NIPGT (8 Spent Media) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About NIPGT (8 Spent Media) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | niPGT-A (8 samples), Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy, niPGT Spent Culture Media Test, Non-Invasive PGT |
| Sample Type | Spent embryo culture medium (8 individual embryo media samples) |
| Fasting Required | No, not applicable; samples are collected from embryo culture media during IVF, not from the patient |
| Report Time | 18 days |
| Recommended For | Couples undergoing IVF, particularly those with advanced maternal age, recurrent miscarriage, repeated implantation failure, or known chromosomal abnormalities |
| Price | Starting at ₹15,000 |
What is a NIPGT (8 Spent Media) Test?
The NIPGT test, short for Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing, is a specialised genetic screening test performed on embryos during an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle. Rather than removing cells from the embryo, it analyses cell-free DNA (cfDNA) that the embryo naturally releases into its surrounding culture medium.
The "8 Spent Media" version tests up to eight individual embryo media samples from one IVF cycle, one sample per embryo. It is also known as niPGT-A or Non-Invasive PGT for Aneuploidy.
What Does a NIPGT (8 Spent Media) Test Measure?
This test analyses the genetic material found in the spent embryo culture medium to assess chromosomal health. The findings below apply to each of the eight embryos tested individually.
| Parameter | What it Assesses |
|---|---|
| Chromosomal ploidy status | Whether the embryo has the correct total number of chromosomes (46) |
| Aneuploidy detection | Presence of extra or missing chromosomes, such as trisomy or monosomy |
| Segmental abnormalities | Partial chromosome gains or losses (deletions and duplications) |
| Sex chromosome status | Whether the sex chromosomes (XX or XY) are in a normal configuration |
Results for each embryo are classified as Euploid (normal), Aneuploid (abnormal chromosome number), Mosaic (a mixture of normal and abnormal cells), or Inconclusive.
Why is a NIPGT (8 Spent Media) Test Done?
Doctors recommend this test to help identify chromosomally normal embryos before transfer, which can improve IVF outcomes. The following sections outline the main reasons.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
This test is not triggered by symptoms in the traditional sense. Instead, it is indicated based on reproductive history. Your fertility specialist may recommend it in these situations:
- Advanced maternal age, as chromosomal errors in embryos become more frequent with age
- Recurrent miscarriage with no identified cause
- Repeated IVF implantation failure despite good-quality embryos
- A known chromosomal abnormality in one or both partners
- A previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal condition
- Multiple failed embryo transfers in prior IVF cycles
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The NIPGT test procedure screens embryos for chromosomal imbalances before transfer. It can help identify:
- Monosomy (a missing chromosome) and trisomy (an extra chromosome), such as trisomy 21, which causes Down syndrome
- Segmental chromosomal errors involving only part of a chromosome
- Mosaicism, where an embryo contains a mixture of normal and abnormal cells
- Chromosome imbalances that are a leading cause of implantation failure and miscarriage
- Abnormalities most commonly affecting chromosomes 16, 22, and 21
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The preparation for this test differs significantly from a standard blood test, as the sample comes from the embryology laboratory rather than the patient directly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test does not involve any patient blood or urine samples. The sample is the spent culture medium from the embryo, collected entirely within the IVF laboratory setting.
Practical Tips Before Your NIPGT (8 Spent Media) Test
Your IVF clinic and the laboratory will coordinate sample collection. There are several important requirements to be aware of before the test:
- 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) are submitted along with the samples
- Signed consent forms must be provided before testing can proceed
- Past reports from previous IVF cycles or genetic investigations should be included
Step-by-Step Procedure
The NIPGT test procedure is carried out entirely within the IVF laboratory. Here is what happens at each stage:
- Embryos are cultured individually in the laboratory. As they develop, they naturally release genetic material into the surrounding culture medium.
- On day 5 or day 6 of development (day 6 is preferred for greater accuracy), each embryo is carefully washed and transferred to a fresh culture drop.
- Approximately 15 to 20 mL of the spent culture medium from each embryo is collected using sterile, single-use pipettes.
- Each sample is placed in a sterile, DNA- and RNA-free collection tube from the NIPGT collection kit and stored on dry ice at -20°C for safe transport.
- All eight spent media samples, along with the mandatory control media, completed TRF, consent forms, and clinical history, are dispatched to the laboratory.
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is used to analyse the cell-free DNA in each sample. Results are returned within 18 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of results. Your embryology team will take steps to minimise these risks:
- Contamination from maternal DNA present in the culture medium, which is one of the most significant technical challenges for this test
- The stage of embryo development at the time of collection (day 6 samples generally show higher accuracy than day 5 samples)
- The quantity and quality of cell-free DNA released by each embryo
- Laboratory handling practices and contamination prevention protocols
- Insufficient cell-free DNA in the culture medium, which may lead to an inconclusive result
Understanding Your NIPGT (8 Spent Media) Test Results
Results for this test are reported per embryo. Your fertility specialist will review all findings and guide your next steps. The table below outlines what each classification means.
| Parameter | Normal Result | What an Abnormal or Inconclusive Finding May Indicate |
|---|---|---|
| Chromosomal ploidy | Euploid (46 chromosomes, 23 pairs) | Aneuploid (extra or missing chromosomes) |
| Aneuploidy | Absent | Trisomy, monosomy, or other numerical abnormality |
| Segmental abnormalities | Not detected | Partial chromosome gain or loss |
| Sex chromosomes | Normal XX or XY | Abnormal sex chromosome configuration |
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
One of the biggest challenges with this test is maternal DNA contamination (when the mother's DNA accidentally gets mixed into the sample).
Because the mother's DNA is stronger, the testing equipment tends to read it instead of the embryo's DNA. If a sample has too much maternal DNA, it can cause mistakes like:
- False negatives (missing a genetic issue that is actually there)
- Sex confusion (showing the wrong gender for the embryo)
If there is too much maternal DNA, the test might come back as inconclusive (meaning it didn't give a clear yes or no answer). If this happens, your fertility team will talk to you about your options, which might include running the test again or trying a different method.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
This test assesses embryo chromosomal status rather than a health marker that can be directly influenced by lifestyle. However, the following general points may be helpful:
- Discuss all results thoroughly with your fertility specialist and consider genetic counselling to fully understand the findings.
- Keep in mind that even a euploid result does not guarantee successful implantation, as other factors also play a role.
- Maintain open communication with your IVF team about all medications, supplements, and health changes during your cycle.
Lupin Diagnostics NIPGT (8 Spent Media) Test Price
The NIPGT test cost starts at ₹15,000. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; NIPGT test home collection is not available due to the specialised nature of the sample and the strict handling requirements involved. For NIPGT test online booking and to confirm the current price, please contact your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre directly.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 96000 |
| CHENNAI | 96000 |
| HYDERABAD | 96000 |
| KOLKATA | 96000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 96000 |
| PUNE | 96000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking this specialised test involves coordination between your IVF clinic and Lupin Diagnostics. Here are the steps:
- Select the NIPGT (8 Spent Media) test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time, ensuring all required documentation (TRF, consent forms, clinical history, and past reports) is prepared in advance by your IVF team.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 18 days of sample dispatch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conventional PGT-A requires a physical biopsy, where cells are removed directly from the embryo. The NIPGT test is non-invasive. It analyses cell-free DNA naturally released by the embryo into its culture medium, so no cells are taken from the embryo itself. This eliminates the risk of biopsy-related embryo damage.
The "8" refers to the number of individual embryo culture media samples included in this package. Each embryo from your IVF cycle has its own sample of spent medium, and each is tested separately. This version covers up to eight embryos from a single cycle.
This test is particularly useful for couples at higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos. These include couples with advanced maternal age, a history of recurrent miscarriage, repeated IVF failure, a known chromosomal abnormality in either partner, or a previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal condition.
No. Because no cells are physically removed from the embryo, the embryos remain intact throughout the process. The spent culture medium is collected after the embryo has been moved, leaving the embryo undisturbed.
Studies show that when optimal collection protocols are followed, concordance rates of 82.5 to 85% have been achieved. Positive predictive value for detecting aneuploidy can reach approximately 93.5%. Accuracy depends significantly on laboratory handling and the degree of maternal DNA contamination in the sample.
An inconclusive result usually means there was insufficient cell-free DNA in the sample or that maternal DNA contamination was too high to draw a reliable conclusion. Your fertility specialist will discuss whether repeat testing or an alternative method is appropriate in this situation.
No. The NIPGT test screens for chromosomal number abnormalities (aneuploidy) and some structural changes. It does not assess all possible genetic conditions. If you are concerned about a specific inherited genetic disease, your doctor may recommend additional testing such as PGT-M, which targets monogenic (single-gene) disorders.
NIPGT (8 Spent Media) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
