NIPGT (10 Spent Media) Test
About NIPGT (10 Spent Media) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | niPGT-A, Non-invasive PGT, Non-invasive Chromosomal Screening (NICS), Spent Culture Media Analysis |
| Sample Type | Spent embryo culture medium (10 samples) |
| Fasting Required | No. The sample is collected from IVF laboratory embryo cultures, not from the patient directly. |
| Report Time | 18 days |
| Recommended For | Couples undergoing IVF; both partners are involved in assisted reproduction |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,20,000 |
What Is a NIPGT (10 Spent Media) Test?
The NIPGT test is a non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing method used during IVF cycles. It analyses cell-free DNA that embryos naturally release into their surrounding culture medium, allowing chromosomal assessment without physically removing cells from the embryo. The "10 Spent Media" designation means the test covers spent culture medium samples collected from up to 10 embryos in a single IVF cycle. It is also known as niPGT-A, Non-invasive Chromosomal Screening (NICS), or Spent Culture Media Analysis.
What Does a NIPGT (10 Spent Media) Test Measure?
This test analyses genetic material recovered from the fluid in which embryos are cultured. The table below outlines the key components assessed.
| Parameter | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) | Embryonic DNA fragments released into the spent culture medium and analysed for chromosomal abnormalities |
| Chromosomal Ploidy | Whether the embryo appears to have the expected chromosome complement |
| Aneuploidies | Detects extra or missing chromosomes, such as those associated with Down Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome, Patau Syndrome, or Turner Syndrome |
| Segmental Abnormalities | May detect large chromosomal deletions or duplications, depending on the assay resolution |
| Mosaicism | May identify embryos with a mixture of normal and abnormal chromosomal cell populations |
Results are reported as euploid (normal), aneuploid (abnormal), mosaic (mixed), or inconclusive. Each category carries different implications for embryo selection, and all results require interpretation by a fertility specialist and genetic counsellor.
Why Is a NIPGT (10 Spent Media) Test Done?
Couples undergoing IVF may be advised to consider this test for several clinical reasons. It helps inform embryo selection by identifying chromosomal status before transfer.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following indications are commonly associated with a recommendation for this test:
- Advanced maternal age (35 years or older)
- Multiple previous failed IVF attempts
- Recurrent pregnancy loss or miscarriage
- A prior pregnancy affected by a chromosomal abnormality
- A known family history of chromosomal conditions
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can provide information about several chromosomal conditions in embryos:
- Aneuploidy, which may result in failed implantation, miscarriage, or conditions such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), or Turner syndrome
- Segmental chromosomal imbalances, including deletions and duplications
- Mosaicism, where an embryo contains both chromosomally normal and abnormal cells
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The NIPGT test procedure is carried out entirely within the IVF laboratory. The steps below are relevant to the IVF clinical team and the couple undergoing treatment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test does not involve collecting a blood or urine sample from the patient. The sample is the spent culture medium collected from embryos grown in the IVF laboratory.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Before the test is carried out, the following are important to note:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Ensure all signed consent forms are submitted to the laboratory before sample dispatch
- Carry duly filled test request forms (TRF) as required by the laboratory
- Past IVF reports and any relevant genetic investigation records should be made available
- Discuss fertilisation method with your IVF team; ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is often preferred to reduce the risk of parental DNA contamination in the sample
- Day 6 culture medium collection generally yields better results than Day 5; discuss the timing with your embryologist
Step-by-Step Procedure
The NIPGT test procedure follows these steps in the IVF laboratory:
- Embryos are cultured individually in small drops of fresh culture medium under carefully controlled laboratory conditions, allowing them to release cell-free DNA naturally.
- One control media sample (mandatory) is prepared alongside the embryo samples to support quality assurance during analysis.
- On Day 5 or preferably Day 6 of development, the spent culture medium (approximately 10 to 20 microlitres per embryo) is carefully collected from each blastocyst and transferred into PCR tubes.
- The blastocysts are then frozen using a process called vitrification and stored in liquid nitrogen until results are available.
- DNA from the spent culture medium is amplified using whole genome amplification (WGA) and prepared for sequencing.
- The amplified DNA is analysed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to assess chromosomal copy numbers across all embryo samples.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Contamination with maternal DNA from cumulus cells surrounding the egg
- Timing of sample collection (Day 6 collections generally produce more reliable results than Day 5)
- The volume of culture medium collected and the culture drop conditions used
- Whole genome amplification technique and laboratory handling protocols
- Quality of embryo development during the IVF cycle
Understanding Your NIPGT (10 Spent Media) Test Results
Results from the NIPGT test are categorised based on chromosomal status and must always be reviewed with a qualified fertility specialist and genetic counsellor. The table below outlines the possible result categories.
| Result Category | Chromosomal Status | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Euploid | Normal chromosomal complement detected | Higher implantation potential and generally preferred for transfer |
| Aneuploid | One or more extra or missing chromosomes were detected | Reduced implantation potential; generally not selected for transfer |
| Mosaic | Evidence of both normal and abnormal chromosomal cell lines | Reproductive potential is uncertain; specialist review and counselling are recommended |
| Inconclusive | No reliable chromosomal result obtained | May result from insufficient DNA, amplification failure, or technical limitations; further evaluation may be considered |
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 DNA contamination can significantly affect niPGT-A results. If cumulus cells are not adequately removed before culture medium collection, maternal genetic material may be amplified alongside embryonic DNA, leading to inaccurate ploidy calls.
Current evidence also shows that niPGT results match conventional trophectoderm biopsy testing approximately 78% of the time. This means roughly one in five embryos may be classified differently compared to standard invasive testing.
Indian fertility societies, including ISAR, IFS, and ACE, have advised that niPGT is not yet ready for routine clinical use and should not be used as the sole basis for deciding which embryo to transfer.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general guidance applies to couples undergoing IVF and awaiting genetic testing results:
- Discuss all results with both a fertility specialist and a genetic counsellor before making any embryo transfer decisions
- Consider niPGT-A results alongside embryo morphology assessment rather than in isolation
- Follow all pre-IVF health recommendations provided by your clinical team
Lupin Diagnostics NIPGT (10 Spent Media) Test Price
The NIPGT test cost starts at ₹1,20,000 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or coordination through your IVF clinic; home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 120000 |
| CHENNAI | 120000 |
| HYDERABAD | 120000 |
| KOLKATA | 120000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 120000 |
| PUNE | 120000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
The following steps outline how to book the NIPGT test online at Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the NIPGT (10 Spent Media) test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time, or coordinate sample dispatch through your IVF laboratory as directed.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 18 days of sample receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NIPGT test analyses cell-free DNA that embryos release naturally into their surrounding culture medium during IVF. It is a non-invasive method of assessing chromosomal status across up to 10 embryo samples in one cycle, without the need for embryo biopsy.
Conventional PGT-A requires physically removing a small number of cells from the embryo for analysis, known as trophectoderm biopsy. NIPGT analyses DNA from the spent culture medium instead, which removes the need for any physical cell removal from the embryo.
This test is commonly considered for couples undergoing IVF who have experienced advanced maternal age, recurrent miscarriages, or repeated failed IVF cycles. It may also be considered when a previous pregnancy was affected by a chromosomal condition.
Current research indicates that NIPGT test results agree with conventional trophectoderm biopsy results approximately 78% of the time. Given this, Indian fertility bodies advise that it should not be used as the only factor in embryo selection decisions.
The "10 Spent Media" in the NIPGT test name indicates that spent culture medium from up to 10 embryos is collected and analysed within a single IVF cycle. Lupin Diagnostics also offers similar tests for fewer embryos, such as NIPGT for 1, 2, or 3 spent media samples.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the NIPGT test report is delivered within 18 days of sample receipt. The sample must be stored and transported on dry ice at -20 degrees Celsius to maintain integrity.
At present, leading Indian fertility societies, including ISAR, IFS, and ACE, have advised caution. They recommend that NIPGT test results not be used alone to decide which embryo to transfer, as the technology is still being evaluated for routine clinical application. Consult your fertility specialist for guidance specific to your situation.
NIPGT (10 Spent Media) Test
