I am Dr. Olivia Bennett, a fertility and family-building specialist at RSMC. In my years of practice, I have seen many families overwhelmed by the complexity of US medical billing. Genetic screening is the cornerstone of third-generation IVF, yet its costs are often misunderstood. I developed this tool to provide absolute transparency. Whether you are screening for chromosomal health or blocking a specific hereditary disease, this estimator uses our 2026 official fee schedule to help you plan your journey with confidence.
Dr. Olivia Bennett
Fertility and Family-Building Specialist
Medical writer and consultant focused on translating complex reproductive technologies into clear, patient-friendly guidance for international families.
What is PGT Genetic Screening?
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) represents the pinnacle of modern reproductive science. It allows embryologists to analyze the genetic makeup of an embryo before it is transferred to the uterus. This process is essential for identifying embryos with the highest potential for a healthy pregnancy and birth.
PGT-A (Formerly PGS)
Screens all 23 pairs of chromosomes for numerical abnormalities (aneuploidy). It detects conditions like Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) and ensures the embryo has the correct chromosomal count for successful implantation.
PGT-M (Formerly PGD)
Used for families with known hereditary risks. It can screen for over 160 single-gene disorders, including Thalassemia, Cystic Fibrosis, and SMA, preventing the transmission of these diseases to the next generation.
At RSMC, we utilize Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), the most advanced platform available. Unlike older methods, NGS provides high-resolution data, allowing us to detect mosaicism (where an embryo has a mix of normal and abnormal cells) with incredible precision. This technology, combined with our US IVF process, maximizes your chances of success in a single transfer.
Image: The precision biopsy and NGS analysis process at RSMC's San Diego Laboratory
US PGT Genetic Screening Cost Estimator
The Logic Behind PGT Pricing
Understanding how US clinics bill for PGT is vital for budget planning. Most top-tier centers, including RSMC, follow a structured pricing model to ensure fairness based on the number of embryos produced:
// 2026 Standard Calculation Formula
Base_PGS = $5,000 (Covers first 15 embryos)
Incremental_Fee = $250 per embryo (After the 15th)
Specialized_PGD = $7,800 (Probe development & diagnosis)
Carrier_Screening = $1,250 per person
This model ensures that patients with a standard number of embryos are not overcharged, while those with high ovarian reserve pay only for the additional reagents and labor required for their specific case. By using Preimplantation Genetic Screening, we provide a clear path to a healthy pregnancy.
Why RSMC is the Global Leader in PGT
RSMC San Diego is one of the few reproductive centers in the United States that operates a fully integrated, in-house CAP+CLIA certified laboratory. This "closed-loop" system offers several critical advantages:
- No Shipping Risks: Many clinics freeze embryos and ship biopsies to third-party labs. At RSMC, your embryos never leave our secure facility, eliminating transport risks.
- Faster Results: In-house testing means direct communication between doctors and embryologists, leading to faster turnaround times for your transfer plan.
- Expert Biopsy: Our senior embryologists perform trophectoderm biopsies on Day 5 or 6, ensuring the inner cell mass (which becomes the baby) remains untouched and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is PGT-A necessary for everyone?
While not mandatory, it is highly recommended for women over 35, those with a history of recurrent miscarriage, or those who have had failed IVF cycles. It significantly reduces the time to pregnancy by ensuring only healthy embryos are transferred.
Q: Can PGT-A and PGT-M be done at the same time?
Yes. We can perform both tests on the same biopsy sample. This maximizes efficiency and minimizes the handling of the embryo. The costs for both will be combined as per the estimator above.
Q: Does the biopsy harm the embryo?
At RSMC, we only biopsy blastocysts (Day 5-7 embryos). We take a few cells from the trophectoderm, which eventually becomes the placenta. This method is considered very safe and does not affect the development of the fetus.
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