NIPGT (3 Spent Media) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About NIPGT (3 Spent Media) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | niPGT (3 SCM), Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing (3 Spent Media), Cell-Free DNA Embryo Testing |
| Sample Type | Spent embryo culture medium (3 individual embryo culture media samples from the IVF laboratory) |
| Fasting Required | No, fasting is not required. The sample is collected from embryo culture media, not directly from the patient. |
| Report Time | 18 days |
| Recommended For | Couples undergoing IVF, particularly women aged 35 years or above, those with recurrent pregnancy loss, repeated implantation failure, or a family history of genetic disorders |
| Price | Starting at ₹36,000 |
What is a NIPGT (3 Spent Media) Test?
The NIPGT test is an advanced genetic screening method used during in vitro fertilisation (IVF). It analyses cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which is genetic material released by developing embryos into their surrounding culture medium.
The "3 Spent Media" in the test name means that three separate embryo culture media samples are tested, allowing genetic assessment of three embryos in a single cycle.
This test is also referred to as niPGT (3 SCM) or Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing. Because it does not require physically removing cells from the embryo, it is considered a non-invasive alternative to traditional embryo biopsy.
What Does a NIPGT (3 Spent Media) Test Measure?
The NIPGT test procedure analyses the genetic material shed by embryos into their culture medium during IVF. The test uses Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to examine this material in detail.
The following components are assessed during testing:
| Component | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Cell-free embryonic DNA (cfDNA) | Genetic material released by the embryo into the culture medium during development |
| Chromosomal ploidy status | Whether the embryo has the correct number of chromosomes (46), known as euploid |
| Chromosomal aneuploidy | An abnormal chromosome count, which may affect embryo viability and pregnancy outcomes |
| Structural rearrangements | Chromosomal changes such as translocations (segments swapping places) or inversions (segments reversed) |
| Single-gene disorders | Specific inherited conditions such as beta-thalassaemia or cystic fibrosis, when this type of screening is included |
Why is a NIPGT (3 Spent Media) Test Done?
This test is ordered by IVF specialists to help identify the embryos most likely to result in a successful pregnancy. Below are the common reasons a doctor may recommend it.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
This test is not triggered by symptoms in the traditional sense. Instead, your IVF specialist may recommend it based on clinical indications. The following are the most common reasons:
- Advanced maternal age (35 years or above)
- History of recurrent pregnancy loss or miscarriage
- Repeated implantation failure in previous IVF cycles
- A previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal abnormality
- Family history of a known genetic disorder
- Preference for single embryo transfer with the best possible outcome
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The NIPGT test screens embryos for several genetic conditions before transfer. The following are conditions it can help identify:
- Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13)
- Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome
- Other chromosomal aneuploidies (abnormal chromosome numbers)
- Chromosomal structural rearrangements, including translocations and inversions
- Single-gene disorders such as beta-thalassaemia, cystic fibrosis, and Tay-Sachs disease
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The NIPGT test procedure is carried out entirely within the IVF laboratory. No preparation is required from the patient, including fasting or dietary changes. However, the IVF team must follow specific laboratory protocols to ensure accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. The sample is not collected from the patient. It is the spent culture medium from embryos grown in the IVF laboratory.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following points are important to keep in mind before the test is carried out:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Ensure that duly filled Test Request Forms (TRF) and signed consent forms are submitted to the laboratory before sample dispatch
- A mandatory control media sample must accompany the spent media samples
- Spent media from Day 5 or Day 6 embryos is preferred for optimal cfDNA yield
- Confirm with your IVF centre that contamination prevention protocols are in place, including thorough washing of embryos to minimise maternal cell contamination
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps describe how the spent media sample is collected and processed:
- Embryos are cultured in a specialised medium inside the IVF laboratory, during which they naturally release cfDNA into the surrounding fluid.
- On Day 5 or Day 6 of culture, the spent culture medium from each of the three embryos is carefully collected.
- The collected media is transferred into the NIPGT collection kit and stored at -20°C (dry ice) to preserve the cfDNA.
- The sample is dispatched to the laboratory, along with the control media, completed TRF, consent forms, and clinical history.
- In the laboratory, the cfDNA is extracted and amplified using whole-genome amplification technology.
- The amplified DNA is then analysed using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), and the results are prepared for clinical review.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of test results:
- Low quantities of cfDNA in the culture medium, which can occasionally cause test failure
- Maternal DNA contamination from granulosa or cumulus cells surrounding the embryo
- Inadequate washing of embryos before culture
- Variation in laboratory protocols and sequencing workflows
- Borderline or mosaic results that may require confirmatory invasive testing
Understanding Your NIPGT (3 Spent Media) Test Results
Results are reported for each of the three embryos tested and are interpreted by a reproductive geneticist or your IVF specialist. The table below outlines the possible outcomes.
| Result | Chromosome Status | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Euploid | Normal (46 chromosomes) | The embryo is the best candidate for transfer with the highest implantation potential |
| Aneuploid | Abnormal chromosome count | Transfer is generally not recommended; associated with implantation failure or genetic conditions |
| Mosaic | Mixed normal and abnormal cells | Transfer may be considered in selected cases; success rates are lower than those of euploid embryos |
| Test failure | Insufficient cfDNA or contamination | Repeat testing or confirmatory invasive biopsy may be required |
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 affect the accuracy of the NIPGT test. Studies have reported high proportions of maternal DNA in spent culture media, with embryonic DNA making up a relatively small fraction of the total cfDNA.
This can affect the accuracy of chromosome ploidy detection and, in some cases, lead to false-positive results where viable embryos are incorrectly classified as abnormal.
Your IVF team will factor this limitation into their interpretation and may recommend confirmatory trophectoderm biopsy for borderline or uncertain results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test is performed on embryos rather than the patient, the following general wellness practices support overall reproductive health:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in folate, iron, and antioxidants during your IVF preparation phase
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as these can affect egg and embryo quality
- Discuss all medications and supplements with your fertility specialist before starting your IVF cycle
Lupin Diagnostics NIPGT (3 Spent Media) Test Price
The NIPGT test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹36,000. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre. NIPGT test home collection is not available, as the sample is handled by an IVF laboratory and must be collected and packed under specific conditions.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 36000 |
| CHENNAI | 36000 |
| HYDERABAD | 36000 |
| KOLKATA | 36000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 36000 |
| PUNE | 36000 |
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 the NIPGT test online booking process:
- Select the NIPGT (3 Spent Media) Test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time to submit the sample.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 18 days of sample receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
It means that the spent culture media from three individual embryos will be tested. Each embryo releases genetic material into its culture medium during IVF, and this test analyses all three samples in a single workflow, providing genetic information for three embryos.
No, the patient does not undergo any procedure for this test. The sample is the culture medium from embryos in the IVF laboratory. There is no blood draw, biopsy, or any physical procedure performed on the patient.
Traditional PGT-A involves physically removing a small number of cells from the embryo through a biopsy. The NIPGT test analyses cfDNA shed naturally into the culture medium, so the embryo is not physically touched. This eliminates the risk of biopsy-related embryo damage.
Published studies report a sensitivity of around 80-90% in detecting abnormal embryos, though specificity can be lower. Accuracy varies by laboratory and protocol. Your fertility specialist will discuss the significance of results, including the possibility of borderline findings that may need confirmatory testing.
This test is recommended for couples undergoing IVF who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss, repeated implantation failure, or have a family history of chromosomal or genetic conditions. Women aged 35 or above are also commonly advised to consider it.
The report is delivered within 18 days of sample receipt at the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory. Your IVF team will then review and discuss the findings with you as part of your embryo selection process.
NIPGT (3 Spent Media) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
