01 Rising Use of Advanced Embryo Screening in Fertility Care The preimplantation genetic testing market is moving toward more accurate sequencing, automated embryo analysis, and personalized test selection. PGT-M helps families reduce transmission risks for known single-gene conditions, while PGT-SR examines structural chromosome rearrangements. PGT-A is increasingly used to identify embryos with abnormal chromosome numbers, particularly among older patients and those experiencing repeated pregnancy loss. Improved next-generation sequencing can analyze multiple chromosomes from a small biopsy sample, supporting faster laboratory workflows. However, clinics are placing greater emphasis on genetic counselling, informed consent, mosaic-result interpretation, and evidence-based use. These developments are strengthening specialized reproductive genetics while discouraging unnecessary routine testing. In March 2025, A UK patient survey showed that reported PGT-A use nearly doubled from 7% in 2021 to 13% in 2024.
01 Growing IVF Use and Genetic-Disease Awareness Support Testing Demand Increasing use of in vitro fertilization and greater awareness of inherited disorders are major drivers of preimplantation genetic testing. Delayed parenthood also raises concern about age-related chromosome abnormalities, supporting demand for embryo assessment. Expanded carrier screening is identifying more at-risk couples before pregnancy, increasing referrals to reproductive genetics specialists. Patient interest in informed reproductive choices further supports demand for counselling, testing, interpretation, and follow-up services.
01 High Treatment Costs and Uncertain Routine Benefits Limit Adoption Preimplantation genetic testing requires IVF, embryo biopsy, laboratory analysis, cryopreservation, and specialist counselling, making the total treatment expensive. Insurance coverage is limited or inconsistent in many countries, placing substantial costs on patients. PGT-A also does not guarantee implantation, pregnancy, or a healthy birth, and professional guidance notes that its benefit as a routine screening test for every IVF patient remains uncertain. Testing can classify some embryos as mosaic or inconclusive, creating difficult transfer decisions and possible repeat procedures. Patients with few embryos may gain limited practical value. Legal restrictions, ethical concerns, and uneven access to qualified genetics laboratories further constrain adoption across lower-income communities and smaller fertility clinics.
01 Broader PGT-M Access and Improved Genomic Tools Create Potential Expanding access to PGT-M offers a strong opportunity for laboratories, fertility clinics, and genetic counselling services. As carrier screening and genome sequencing identify more disease-causing variants, additional couples can receive reproductive-risk assessments before starting IVF. Faster test development, improved haplotyping, and better sequencing accuracy could shorten preparation time for family-specific tests. There is also potential to expand services for rare disorders and chromosomal rearrangements in regions where specialist testing remains limited. Tele-genetic counselling can connect patients with experts before and after testing. Carefully validated non-invasive methods using embryo-culture fluid could eventually reduce dependence on biopsy, although clinical accuracy and standardization must be established first.
01 Mosaic Results and Ethical Questions Complicate Clinical Decisions Accurate interpretation remains challenging because a small biopsy from the embryo’s outer cell layer may not perfectly represent every cell. Laboratories must maintain strict quality controls covering biopsy, sample transport, amplification, sequencing, and reporting. Emerging polygenic embryo screening raises further concerns involving uncertain predictive value, ancestry bias, consent, disability rights, and non-medical trait selection. Regulators and professional bodies must continually update guidance as genomic capabilities develop faster than long-term clinical evidence.
June 2026 Illumina expanded its reproductive health genomics initiatives by advancing next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based solutions used in embryo genetic screening workflows. The company continued collaborations with fertility laboratories to improve accuracy, scalability, and efficiency of genomic testing technologies supporting preimplantation genetic testing applications.
May 2026 Natera strengthened its reproductive health testing portfolio by advancing its embryo screening and genomic analysis capabilities. The company continued technology development initiatives focused on improving genetic risk assessment workflows for fertility clinics and assisted reproductive technology providers.
March 2026 CooperSurgical expanded its fertility solutions portfolio by enhancing laboratory technologies and services supporting in vitro fertilization (IVF) and preimplantation genetic testing procedures. The company continued integrating advanced reproductive technologies to support fertility specialists globally.
January 2026 Vitrolife expanded its reproductive health technology offerings through continued development of IVF laboratory solutions, including products and services supporting embryo assessment and genetic testing workflows. The company focused on improving clinical outcomes through advanced fertility laboratory innovations.