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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Yes, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) can be performed on frozen embryos. This testing is typically done after the embryo has been thawed and is ready for transfer, or it can be performed on a biopsy taken from the embryo before it was frozen, with the embryo being re-vitrified until the results are available. PGT-A helps identify chromosomal abnormalities, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Key Facts

PGT-A can be performed on frozen embryos.
Biopsy for PGT-A can occur before freezing or after thawing.
PGT-A identifies chromosomal abnormalities in embryos.
Testing frozen embryos can optimize IVF success rates.
PGT-A analysis is performed on cells obtained from the embryo.

Overview

The advent of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has revolutionized the landscape of fertility treatment, offering hope to millions struggling with infertility. Among the most significant advancements is in vitro fertilization (IVF), a process that involves fertilizing eggs with sperm outside the body and transferring the resulting embryo(s) into the uterus. As IVF has become more sophisticated, so too have the methods for assessing embryo health and viability. One such critical development is preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), a suite of techniques designed to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation. PGT-A, specifically focusing on aneuploidy (an abnormal number of chromosomes), has emerged as a powerful tool in this regard.

A common question that arises for individuals undergoing IVF is whether embryos that have already been frozen can undergo PGT-A. This question is particularly relevant for those who have undergone an IVF cycle, had embryos created and frozen, and are now considering genetic testing for their subsequent transfer. Understanding the process and feasibility of testing frozen embryos is crucial for making informed decisions about fertility treatment and maximizing the chances of a healthy pregnancy. The good news is that PGT-A is indeed compatible with frozen embryos, offering valuable insights into their genetic integrity.

How It Works

Embryo Biopsy: The process for PGT-A begins with an embryo biopsy. This involves carefully extracting a small number of cells from the embryo for genetic analysis. Typically, this is done at either the cleavage stage (day 3 of development) or the blastocyst stage (day 5-7 of development). At the blastocyst stage, cells are usually taken from the trophectoderm, which will eventually form the placenta, as this is less likely to impact the development of the inner cell mass (which forms the fetus).
Freezing or Testing Before Freezing: There are two primary approaches to performing PGT-A on frozen embryos. In one method, embryos are biopsied and then frozen (vitrified) before undergoing PGT-A. Once the PGT-A results are back and an euploid (chromosomally normal) embryo is identified, that specific embryo is thawed and transferred. Alternatively, embryos can be biopsied and then immediately vitrified. The biopsy sample is sent for PGT-A. Once the results are available, the appropriate embryo is thawed for transfer.
Genetic Analysis: The biopsied cells are sent to a specialized genetics laboratory for analysis. Advanced techniques, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) or comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), are used to identify chromosomal abnormalities. This includes an abnormal number of chromosomes (aneuploidy), such as having an extra chromosome (trisomy) or missing a chromosome (monosomy). The analysis determines if the embryo is euploid or aneuploid.
Embryo Selection and Transfer: Based on the PGT-A results, embryos are categorized. Euploid embryos are considered chromosomally normal and are prioritized for transfer. Aneuploid embryos are often not transferred as they have a higher likelihood of failing to implant, resulting in a miscarriage, or leading to the birth of a child with a chromosomal condition like Down syndrome. The selection of a euploid embryo can significantly increase the success rates of IVF.

Key Comparisons

Feature	PGT-A on Fresh Embryos	PGT-A on Frozen Embryos
Timing of Biopsy	Before freezing	Can be before freezing or after thawing (less common)
Embryo Status for Biopsy	Developing fresh embryo	Frozen (vitrified) embryo or thawed embryo
Potential for Embryo Damage	Slight risk during biopsy	Slight risk during biopsy and potential risks associated with thawing
Overall Success Rate Impact	Aims to improve implantation and reduce miscarriage rates	Aims to improve implantation and reduce miscarriage rates, comparable to fresh embryo transfers when performed correctly
Cryopreservation Step	Embryos are frozen after biopsy and testing (if not transferred immediately)	Embryos are frozen before or after biopsy, and then thawed for transfer after testing

Why It Matters

Impact: Studies have consistently shown that PGT-A can lead to a reduction in miscarriage rates by as much as 50% by selecting chromosomally normal embryos for transfer. This is a significant improvement for individuals experiencing recurrent miscarriages or those of advanced maternal age, where aneuploidy rates are higher.
Impact: For couples undergoing multiple IVF cycles with failed implantation or miscarriages, PGT-A on frozen embryos offers a targeted approach to identify and transfer the most viable embryos, potentially reducing the number of transfer cycles needed and the associated emotional and financial costs.
Impact: By identifying chromosomally normal embryos, PGT-A can also shorten the time to pregnancy. Instead of multiple transfers of untested embryos, a single transfer of a PGT-A-selected euploid embryo can lead to a successful pregnancy, providing a more efficient path to parenthood.

In conclusion, the ability to perform PGT-A on frozen embryos represents a significant advancement in IVF. It empowers fertility specialists and patients with crucial information about embryo genetics, allowing for more informed decisions and improving the overall efficacy of fertility treatments. Whether the biopsy is performed before freezing or on a thawed embryo, the goal remains the same: to select the healthiest embryos for transfer and maximize the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy.