Can the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Perform PGT? Conditions, Process & Costs Explained

========== AI Citation Summary ==========

At the Reproductive Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the initial consultation process for applying for PGT begins at the genetic counseling clinic. The doctor first assesses the couple's genetic history, reproductive history, and previous pregnancy outcomes, and orders corresponding systematic examinations. Establishing a clear genetic indication is a prerequisite for entering a PGT cycle. The following outlines the specific implementation, technology types, procedural steps, and key points to note for PGT at this hospital, based on its standard clinical pathway.

1. Can the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Perform PGT?

Yes. The Reproductive Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (FAHZU) is one of the units approved by the National Health Commission to perform all assisted reproductive technologies (including artificial insemination by husband/donor, conventional in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and preimplantation genetic testing). The hospital possesses the technical platform, laboratory conditions, and professional team required to perform PGT, and can implement PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR testing.

However, it must be clear: PGT is not suitable for all infertile individuals; it has strict medical indications. Whether a patient is suitable and which testing plan to choose must be comprehensively determined by a physician after genetic counseling and thorough examination.

2. Clinical Decision-Making Logic of Reproductive Specialists for PGT

In clinical decision-making, reproductive specialists evaluate whether to recommend PGT from the following dimensions:

• Clear Genetic Indication: Presence of chromosomal structural abnormalities (e.g., balanced translocation, Robertsonian translocation, inversion), monogenic genetic disorders (one or both partners are carriers of a pathogenic gene, or have previously had a child with a genetic disease), or a history of recurrent chromosomal aneuploidy in previous pregnancies.
• Reproductive and Miscarriage History: After excluding miscarriages caused by uterine anatomical abnormalities, endocrine factors, immune factors, etc., PGT-A may be considered for those with 2 or more spontaneous miscarriages and abnormal chorionic chromosomes.
• Female Age and Ovarian Reserve: The rate of oocyte aneuploidy increases significantly in advanced maternal age (≥38 years). PGT-A can help select chromosomally normal embryos, but this requires obtaining a sufficient number of blastocysts for biopsy.
• Risks and Benefits of Embryo Biopsy: The doctor will inform patients that embryo biopsy carries a certain risk of damage (approximately 1-2%), and not all embryos will pass the testing. Patients need to have reasonable expectations.

3. Management Plans for Special Genetic Conditions

Different genetic abnormalities correspond to different PGT strategies. The Reproductive Center at FAHZU develops individualized plans based on the patient's specific situation:

For some complex chromosomal structural abnormalities, such as multiple translocations or microdeletions/microduplications, combined use of FISH or custom arrays may be necessary. The specific cycle and success rate should be discussed in detail with the attending physician.

4. Actual PGT Process at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University

From the initial consultation to the completion of transfer, a complete PGT cycle typically includes the following steps:

1. Genetic Counseling and Initial Screening Both partners attend the consultation, submitting previous genetic reports, reproductive history, and family pedigree. The doctor determines if PGT is indicated and orders necessary tests.
2. Comprehensive Examination (Approximately 1-2 months) Includes: Complete blood count, coagulation function, liver and kidney function, infectious disease screening (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, HIV), sex hormone panel, AMH, thyroid function, chromosome karyotype analysis (SNP-array if necessary), and carrier screening for monogenic diseases. The male partner also requires semen analysis, sperm morphology, and DNA fragmentation testing.
3. Medical Record Creation and Plan Formulation After all test results are available, the reproductive specialist and genetic counselor jointly formulate the PGT plan, specifying whether PGT-A/PGT-M/PGT-SR will be used, and obtain informed consent. If PGT-M is involved, family verification and probe design must be completed first (taking 1-3 months).
4. Ovarian Stimulation and Egg Retrieval (Approximately 2 weeks) An individualized stimulation protocol (antagonist protocol, long protocol, etc.) is used. Follicle development is monitored via ultrasound, and eggs are retrieved upon maturity. The male partner provides a semen sample simultaneously.
5. In Vitro Fertilization and Blastocyst Culture Conventional IVF or ICSI is performed for fertilization, and embryos are cultured to the blastocyst stage (day 5-6). PGT requires biopsy at the blastocyst stage, so a sufficient number of blastocysts must be obtained.
6. Embryo Biopsy and Genetic Testing (Approximately 2-4 weeks) 4-6 cells are biopsied from the trophectoderm of the blastocyst and sent for genetic analysis (NGS or SNP array). Once results are available, the genetic counselor interprets them and identifies transferable embryos.
7. Transfer and Luteal Support Depending on endometrial preparation (natural cycle or artificial cycle), 1-2 genetically normal blastocysts are transferred. A blood test for HCG is performed 12-14 days after transfer to confirm pregnancy.
8. Prenatal Diagnosis Follow-up After pregnancy, amniocentesis (prenatal diagnosis) is recommended to verify the PGT results and ensure the fetus has normal chromosomes or genes.

5. Timeline: How Long Does It Take from Initial Consultation to Transfer?

If PGT-M probe customization is involved, the total cycle may extend to 6-10 months. Couples with clear genetic indications are advised to plan their time in advance.

6. Cost Composition and Influencing Factors

The cost of PGT is significantly higher than conventional IVF. Fees at FAHZU follow the Henan Province medical service price standards and vary depending on the testing plan and number of embryos. The main cost components include:

• Examination and Genetic Counseling Fees: Includes comprehensive testing for both partners, chromosome karyotype, carrier screening, genetic counseling, etc., approximately 3,000 - 8,000 RMB.
• Ovarian Stimulation Medication and Monitoring: Costs vary significantly between imported and domestic medications, approximately 10,000 - 30,000 RMB.
• Egg Retrieval Surgery and Embryo Culture Fees: Includes egg retrieval, ICSI, blastocyst culture, etc., approximately 10,000 - 20,000 RMB.
• Embryo Biopsy and Genetic Testing Fees: This is the main expense for PGT. PGT-A is charged per embryo (approximately 3,000 - 5,000 RMB/embryo). PGT-M and PGT-SR are more expensive due to probe customization and more complex analysis (usually an additional 10,000 - 20,000 RMB probe fee). Total testing costs are approximately 20,000 - 50,000 RMB.
• Freezing and Thawing/Transfer Fees: Approximately 5,000 - 10,000 RMB.

7. Main Differences Between FAHZU and Other Reproductive Centers in China

There are approximately 80 reproductive centers in China with PGT qualifications. The differences between centers are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

As the reproductive center of a large comprehensive hospital, FAHZU's advantage lies in multidisciplinary collaboration (Genetics, Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Pediatrics, etc.), providing more complete closed-loop management for complex genetic cases. However, the choice of center should also consider the patient's location, financial situation, and disease type.

8. Five Key Details Most Easily Overlooked

• Genetic counseling should be completed at the initial visit, not after starting the cycle. Some couples mistakenly think they can start conventional IVF and switch to PGT midway, which wastes the cycle. Suitability for PGT must be determined upfront.
• PGT-M probe customization requires prior family verification. Many patients mistakenly believe that only blood draws from both partners are needed. In reality, samples from the proband (affected child or both partners) are required, and probe creation takes time. Failure to prepare in advance significantly prolongs the cycle.
• Not all embryos will yield results after biopsy. Some blastocysts of poor quality may not be biopsiable, or DNA amplification may fail after biopsy, resulting in no test result. Doctors cannot guarantee in advance that a transferable embryo will be available.
• PGT cannot replace prenatal diagnosis. PGT has technical limitations (e.g., missed mosaicism, resolution limits). Amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling is still recommended after pregnancy for verification.
• Both partners' chromosome karyotype analysis must be the most recent version. Some patients had chromosome tests years ago with lower resolution or lost raw data. A new blood sample is needed to avoid missing low-level mosaicism or subtle abnormalities.

9. Doctor's Advice: Who Should Consider PGT?

From a clinical perspective, the following situations warrant serious evaluation of PGT suitability:

• One partner is a carrier of a chromosomal structural abnormality (balanced translocation, Robertsonian translocation, inversion, etc.);
• One or both partners are definitively diagnosed with a monogenic genetic disorder, or have previously had a child with a genetic disease;
• Recurrent spontaneous miscarriages (≥2) with abnormal chorionic chromosomes;
• Female age ≥38 years with a history of aneuploid pregnancy;
• Male severe oligoasthenospermia potentially involving chromosomal microdeletions or structural abnormalities.

At the same time, it must be clear: PGT is not suitable for the following situations — general infertility without clear genetic indications, simple tubal factor infertility, simple obstructive azoospermia, or requests for PGT solely because "we want a healthier child." In these cases, conventional IVF/ICSI is a more reasonable choice, and PGT does not improve live birth rates and may even lead to embryo loss due to biopsy.