Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR)

PGT-SR costs vary based on the rearrangement, genetics laboratory, number of embryos tested, and amount of case-specific preparation required. Expenses can include:

• Laboratory case review and test setup
• Testing of embryo biopsy samples
• IVF treatment and medications
• Embryo biopsy and cryopreservation
• Sample shipping and storage

Total costs depend on the laboratory method and whether broader chromosome screening is included. Insurance and fertility-benefit coverage vary by plan. Your Illume financial coordinator can confirm current treatment, laboratory, biopsy, cryopreservation, and shipping costs.

Visit Illume’s Fertility Finance Hub for more information about insurance and financing.

Yes. A balanced translocation changes the position of chromosome material without creating a meaningful net gain or loss. Many carriers have no related health concerns and learn about the rearrangement only after chromosome testing.

The reproductive effect occurs during egg or sperm formation. Some eggs or sperm can receive an unbalanced amount of chromosome material, which can affect fertility, pregnancy, or a future child’s health.

No. PGT-SR may reduce the chance of transferring an embryo with an imbalance related to the known rearrangement. Pregnancy loss can still occur for many other chromosomal, uterine, hormonal, medical, and unexplained reasons.

A normal or balanced PGT-SR result does not guarantee implantation or an ongoing pregnancy.

Sometimes. Many PGT-SR methods identify whether an embryo has extra or missing chromosome material but cannot distinguish a typical chromosome arrangement from the same balanced rearrangement carried by the parent.

Some laboratories can make that distinction in selected cases through a method designed around the rearrangement. Ask the genetics laboratory what its test can report before IVF begins.

Usually, yes. A karyotype or another diagnostic chromosome report defines the rearrangement and its breakpoints. The genetics laboratory uses that information to evaluate reproductive risks and test feasibility.

Records from a previous pregnancy, child, or relative with an unbalanced result can provide useful case information too. Your genetic counselor will tell you which records the laboratory needs.

The testing method often examines all chromosomes, but the scope and reporting can vary. PGT-SR focuses on unbalanced chromosome material related to a known parental rearrangement. PGT-A screens more broadly for extra or missing chromosomes.

The tests answer different clinical questions. Your physician and genetic counselor can explain whether the planned analysis includes unrelated whole-chromosome, segmental, or mosaic findings.

Sometimes. Embryos that were frozen without biopsy may need to be warmed, biopsied, and frozen again. A genetics laboratory can sometimes use DNA remaining from a prior biopsy, depending on the original testing method and sample status.

Another biopsy or freeze-thaw cycle adds embryo handling. Illume’s physician, embryology, and genetics teams will review the embryos’ history before recommending a plan.

Your physician and genetic counselor will review every result before you decide what comes next. Options can include another IVF cycle, further laboratory review, continued embryo storage, use of donor eggs or sperm, donor embryos, or another family-building path.

An unbalanced result does not require an immediate embryo disposition decision. You can take time to understand the report, laboratory policies, and your choices.

No. PGT-SR examines a small sample of cells from an embryo before transfer. It does not test every cell and cannot guarantee that the result represents the entire embryo.

Prenatal screening and diagnostic testing should still be discussed after pregnancy. Chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis can provide diagnostic chromosome information during pregnancy.

No. Feasibility depends on the rearrangement type, chromosome breakpoints, segment sizes, complexity, and laboratory method. Very small or complex imbalances can fall below a test’s resolution.

The genetics laboratory must review the actual chromosome report before confirming what it can detect. That review should happen before an IVF cycle intended for PGT-SR begins.