NIPGT (7 Spent Media) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About NIPGT (7 Spent Media) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | niPGT, Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing, NICS, niPGT-A |
| Sample Type | Spent embryo culture medium |
| Fasting Required | Not applicable — sample is collected from embryo culture medium in the IVF laboratory, not from the patient |
| Report Time | 18 Days |
| Recommended For | Couples undergoing IVF who wish to assess embryo chromosomal status without invasive biopsy |
| Price | Starting at ₹84,000 |
What is a NIPGT (7 Spent Media) Test?
The NIPGT test is a non-invasive method of assessing the chromosomal status of embryos during an IVF cycle. It analyses cell-free DNA (cfDNA) — tiny fragments of genetic material — that embryos naturally release into the surrounding culture medium.
This approach allows genetic assessment without physically removing cells from the embryo. The "7 Spent Media" refers to testing the spent culture medium from seven embryos in a single cycle.
What Does a NIPGT (7 Spent Media) Test Measure?
The test analyses cell-free DNA shed by embryos into the culture medium. The following parameters are assessed.
| Parameter | What it Reveals |
|---|---|
| Ploidy status | Whether an embryo has the normal number of 46 chromosomes (euploid) or an abnormal number (aneuploid) |
| Sex chromosome status | Identification of X and Y chromosomes |
| Chromosomal structural rearrangements | Structural changes in chromosomes identified through cfDNA analysis |
| Informative rate | Whether sufficient DNA was obtained for a valid result |
Why is a NIPGT (7 Spent Media) Test Done?
This test is performed during an IVF cycle to help assess embryo chromosomal health before a transfer decision is made. Below are the common reasons a fertility specialist may recommend it.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
This test is not triggered by symptoms in the traditional sense. It is recommended based on reproductive history. The following situations are common reasons for referral.
- Recurrent implantation failure in previous IVF cycles
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Advanced maternal age
- Severe male factor infertility
- Previous pregnancy or child with a chromosomal condition
- Couples with a known chromosomal structural rearrangement
- Wish to avoid invasive embryo biopsy
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test evaluates embryo chromosomal status and may identify the following.
- Aneuploidy — missing or extra chromosomes that increase the risk of IVF failure or miscarriage
- Trisomies such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and other chromosomal imbalances
- Monosomies — embryos with one fewer chromosome than normal
- Chromosomal structural rearrangements in embryos
How to Prepare and What to Expect
As the sample is collected in the IVF laboratory rather than from the patient directly, preparation for this test differs from routine blood or urine tests. The information below will help you understand what to expect.
Do You Need to Fast?
Fasting is not required. The sample is the spent culture medium from embryo development, collected entirely within the IVF laboratory. No dietary restriction is needed from the patient.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following points will help ensure a smooth process.
- Follow your fertility clinic's IVF preparation guidelines throughout your cycle.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Carry duly completed test request forms (TRF) and signed consent forms, as these are mandatory.
- Discuss with your fertility specialist whether the NIPGT test is appropriate for your situation, given current guidance from Indian fertility societies.
- Be aware that niPGT results may not always match invasive testing — discuss the implications with a genetic counsellor before proceeding.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process takes place in the IVF laboratory under the supervision of an embryologist. The steps below describe what typically happens.
- Embryos are cultured in a specialised medium that allows them to release cell-free DNA naturally.
- On day 3, each embryo is thoroughly washed and cultured separately in small micro-droplets to minimise contamination.
- The spent culture medium is collected on day 5 or day 6 of embryo development, before any biopsy is performed if one is planned.
- One mandatory control medium sample is also collected alongside the spent media from the seven embryos.
- The collected samples are stored at the required temperature and transported to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory for analysis by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
- Results are processed and reported within the stated turnaround time, and your fertility specialist reviews the findings with you.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of NIPGT test results.
- Contamination from maternal cumulus cells (cells surrounding the egg) in the culture medium
- Low quantity of cell-free DNA, which can lead to amplification failure and no result
- Embryo mosaicism (a mix of normal and abnormal cells)— where some cells carry different chromosomes than others — which complicates interpretation
- Fertilisation method used; ICSI is preferred to reduce paternal DNA contamination
- Incomplete washing of embryos before separate culture
Understanding Your NIPGT (7 Spent Media) Test Results
Results indicate the chromosomal status of each embryo tested. Your fertility specialist and a genetic counsellor will review the findings alongside your full IVF history before any transfer decision is made.
| Result | Finding | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Euploid | 46 chromosomes (normal) | The embryo has the expected chromosome number; highest implantation potential |
| Aneuploid | Abnormal chromosome number | Associated with a higher risk of failed implantation or miscarriage; generally not recommended for transfer |
| Mosaic | Mix of normal and abnormal cells | Lower implantation rate than euploid; may be considered for transfer in selected cases after counselling |
| No result | Amplification failure | Insufficient DNA for analysis; does not indicate a problem with the embryo |
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
Some conditions can affect the reliability of results.
- DNA in the spent medium degrades over time, so delays in sample processing can reduce the quality of the results.
- Contamination from maternal cumulus cells is a known source of false results — careful embryo washing at the laboratory stage reduces this risk.
- Embryo mosaicism (a mix of normal and abnormal cells) can lead to false positive findings and requires careful discussion with a genetic counsellor.
- Extended culture to day 6 may improve DNA yield, but can affect embryo quality in certain protocols.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test assesses embryo chromosomes rather than a patient's health markers, the following general tips support overall IVF outcomes.
- Follow your fertility specialist's dietary and lifestyle guidance throughout your IVF cycle.
- Attend all scheduled appointments, including genetic counselling sessions, to fully understand your results.
- Maintain a balanced diet and avoid smoking or alcohol, as these can affect embryo and reproductive health broadly.
Lupin Diagnostics NIPGT (7 Spent Media) Test Price
The NIPGT test cost starts at ₹84,000 for seven spent media samples. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or IVF partner laboratory, as sample collection takes place within the IVF facility. NIPGT (7 Spent Media) Test home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 84000 |
| CHENNAI | 84000 |
| HYDERABAD | 84000 |
| KOLKATA | 84000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 84000 |
| PUNE | 84000 |
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 arrange the NIPGT test online booking or schedule your test.
- Select the NIPGT (7 Spent Media) Test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre or IVF partner facility at your scheduled time for sample collection and submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NIPGT test is a non-invasive genetic test performed on spent embryo culture medium during an IVF cycle. It analyses cell-free DNA shed by embryos to assess their chromosomal status. The "7 Spent Media" means the test covers media from seven embryos in one cycle.
Traditional preimplantation genetic testing requires physically removing cells from the embryo in a process called trophectoderm biopsy. This is technically demanding and has raised questions about potential effects on embryo viability. The NIPGT test procedure instead analyses DNA released naturally into the culture medium, avoiding any biopsy.
Research shows that niPGT matched conventional invasive testing approximately 78% of the time, meaning roughly one in five embryos may be classified differently compared to biopsy-based testing. Accuracy is influenced by DNA contamination, low DNA yield, and embryo mosaicism.
This test is considered for couples undergoing IVF who have experienced recurrent implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, or advanced maternal age, or who wish to avoid invasive biopsy. A fertility specialist will advise whether it is appropriate for a particular situation.
The Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), the Indian Fertility Society (IFS), and the Academy of Clinical Embryologists (ACE) have jointly stated that niPGT should not currently be used to select, rank, or discard embryos. Patients should discuss this guidance with their fertility specialist before opting for the test.
An uninformative result means there was insufficient cell-free DNA for analysis. This is a technical outcome and does not indicate anything abnormal about the embryo itself. Your fertility specialist will advise on the next steps, which may include proceeding on the basis of other embryo quality assessments.
The NIPGT test at Lupin Diagnostics has a report delivery time of 18 days. Turnaround times may vary depending on the laboratory and the specific requirements of your IVF centre. Confirm the expected timeline with Lupin Diagnostics at the time of booking.
NIPGT (7 Spent Media) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
