Procedure in Azerbaijan
Preimplantation genetic testing in Azerbaijan
Genetic testing of embryos created through IVF, considered in specific situations after genetic counselling.
Typical figures. The exact plan is confirmed by the treating doctor after the medical review.
Preimplantation genetic testing in Azerbaijan is an additional step within an IVF programme. A few cells are taken from each suitable embryo in the laboratory and examined, and the results help the doctor choose which embryo to transfer. PGT may be considered when a known genetic condition runs in the family, after repeated implantation failure or miscarriages, or at an older maternal age, as the doctor and a geneticist decide.
Before any decision you usually meet a geneticist, who explains what the test can and cannot show. Testing is done where the clinic works with a genetics laboratory, and the doctor explains which programmes are available under Azerbaijani law and the clinic's rules. Because results take days to weeks, embryos are often frozen and transferred in a later cycle. We review your documents in advance and prepare a written estimate.
Who it may suit
- Couples with a known genetic condition in the family, confirmed by earlier genetic tests
- Carriers of a chromosomal rearrangement identified by a geneticist
- Patients after repeated implantation failure in previous IVF cycles
- Couples who have had repeated miscarriages
- Women of older reproductive age, when the doctor and geneticist consider testing useful
How the procedure is organised
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1
Review of history and documents
You send genetic test results from the family and reports on previous IVF cycles or pregnancy losses. The reproductive specialist reviews them and explains which programmes are available under Azerbaijani law and the clinic's rules.
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2
Genetic counselling
A geneticist discusses the reason for testing, which type of PGT may be suitable and what the test can and cannot show. For a known family condition, the parents' earlier genetic results are usually needed, and preparing a test may take time.
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3
IVF cycle and egg retrieval
The woman goes through ovarian stimulation with monitoring, and eggs are collected under sedation. Fertilisation is often done by ICSI, so that extra sperm do not affect the genetic result.
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4
Embryo culture and biopsy
Embryos grow in the laboratory for several days. When an embryo reaches the right stage, the embryologist removes a few cells from its outer layer, which later forms the placenta, and the embryo is then frozen.
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5
Laboratory testing and results
The cells are examined where the clinic works with a genetics laboratory. Results usually take from several days to a few weeks, and the doctor and geneticist explain them to you.
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6
Frozen embryo transfer
If a suitable embryo is available, the transfer is planned in a later cycle, sometimes during another trip. Sometimes no embryo is suitable for transfer, and the doctor then discusses the next steps openly.
What the cost depends on
The cost of PGT is calculated individually and is added to the cost of the IVF cycle. It depends on the type of test, the number of embryos tested, embryo freezing and storage, and whether another trip is needed for the transfer. After the doctor reviews your documents, we send a written estimate before you travel so that you can plan in advance.
- Type of genetic test
- Number of embryos tested
- Genetic counselling and preparation of the test
- Embryo freezing and storage
- The IVF cycle and a later frozen embryo transfer
Recovery and the trip home
- Recovery after egg retrieval usually takes a day or two. The biopsy is done on the embryo in the laboratory, so the woman does not feel it.
- No test is perfect. PGT checks only what it was designed to detect, and results may occasionally be unclear or incorrect.
- For this reason, if a pregnancy occurs, the doctor may recommend standard prenatal screening or diagnostic tests.
- Flying home after egg retrieval or embryo transfer is usually possible within a few days, and the doctor confirms when travel is suitable.
Included in our coordination
- Personal coordinator
- Medical review
- Interpreter at the clinic
- Visa and invitation
- Airport and clinic transfers
- Accommodation
- Support for companions
- Follow-up at home
Documents for the medical review
Send whatever you already have. If something is missing, the doctor will tell you what else is needed.
- Genetic test results of either partner or of affected relatives, if available
- A geneticist's report or a written family history, if you have one
- Reports and embryology notes from previous IVF cycles
- Information about previous miscarriages and any genetic tests of pregnancy tissue
- The woman's hormone tests and pelvic ultrasound report, and the partner's semen analysis
- Infection test results for both partners
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between PGD and PGT?
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is the older name for what is now usually called PGT. Several types are distinguished today, for example PGT-A, which checks the number of chromosomes, PGT-M for a known single-gene condition and PGT-SR for structural chromosome rearrangements. The doctor and geneticist decide which type may be suitable.
Does PGT guarantee a healthy baby?
No. PGT examines only a few cells and only for what the test is designed to detect. It cannot rule out every genetic or developmental condition and does not guarantee a pregnancy. If a pregnancy occurs, the doctor may advise prenatal screening.
How long do PGT results take?
Usually from several days to a few weeks, depending on the type of test and the laboratory. For this reason embryos are usually frozen after biopsy and transferred in a later cycle. If a test has to be prepared for a specific family condition, this may take longer, and the clinic tells you in advance.
Do both partners need to come to Baku?
For the IVF cycle the woman usually stays about 2 to 3 weeks, and her partner is needed for a few days around egg retrieval. Genetic counselling may sometimes be possible online, and the frozen embryo transfer may need another trip. The doctor confirms the calendar. Many doctors in Azerbaijan speak Russian, and we provide an interpreter.
How much does PGT in Baku cost?
The cost is added to the IVF cycle and depends on the type of test, the number of embryos tested, freezing and storage and the later transfer. After the doctor reviews your documents, we send a written estimate before you travel, so you know in advance what is included.
Related procedures
ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)
Injection of a single sperm into each mature egg in the laboratory, used as part of IVF when the doctor recommends it.
Learn more
Egg freezing
Freezing of a woman's eggs for possible future use, for medical reasons or for planning where the law and the clinic allow.
Learn more
Send your reports and receive a treatment plan
Tell us about your condition. A coordinator will reply in your language, and the specialist will review your documents.