PGT-A in Greece: genetic testing of embryos, without making unrealistic promises

PGT-A (pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy) involves taking a few cells from a blastocyst-stage embryo, prior to transfer, to check that the number of chromosomes is normal. An embryo with one too many or one too few chromosomes has very little chance of implanting, or most often results in a miscarriage. The idea, therefore, is to transfer only so-called euploid embryos.

Why so many patients travel for PGT-A

In France, pre-implantation genetic testing is only authorised to screen for a serious and incurable genetic condition identified within the family. Screening for aneuploidies, in the absence of a known condition, is not permitted: the 2021 Bioethics Act considered this extension and rejected it. A couple who have experienced three miscarriages or four failed transfers of good-quality embryos cannot therefore access this procedure in France, except as part of a research study.

In Greece, PGT-A is carried out by numerous licensed clinics, on the basis of a medical indication provided by a doctor, within the framework of Law 3305/2005, which governs pre-implantation diagnosis. It is offered, not imposed, and a reputable clinic will explain why it recommends it in your specific case.

For whom PGT-A is of real benefit

• Women over the age of 38 using their own eggs: the proportion of aneuploid embryos increases significantly with age, and the test helps to avoid transfers that are bound to fail.
• Recurrent miscarriages (two or more), where investigations have found no other cause.
• Repeated implantation failures with embryos of good morphology.
• A balanced chromosomal abnormality in one of the partners (translocation), in which case the test is referred to as PGT-SR.

For a 32-year-old woman with no history of such issues, the benefits are far more debatable, and a reputable clinic will tell you as much.

What PGT-A does not guarantee

This is where I prefer to be very clear. PGT-A does not create healthy embryos: it screens the ones that already exist. If you have three embryos and all three are aneuploid, you will have nothing to transfer, and you will have paid for the test. It does not detect all genetic abnormalities, only the number of chromosomes. There is a grey area involving so-called ‘mosaic’ embryos, the interpretation of which remains a matter of debate. Finally, a biopsy is an invasive procedure on the embryo; recent studies consider it safe in experienced hands, but it is not without risk.

Published data show that PGT-A increases the live birth rate per transfer and reduces the miscarriage rate, particularly for women aged 38 and over, but does not necessarily increase the cumulative live birth rate per egg retrieval cycle. In other words: it saves you time and spares you unnecessary transfers; it does not create opportunities that did not previously exist.

The practical procedure

1. Conventional IVF or ICSI, with egg retrieval in Greece.
2. Embryo culture until the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6).
3. Biopsy of a few cells from the trophectoderm, followed by vitrification of all embryos.
4. Analysis at a genetic laboratory, with results available in two to four weeks.
5. Return to Greece for a frozen embryo transfer, once the results are known and the endometrium has been prepared.

PGT-A therefore always involves two visits: one for egg retrieval, one for the transfer. The process for frozen embryo transfer is described here.

Cost

As a guide, expect to pay between 1,500 and 3,000 euros for the analysis, depending on the number of embryos tested, in addition to the cost of the IVF treatment itself. Some clinics charge a flat rate for a set number of embryos, whilst others charge per embryo. Ask for details of the billing method in writing.

What about egg donation?

With a donor under the age of 30, the proportion of aneuploid embryos is low, and PGT-A is rarely necessary. If a clinic routinely offers it to you in this context, ask why. There are situations where it remains justified, but these are the exception.

Frequently asked questions

Source: https://fertilitegrece.com/en/blog/pgt-a-genetic-testing-greece/ — Triada Baloukoudis, IVF patient coordination in Greece. General information, not medical or legal advice. Printed on

Triada Baloukoudis
Independent IVF patient coordinator in Thessaloniki, with 24 years of experience supporting patients travelling from abroad. More · Contact · Facebook