NIPGT (6 Spent Media) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About NIPGT (6 Spent Media) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | niPGT, Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing, niPGT-A, Spent Culture Media Testing, SCM-based PGT |
| Sample Type | Spent embryo culture medium (6 individual embryo samples) |
| Fasting Required | Not applicable — the test is performed on embryo culture media, not on the patient |
| Report Time | 18 Days |
| Recommended For | Couples undergoing IVF; particularly those with advanced maternal age, recurrent miscarriage, repeated IVF failure, or known chromosomal concerns |
| Price | Starting at ₹72,000 |
What is a NIPGT (6 Spent Media) Test?
The NIPGT test is a non-invasive preimplantation genetic test performed on embryos during an IVF cycle. Rather than removing cells from the embryo itself, it analyses genetic material (or spent culture media) that the embryo naturally releases into its surrounding culture medium.
This approach screens up to 6 individual embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before any are selected for transfer. The test is also known as niPGT-A or Spent Culture Media-based PGT.
What Does a NIPGT (6 Spent Media) Test Measure?
The NIPGT test procedure involves collecting spent culture media from each of the 6 embryo samples and analysing the cell-free DNA (cfDNA) present. Below is a summary of what the test examines.
| Component | What it Reveals |
|---|---|
| Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) | Genetic material released by each embryo into its culture medium |
| Chromosomal ploidy | Whether an embryo has the normal number of chromosomes (euploid) or an abnormal number (aneuploid) |
| All 24 chromosome types | Screens chromosomes 1 to 22 (autosomes) plus sex chromosomes X and Y |
| Structural rearrangements | Detects translocations (chromosome segment swaps) and similar structural changes |
The method used is Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), which allows detailed chromosomal analysis from very small amounts of DNA.
Why is a NIPGT (6 Spent Media) Test Done?
The NIPGT test helps fertility specialists identify chromosomally normal embryos before transfer, improving the chances of a successful IVF outcome.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
This test is not indicated by symptoms in the traditional sense. Instead, fertility specialists recommend it based on clinical history. The following situations commonly prompt a referral:
- Advanced maternal age (typically over 35 years)
- Recurrent miscarriages (two or more pregnancy losses)
- Repeated IVF failure despite good-quality embryos
- Either partner carries a known chromosomal abnormality
- Previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal condition
- Unexplained infertility with multiple failed transfers
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test screens embryos for a range of chromosomal abnormalities. These include:
- Aneuploidy (abnormal chromosome count caused by errors during cell division)
- Trisomies, where an extra chromosome is present (for example, trisomy 21, associated with Down syndrome)
- Monosomies, where a chromosome is missing
- Structural chromosomal rearrangements such as translocations and inversions
- Sex chromosome abnormalities, such as XXY (Klinefelter syndrome)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The NIPGT test online booking process is straightforward, but preparation involves coordination between the couple, the IVF clinic, and the genetics laboratory. Here is what to know before proceeding.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test is performed on embryo culture media collected in the IVF laboratory, not on any sample taken directly from the patient's body.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure the test runs smoothly:
- Ensure your IVF clinic is set up to collect and ship spent culture media using the NIPGT Collection Kit provided
- 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 along with the samples
- Discuss the timing of embryo culture with your fertility specialist, as day 5 or day 6 blastocyst-stage media is preferred
- Be prepared for embryos to be frozen while results are awaited
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Embryos are cultured individually in separate media drops from day 1 onward. By day 5 or day 6, each embryo reaches the blastocyst stage.
- Rather than removing cells from the embryo, the laboratory collects a small sample (15 to 20 microlitres) of the spent culture medium surrounding each embryo using the NIPGT Collection Kit.
- The spent media samples are stored at -20°C on dry ice and dispatched to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory along with the mandatory control media.
- In the laboratory, scientists isolate and extract the cell-free DNA present in each culture medium sample.
- The DNA is analysed using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to examine all 24 chromosome types and detect any abnormalities.
- Results are interpreted by a specialist and reported within 18 days of the laboratory receiving the samples.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of results:
- Low quantities of cell-free DNA in the culture medium, which can occasionally lead to test failure
- Contamination from maternal DNA or external sources in the laboratory environment
- Embryo quality, as lower-grade embryos may release less DNA
- Volume and timing of the culture medium collected
- Laboratory expertise and adherence to standardised protocols
Understanding Your NIPGT (6 Spent Media) Test Results
Results are reported for each of the 6 embryos individually. A fertility specialist and genetic counsellor should always review these findings together with the couple's full clinical picture.
| Result Category | Chromosome Status | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Euploid (normal) | 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) | Normal chromosome count; the highest rates of successful implantation and live birth |
| Aneuploid (abnormal) | Missing or extra chromosomes | Abnormal count; associated with implantation failure, miscarriage, or chromosomal disorders |
| Mosaic | Mixed euploid and aneuploid cells present | Intermediate outcome; mosaicism between 30% and 70% requires specialist discussion before transfer |
| Inconclusive | Insufficient DNA or technical failure | Result unavailable; further review or repeat testing may be needed |
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 (MCC) is a known challenge in niPGT analysis. Depending on how significant the contamination is, some embryos in the batch may not yield a usable result.
Embryo quality also affects how much DNA is released into the culture medium, which in turn affects the reliability of the results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While there are no lifestyle changes that alter chromosomal results, these general steps support IVF outcomes:
- Discuss all mosaic embryo results thoroughly with your fertility specialist and a genetic counsellor before making transfer decisions
- Women who conceive following niPGT are also advised to undergo standard prenatal testing during pregnancy
- Maintain open communication with your IVF team to ensure all documentation and clinical history are complete before testing begins
Lupin Diagnostics NIPGT (6 Spent Media) Test Price
The NIPGT test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹72,000 for 6 spent media samples. This test requires submission of samples at a Lupin Diagnostics centre or through your IVF clinic's coordinated dispatch — home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 72000 |
| CHENNAI | 72000 |
| HYDERABAD | 72000 |
| KOLKATA | 72000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 72000 |
| PUNE | 72000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book the NIPGT test:
- Select the NIPGT (6 Spent Media) test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample submission, or coordinate with your IVF clinic for dispatch using the NIPGT Collection Kit.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 18 days of sample receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
This means the test analyses- spent culture medium was collected from 6 individual embryos. Each embryo is cultured separately, and the medium surrounding each one is tested independently to determine its chromosomal status.
Traditional PGT-A requires physically removing cells from the embryo for genetic analysis. The NIPGT test procedure instead uses DNA that the embryo naturally releases into its surrounding culture medium, making it less invasive for the embryo.
Since no cells are physically removed from the embryo, the procedure is considered less invasive than conventional biopsy-based testing. The embryo itself is not directly handled during sample collection for this test.
Studies report positive predictive values for aneuploidy detection of approximately 93.5%, with concordance (similarity) rates between niPGT and traditional biopsy methods typically ranging from 75% to 90%. Your fertility specialist can discuss what this means for your specific situation.
An inconclusive result usually means there was insufficient DNA in the culture medium or a technical issue during processing. Your fertility specialist and the laboratory team will advise on whether repeat testing or an alternative approach is appropriate.
No. This test screens for chromosomal aneuploidies and some structural rearrangements. It cannot identify single-gene disorders such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anaemia. Those require a different test called PGT-M (preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders).
The test is recommended for couples undergoing IVF, particularly those with advanced maternal age (over 35), recurrent miscarriages, repeated IVF failures, or a known chromosomal issue in either partner. A fertility specialist can confirm whether it is suitable for your case.
NIPGT (6 Spent Media) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
