NIPGT (1 Spent Media) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About NIPGT (1 Spent Media) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | niPGT-A, Non-invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy, Non-invasive Chromosome Screening (NICS), Spent Media Test |
| Sample Type | Spent embryo culture medium (liquid in which the IVF embryo is grown) |
| Fasting Required | Not applicable — no sample is collected from the patient |
| Report Time | 18 Days |
| Recommended For | Couples undergoing IVF, especially those with advanced maternal age (35 years or older), recurrent miscarriages, recurrent IVF failures, or severe male factor infertility |
| Price | Starting at ₹15,000 |
What is a NIPGT (1 Spent Media) Test?
The NIPGT (1 Spent Media) test is a specialised genetic test performed during an IVF (in vitro fertilisation) cycle. It analyses the genetic material of an embryo without physically removing any cells from it. Also known as niPGT-A or Non-invasive Chromosome Screening, this test examines the liquid — called spent culture medium — in which the embryo has been growing. It is ordered by fertility specialists to help identify chromosomally normal embryos before transfer.
What Does a NIPGT (1 Spent Media) Test Measure?
The NIPGT test analyses cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which is genetic material that embryos naturally release into the surrounding culture medium as they develop. The test covers the following:
| Component | What it Tells You |
|---|---|
| Ploidy status (euploid) | The embryo has the correct number of chromosomes (46 total) |
| Ploidy status (aneuploid) | The embryo has too many or too few chromosomes |
| Ploidy status (mosaic) | The embryo has a mixture of normal and abnormal cells |
| Chromosomal rearrangements | Parts of chromosomes that are moved or swapped, detected in some testing protocols |
Why is a NIPGT (1 Spent Media) Test Done?
Fertility specialists recommend this test as part of the embryo selection process during IVF. It helps identify embryos with the correct chromosome count, which can improve the chances of a successful transfer.
Common Indications That May Require This Test
The following situations commonly lead a doctor to recommend the NIPGT test:
- Advanced maternal age (35 years or older), when the risk of chromosomal errors in embryos increases
- Recurrent IVF implantation failure despite good-quality embryos
- A history of recurrent miscarriages
- Severe male factor infertility requiring ICSI (a specialised fertilisation technique)
- Known chromosomal abnormalities in one or both parents
- Previous IVF cycles that did not result in pregnancy
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The NIPGT (1 Spent Media) test can help identify embryos affected by the following chromosomal conditions:
- Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome — an extra chromosome 21)
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
- Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)
- Turner syndrome (a missing X chromosome in females)
- Klinefelter syndrome (an extra X chromosome in males)
- Other chromosomal aneuploidies (conditions involving abnormal chromosome counts)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
This test does not require any preparation from the patient in the traditional sense. The sample is collected entirely within the IVF laboratory. However, there are important steps and documents involved.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. The NIPGT test does not involve drawing blood or collecting any sample directly from the patient. The spent culture medium is collected from the IVF laboratory by the embryology team.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following points will help ensure the process goes smoothly:
- Follow all IVF preparation instructions given by your fertility specialist
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Ensure all consent forms are duly signed, and the Test Request Form (TRF) is fully completed before sample dispatch
- Discuss with your IVF team whether the NIPGT test is suitable for your specific situation
- Be aware that results may occasionally be inconclusive, and additional testing or alternative embryo selection criteria may be needed
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps describe how the spent media sample is collected and processed:
- During the IVF cycle, embryos are cultured in a laboratory in a nutrient-rich medium under controlled conditions.
- As the embryo grows, it naturally releases genetic material (cell-free DNA) into the surrounding culture medium.
- After the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage — typically on day 5 or day 6 — the spent culture medium is collected. Day 5 or day 6 medium is preferred for this test.
- One control media sample (mandatory) is included alongside the spent media and packed using the NIPGT Collection Kit, stored at -20°C on dry ice.
- The sample is dispatched to the genetic testing laboratory, where the cfDNA is extracted and analysed using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
- Results indicating euploid, aneuploid, mosaic, or inconclusive status are reported, helping the fertility team select the most suitable embryo for transfer.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of NIPGT test results:
- The rate at which cell-free DNA can be amplified from the sample
- Maternal DNA contamination from cumulus cells (cells that surround the egg during development)
- The day of sample collection — day 6 samples generally show higher accuracy than day 5 samples
- Laboratory culture conditions and workflow
- External DNA contamination from fragmented cellular material
Understanding Your NIPGT (1 Spent Media) Test Results
Results from the NIPGT test are qualitative — they do not produce numerical values but instead classify each embryo into one of the following categories. Always review your results with your fertility specialist or genetic counsellor.
| Result | Meaning | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Euploid | Correct chromosome number (46 total) | Suitable for embryo transfer |
| Aneuploid | Missing or extra chromosomes detected | Generally not recommended for transfer |
| Mosaic | Mix of normal and abnormal cells | Requires discussion with specialist; may be considered in some cases |
| Inconclusive | Insufficient DNA or high contamination | May need additional testing or alternative selection criteria |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Maternal cell contamination can affect test accuracy. Despite careful processing, DNA from maternal cumulus cells may be present in the sample and can influence results. Polar bodies and other fragmented DNA from the culture environment can also introduce interference, which is why confirmatory testing is sometimes recommended.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general tips support a positive IVF experience:
- Maintain overall health through a balanced diet and regular, moderate physical activity as advised by your doctor.
- Follow all IVF and embryo transfer protocols carefully, as the quality of the culture process affects sample integrity.
- Work closely with your fertility specialist and genetic counsellor to understand your results in the context of your full reproductive picture.
Lupin Diagnostics NIPGT (1 Spent Media) Test Price
The NIPGT (1 Spent Media) test is priced starting at ₹15,000 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or an associated IVF laboratory — home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 15000 |
| CHENNAI | 15000 |
| HYDERABAD | 15000 |
| KOLKATA | 15000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 15000 |
| PUNE | 15000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the NIPGT (1 Spent Media) test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time; sample collection is coordinated with your IVF laboratory.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 18 days of sample receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NIPGT test analyses cell-free DNA from the liquid in which the embryo is cultured, without removing any cells from the embryo itself. Standard PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy) involves a small biopsy of the embryo. The non-invasive approach eliminates the physical risks associated with biopsy and keeps the embryo intact throughout the process.
Yes. Because no cells are removed from the embryo, the risks associated with biopsy procedures are avoided entirely. The embryo continues to develop undisturbed while the surrounding culture medium is collected for analysis.
This test is recommended for couples undergoing IVF who wish to improve the chance of a successful embryo transfer. It is particularly relevant for women aged 35 or older, those with a history of recurrent miscarriages or failed IVF cycles, and couples where severe male factor infertility is a concern.
Studies show moderate-to-high agreement between niPGT-A results and results from trophectoderm biopsy. However, challenges remain in detecting mosaicism and certain structural abnormalities. The technology is continuously being refined. Your specialist will advise whether confirmatory testing is appropriate in your case.
A duly filled Test Request Form (TRF), signed consent forms, and a detailed clinical history, along with past reports, are all mandatory. One control media sample must also accompany the spent media. Please ensure all paperwork is complete before the sample is dispatched.
No test can guarantee a pregnancy outcome. The NIPGT test helps identify embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, which improves the likelihood of successful implantation and reduces miscarriage risk. Other factors — including overall embryo quality, uterine health, and individual medical history — also play a role in pregnancy success.
The report is delivered within 18 days from the date the sample is received at the laboratory. Your fertility team will discuss the results with you and advise on next steps for your IVF cycle.
NIPGT (1 Spent Media) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
