PGT Genetic Testing in Dubai: Cost, Types & Who Needs It | Dubai Fertility Clinics

What Is PGT and Why Does It Matter?

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) screens embryos for genetic abnormalities before transfer during IVF. It's one of the most significant advances in reproductive medicine, helping select the healthiest embryos and reducing miscarriage risk.

Types of PGT

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PGT-A (Aneuploidy)	Chromosome number (e.g., Down syndrome)	Women 35+, recurrent miscarriage, repeated IVF failure
PGT-SR (Structural)	Chromosome rearrangements (translocations)	Partners with known structural chromosome issues

PGT Cost in Dubai

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PGT-A	1,500 – 2,500	8,000 – 15,000
PGT-SR	2,500 – 4,000	12,000 – 20,000

*PGT-M requires a custom probe development (AED 5,000-10,000 one-time fee).*

How PGT Improves IVF Outcomes

Without PGT-A:

40-60% of embryos from women over 35 are chromosomally abnormal

These embryos either fail to implant, miscarry, or (rarely) result in chromosomal conditions

Transferring them wastes cycles and emotional energy

With PGT-A:

Only chromosomally normal (euploid) embryos are transferred

Implantation rates increase significantly

Miscarriage rates decrease by 50-60%

Time to successful pregnancy is shorter

Who Should Consider PGT-A?

Women aged 35 and older

Couples with recurrent pregnancy loss (2+ miscarriages)

Previous failed IVF cycles

Prior pregnancy with chromosomal abnormality

Anyone wanting to maximize per-transfer success rate

Single embryo transfer (elective) — ensures the one transferred is normal

The PGT Process

IVF cycle proceeds normally through egg retrieval and fertilization

Embryos cultured to blastocyst stage (Day 5-7)

Biopsy taken — a few cells removed from the outer layer (trophectoderm)

Embryos frozen while waiting for results

Results returned in 1-2 weeks

Frozen embryo transfer (FET) of a normal embryo in a subsequent cycle

Important Considerations

PGT adds cost and requires embryo freezing (no fresh transfer)

Not all embryos survive biopsy (risk is small: 1-2%)

Some results are "mosaic" (mix of normal and abnormal cells) — discuss with your doctor

PGT-A is most valuable for women over 35 or those with recurrent loss

For younger women with many embryos, the benefit is debated — consult your specialist

Family Balancing (Gender Selection)

PGT-A also reveals the sex of each embryo. In the UAE, family balancing (gender selection) is legally permitted for married couples who already have children of one sex. Discuss eligibility with your clinic.