stage
As one of the UK’s top fertility treatment centres, our values ensure we put our patients first.
Passion
Adaptability
Commitment
Teamwork and Collaboration
Our fertility milestones
1978
The world's first IVF baby
1980
Year founded by IVF pioneers
25000
Babies born through Bourn Hall
Patient reviews
Genuine experiences from real patients. See why so many trust us with their fertility care.
“We went to an open evening at Bourn Hall Wickford and came away feeling really positive about the place. The staff were really friendly and the presentation was clear about the statistics regarding success rates and live birth rates; their data was very transparent. We came away feeling like we would really be looked after.”
Katy and Leigh are parents to Charlie after IVF
Patient 2023
“We chose to make an appointment at Bourn Hall Wickford because of the favourable reviews. When we got there and met the staff they were just so lovely, making us feel welcome and explaining to us what tests would need to be done and what our options were; we just thought ‘yes, let’s get the ball rolling!”
Jess and Fran are mums to Nathan after IVF with donor sperm
Patient 2023
Patient stories
Our patients are at the heart of everything we do, and we are always inspired by the success stories they have to share. Hear directly from our previous patients as they share their unique journeys to parenthood.
Dan and Jess’ journey to parenthood
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Learn more about the options available to you, from fertility tests to treatments, and find answers to any questions you might have.
Related information
If you qualify for NHS-funded fertility treatment under the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, our fertility diagnostic pathway is the same as the services offered by your local NHS hospital but with much shorter waiting times and in an environment dedicated to fertility services.
Our male couples fertility testing package includes semen analysis tests for you both, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist and a private consultation.
We offer fertility health and wellbeing packages at our clinics in Cambridge, Norwich, Wickford, or at home. Our male package includes a semen analysis, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist, and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female couples fertility testing package includes options to provide you both with results on your fertility. These include AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female package includes the option of AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone, an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results. Additionally, we include a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist to provide you with nutrition and lifestyle advice.
For heterosexual couples, our female and male fertility testing package includes the option of semen analysis; AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Once you’ve made the decision to extend your family, even thinking that you might have a fertility issue can be stressful. And for a man, the thought that your sperm might not be in tip-top condition is definitely a cause for concern.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions answered. Find clarity on every step of your fertility journey.
PGT-A doesn’t guarantee pregnancy and doesn’t improve embryo quality. However, it can provide information about embryos that may help guide treatment decisions.
In some circumstances, PGT-A may help identify embryos that are less likely to result in an ongoing pregnancy and may reduce the risk of miscarriage. View our success rates to learn more.
Yes. Conventional IVF or ICSI without PGT-A may still be a suitable option for you.
This can happen. Your specialist will review your response and discuss what may be appropriate next.