NIPGT (9 Spent Media) Test
About NIPGT (9 Spent Media) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | niPGT, Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing, niPGT-A, Non-Invasive PGT Using Spent Culture Medium |
| Sample Type | Spent embryo culture medium (collected in the IVF laboratory) |
| Fasting Required | Not applicable. The sample is collected during the IVF embryo culture process, not from the patient directly. |
| Report Time | 18 days |
| Recommended For | Couples undergoing IVF treatment |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,08,000 |
What Is a NIPGT (9 Spent Media) Test?
The NIPGT test is a non-invasive method of analysing the genetic material of embryos during an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle. Rather than removing cells from the embryo through a biopsy, it examines cell-free DNA (cfDNA) released naturally into the fluid in which embryos are cultured. The "9 spent media" format means up to nine embryos can be analysed from a single IVF cycle. This test is also known as niPGT or Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing.
What Does a NIPGT (9 Spent Media) Test Measure?
The NIPGT test procedure evaluates the genetic content of spent embryo culture medium using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The following parameters are assessed:
| Parameter | What It Evaluates |
|---|---|
| Chromosomal aneuploidy | Detects extra or missing chromosomes (e.g., trisomies and monosomies) in the embryo |
| Whole-chromosome copy number changes | Assesses whether all 24 chromosomes (22 autosomes plus X and Y) are present in the expected number |
| Segmental chromosomal abnormalities | May detect large chromosomal deletions or duplications, depending on the assay's resolution |
| Sex chromosome status | Evaluates X and Y chromosome copy number and may identify sex chromosome abnormalities |
Why Is a NIPGT (9 Spent Media) Test Done?
This test helps fertility specialists and couples make informed decisions about which embryos to transfer during IVF. Below are the key reasons a doctor may recommend it.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
This test is not ordered for symptoms in the traditional sense. It is indicated based on reproductive history and clinical factors. A fertility specialist may recommend it in these situations:
- Advanced maternal age (typically above 37 years)
- History of recurrent miscarriages
- Repeated failed IVF cycles
- Previous pregnancy with a chromosomal abnormality
- Known chromosomal rearrangement in one or both parents
- Family history of a genetic disorder
- Desire to optimise embryo selection before transfer
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The NIPGT test can help identify the following genetic conditions in embryos:
- Trisomies such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)
- Monosomy conditions resulting from a missing chromosome
- Chromosomal structural rearrangements, including translocations and deletions
- Single-gene disorders such as thalassaemia, sickle cell anaemia, cystic fibrosis, and muscular dystrophy
- Sex chromosome abnormalities
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because the sample is collected within the IVF laboratory rather than from the patient, preparation is different from a standard blood or urine test. Here is what to know before and during the process.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test does not involve drawing a sample directly from the patient. The spent culture medium is collected by trained IVF laboratory staff as part of the standard embryo culture process.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind when preparing for this test:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry duly filled Test Request Forms (TRF) and signed consent forms, as these are mandatory
- Ensure your IVF laboratory follows strict protocols to minimise maternal DNA contamination in the sample
- Discuss the test and its implications with a genetic counsellor before proceeding
- Ask your fertility specialist about the expected timeline for results, as report delivery takes 18 days
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection and testing process takes place entirely within the IVF laboratory setting. Here is how it works:
- Embryos are cultured individually in a specialised medium that allows cell-free DNA to be released into the surrounding fluid.
- Each embryo is cultured from Day 3 or 4 through to Day 5 or Day 6 (the blastocyst stage), when the spent culture medium is collected.
- The spent medium from each blastocyst is carefully loaded into a labelled sterile PCR tube containing lysis buffer using individual pipettes.
- One mandatory control medium sample must also be included alongside the nine spent media samples.
- Cell-free DNA in the collected samples is amplified using a whole-genome amplification method and then sequenced using NGS technology.
- The processed samples are transported on dry ice at minus 20 degrees Celsius to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Maternal DNA contamination of the culture medium, which is a known limitation of this method
- Timing of collection (Day 6 samples have shown higher concordance rates than Day 5 samples)
- Quality of embryo washing to remove surrounding cumulus cells
- The amplification technique used in the laboratory
- Embryo mosaicism, where some cells are normal, and others are not
Understanding Your NIPGT (9 Spent Media) Test Results
Results from the NIPGT test are interpreted by a fertility specialist, usually alongside a genetic counsellor. The table below shows how chromosomal findings are typically categorised.
| Chromosomal Status | Interpretation | Clinical Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Euploid | Normal chromosomal complement | Highest likelihood of implantation and ongoing pregnancy; generally preferred for embryo transfer |
| Aneuploid | Extra or missing chromosome(s) detected | Usually not recommended for transfer due to reduced implantation potential and increased risk of miscarriage or chromosomal disorders |
| Mosaic | A mixture of normal and abnormal chromosomal cell lines was detected | May be considered for transfer in selected circumstances after specialist counselling and review |
| Sex Chromosome Finding | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| XX | Typical female chromosomal complement |
| XY | Typical male chromosomal complement |
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
Certain conditions can affect how results are read or whether a result is available at all.
- Maternal cell contamination is one of the main limitations of this method. When contamination is significant, some embryos may not yield a usable result. Studies show that a considerable proportion of spent culture medium samples can have contamination above 20%, which may lead to incorrect sex determination or false negatives.
- In cases where DNA amplification fails, a result may not be generated. This "no call" outcome occurs more often with spent culture medium than with traditional embryo biopsy, and your specialist will advise on next steps.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test is about embryo genetics rather than personal health markers, supporting your overall well-being during IVF is beneficial:
- Follow a balanced diet rich in folic acid and key micronutrients in the lead-up to and during IVF treatment
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption throughout your IVF cycle
- Follow all instructions from your IVF clinical team carefully to support the best possible outcomes
Lupin Diagnostics NIPGT (9 Spent Media) Test Price
The NIPGT test cost starts at ₹1,08,000 for nine spent media samples. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or coordination with a partnered IVF laboratory. Home collection is not available for this test, as the sample must be collected under controlled IVF laboratory conditions.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 108000 |
| CHENNAI | 108000 |
| HYDERABAD | 108000 |
| KOLKATA | 108000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 108000 |
| PUNE | 108000 |
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 online through Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the NIPGT (9 Spent Media) test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time, or coordinate with your IVF laboratory for sample dispatch.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 18 days of sample receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NIPGT test analyses cell-free DNA released naturally into the fluid surrounding the embryo during IVF culture. Standard PGT (preimplantation genetic testing) requires removing cells from the embryo through a physical biopsy. The non-invasive approach avoids direct contact with the embryo, which may reduce the risk of biopsy-related embryo damage.
The "9 spent media" in the NIPGT test name refers to the number of embryos tested in a single submission. Spent culture medium is collected from each embryo individually, and this package covers up to nine such samples from one IVF cycle.
Current research reports concordance rates with traditional biopsy, typically ranging from 75% to 90%. Accuracy can vary based on laboratory protocols, DNA quality, and the level of maternal contamination in the sample.
Occasionally, DNA amplification from a spent culture medium sample may fail, resulting in a "no call" outcome for that embryo. In such cases, your fertility team will assess whether the embryo can still be considered for transfer based on its physical appearance and development stage.
This test is generally recommended for couples undergoing IVF who are at increased genetic risk. This includes those with advanced maternal age, a history of recurrent miscarriage, repeated IVF failure, or a known chromosomal or genetic condition in one or both partners.
Yes. A mandatory control medium sample must accompany the nine spent media samples. Duly filled Test Request Forms, signed consent forms, and a detailed clinical history with past reports must all be submitted along with the samples.
The report is delivered within 18 days of sample receipt at the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory. Given this timeline, it is advisable to plan your embryo transfer schedule with your fertility specialist well in advance.
NIPGT (9 Spent Media) Test
