surrogacy genetic testing

Surrogacy Genetic Testing: What It Is and Why It's Used

Surrogacy genetic testing is a lab step that screens embryos before transfer, and Rocky Mountain Surrogacy is here to explain what it means for your role as the carrier.

Quick Answer

  • Surrogacy genetic testing screens embryos in a lab before transfer — it happens before an embryo ever reaches your body.
  • The most common type is called PGT-A, which checks an embryo's chromosome count.
  • Rocky Mountain Surrogacy helps you understand this step in plain language, even though the decision belongs to the intended parents and their clinic.
  • Genetic testing does not change your role during pregnancy — your care and monitoring stay the same either way.
  • Your Rocky Mountain Surrogacy team is available 24/7 if you have questions about how testing fits into your journey.
The Embryo, Before TransferWhat's Tested
PGT-A (Chromosome Screening)Common Test Type
Intended Parents + Their ClinicWho Decides
NoChanges Your Care?
24/7 Rocky Mountain Surrogacy TeamSupport

What Is Surrogacy Genetic Testing?

Surrogacy genetic testing is a lab step. It happens before an embryo is ever transferred. A small sample of cells is tested in a lab, not inside your body.

The most common test is called PGT-A. It checks the embryo's chromosome count, per ASRM's IVF guidance. Clinics use this information to help choose which embryo may be the best candidate for transfer.

This testing is purely informational. It's one tool among several that a clinic and the intended parents may use. It is not something that happens to you directly — it happens to the embryo, in a lab, before your involvement even begins.

Rocky Mountain Surrogacy explains this step in plain language so you always understand what's happening and why.

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It Happens Before Your Involvement

Surrogacy genetic testing is done on embryos in a lab, before any embryo is ever transferred into your body.

How Genetic Testing Fits Into the IVF Process

Surrogacy genetic testing sits inside a larger sequence of steps. First, eggs and sperm form embryos in a lab. Some of those embryos are then tested before any transfer decision is made.

This step usually happens days after the embryo is created, long before your transfer appointment. Your clinic and the intended parents review the results together. They then decide which embryo, if any, moves forward to transfer.

Our surrogacy IVF process guide walks through this full sequence — from egg retrieval through transfer day — so you can see exactly where genetic testing fits in.

Genetic testing happens days after the embryo is created, long before your transfer appointment ever takes place.

What Genetic Testing Can and Can't Tell Us

Surrogacy genetic testing has real limits. It's a tool, not a guarantee. A clinic may use results to pick an embryo. But no test can promise a sure outcome.

Genetic testing checks chromosome count. Per ASRM, it does not catch every condition. It's not a stand-in for prenatal care. Monitoring continues once pregnancy is confirmed.

Our surrogates page covers the bigger picture. It shows what this journey involves. Genetic testing is just one piece of that picture.

  • Genetic testing happens on embryos, in a lab, before transfer
  • It generally screens for chromosome count, not every condition
  • Results help guide embryo selection, not guarantee an outcome
  • It does not replace ongoing prenatal care once pregnancy begins

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Genetic Testing and Your Role as the Carrier

Surrogacy genetic testing doesn't change your role. Whether or not an embryo was tested, your prenatal care follows the same path.

You'll still have the same monitoring appointments. You'll still work with your OB the same way. Genetic testing is a decision made earlier. It happens between the intended parents and their clinic.

Our gestational carrier explained article covers this role in full. It shows how it differs from a traditional surrogate. It also shows what stays the same, no matter which embryo is chosen.

Your Care Stays the Same

Genetic testing happens before transfer and does not change your monitoring, your OB visits, or your day-to-day care as a carrier.

Whether or not an embryo was genetically tested, your prenatal care as the gestational carrier follows the same path.

You're Supported Through Every Question

Surrogacy genetic testing can sound technical. Rocky Mountain Surrogacy explains it in plain words. We're here whenever you have a question.

Basic facts on genetic testing are on MedlinePlus. More on genetics is on the NICHD site too.

Whatever they decide, your role stays steady. Your care stays steady too. Rocky Mountain Surrogacy stays with you each step.

Understanding steps like surrogacy genetic testing is part of feeling confident in this process — and Rocky Mountain Surrogacy is here to walk through every step with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is surrogacy genetic testing?

Surrogacy genetic testing is a lab process that screens embryos before transfer. Rocky Mountain Surrogacy explains it as a step that happens before an embryo ever reaches your body.

Does genetic testing happen to me or the embryo?

It happens to the embryo, in a lab. No genetic testing procedure is performed on your body as the carrier.

Who decides whether to test embryos?

The intended parents and their fertility clinic make this decision. Rocky Mountain Surrogacy helps you understand the process, but the choice sits with them.

Does genetic testing change my prenatal care?

No — your monitoring and OB visits stay the same regardless of whether an embryo was tested. Rocky Mountain Surrogacy supports your care every step of the way.

Your Next Steps

  1. Apply to become a surrogate and share your story with us
  2. Talk with our team about the medical process, step by step
  3. Begin screening and start the meaningful journey ahead
Start Your Surrogate Application