PGT-A (1 Embryo) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About PGT-A (1 Embryo) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | PGT-A, Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy, PGS (older term) |
| Sample Type | Embryo biopsy (trophectoderm cells from a Day 5 blastocyst) |
| Fasting Required | Not applicable. This is an embryo-based genetic test, not a blood or urine test. |
| Report Time | 18 days |
| Recommended For | Couples undergoing IVF, women over 35, those with recurrent miscarriage, recurrent implantation failure, or a family history of chromosomal abnormalities |
| Price | Starting at ₹12,500 |
What is a PGT-A (1 Embryo) Test?
The PGT-A test (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy) is a genetic screening test performed on embryos created during in vitro fertilisation (IVF). It checks whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes before it is transferred to the uterus. The test is performed on a small sample of cells biopsied from a Day 5 blastocyst-stage embryo. It is also referred to by an older term, PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening).
What Does a PGT-A (1 Embryo) Test Measure?
The PGT-A test procedure uses next-generation sequencing (NGS), an advanced DNA analysis method, to examine all 24 chromosome types in an embryo sample. Here is what the test evaluates:
| Parameter | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Euploid status | Whether the embryo has the correct count of 46 chromosomes |
| Aneuploidy | Whether extra or missing whole chromosomes are present |
| Mosaicism patterns | Whether the embryo contains a mixture of normal and abnormal cells |
Why is a PGT-A (1 Embryo) Test Done?
The PGT-A test is ordered during an IVF cycle to help identify chromosomally normal embryos before transfer. Below are the main reasons a fertility specialist may recommend it.
Common Situations That May Require This Test
This test is not triggered by symptoms in the usual sense. Rather, it is recommended based on reproductive history and risk factors. The following situations commonly lead to a referral:
- Advanced maternal age (35 years or older)
- A history of two or more unexplained miscarriages
- Repeated IVF cycles that have not resulted in a successful pregnancy
- A previous pregnancy or child with a chromosomal abnormality
- A known family history of chromosomal conditions
- Unexplained recurrent implantation failure during IVF
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The PGT-A test screens embryos for a range of chromosomal abnormalities. The conditions it can help identify include:
- Down syndrome: (Trisomy 21, caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21)
- Edwards syndrome: (Trisomy 18, caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18)
- Patau syndrome: (Trisomy 13, caused by an extra copy of chromosome 13)
- Turner syndrome: (a missing X chromosome in females)
- Complex chromosomal abnormalities involving multiple chromosomes
- Segmental aneuploidies: (partial deletions or duplications within a chromosome)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The PGT-A test is part of a specialised IVF procedure. There are several important steps and documentation requirements to be aware of before testing begins.
Do You Need to Fast?
Fasting is not required or applicable for this test. The sample is an embryo biopsy, not a blood or urine sample collected from the patient.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps are necessary to proceed with PGT-A testing:
- You must be actively undergoing an IVF or ICSI treatment cycle at a fertility clinic
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry all past reproductive reports, including prior IVF cycle records, to your appointment
- A duly filled Test Request Form (TRF) and a biopsy worksheet must be submitted along with the sample
- A signed consent form is required before the biopsy procedure can take place
- Genetic counselling before testing is strongly advisable so you understand the results and their implications
Step-by-Step Procedure
The embryo biopsy and testing process follows a defined sequence. Here is what happens at each stage:
- Your embryologist cultures the fertilised eggs in the IVF laboratory until they reach the blastocyst stage, typically Day 5 or Day 6 after egg retrieval.
- A small laser is used to create an opening in the blastocyst's outer shell. The embryologist then removes five to eight trophectoderm cells (the outer cells that would form the placenta) without disturbing the inner cell mass that develops into the baby.
- Immediately after biopsy, each embryo is vitrified (frozen using ultra-rapid freezing) and stored. This is necessary because results take several weeks.
- The biopsied cell sample is placed in the PGT Collection Kit, stored on dry ice at -20°C, and dispatched to the Lupin Diagnostics laboratory.
- In the laboratory, DNA is extracted from the cells. NGS technology is used to count and analyse all 24 chromosome types in the sample.
- A detailed report is prepared and returned to your fertility clinic within 18 days. Euploid embryos identified in the report are then considered for frozen embryo transfer (FET).
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Quality and adequacy of the biopsy sample
- Embryo mosaicism (mixed cell populations), which can complicate interpretation
- Laboratory technical factors, including amplification bias or contamination
- Variation in biopsy timing (Day 5 versus Day 6 blastocysts)
- Statistical variation inherent to testing a small number of cells
Understanding Your PGT-A (1 Embryo) Test Results
PGT-A test results classify each embryo into one of three categories. Your fertility specialist and genetic counsellor will review these findings with you in detail.
| Result | Classification | What it Means |
|---|---|---|
| Euploid | Normal | The embryo has 46 chromosomes. These embryos are prioritised for transfer, as they carry a better chance of implantation and a lower risk of miscarriage. |
| Aneuploid | Abnormal | The embryo has too many or too few chromosomes. Aneuploid embryos are associated with implantation failure and early pregnancy loss. |
| Mosaic | Mixed | The embryo contains both chromosomally normal and abnormal cells. Transfer of mosaic embryos is a complex decision that requires careful discussion with your specialist. |
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
PGT-A is a screening test, not a definitive diagnostic test. Mosaic results, in particular, can be difficult to interpret, as blastocyst-stage mosaicism is more common than previously understood, and a mosaic result may not fully represent the genetic risk to the developing foetus. Intermediate copy number findings may also arise from test artefacts, amplification bias, or minor variations in biopsy technique, rather than true chromosomal abnormality.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While you cannot control your embryos' chromosomal status, the following general steps support a positive IVF outcome:
- Discuss all results with your fertility specialist before making any decisions about embryo transfer
- If euploid embryos are available, these are generally selected first for frozen embryo transfer
- Consider prenatal testing (such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling) after pregnancy is achieved, as this provides additional confirmation of foetal chromosomal health
Lupin Diagnostics PGT-A (1 Embryo) Test Price
The PGT-A test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹12,500 per embryo. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or an affiliated IVF facility; home collection is not available.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 12500 |
| CHENNAI | 12500 |
| HYDERABAD | 12500 |
| KOLKATA | 12500 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 12500 |
| PUNE | 12500 |
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 your PGT-A test online with Lupin Diagnostics:
- Select the PGT-A (1 Embryo) test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time to submit the sample. Your IVF clinic's embryologist will coordinate the biopsy and the dispatch of the sample.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The PGT-A test screens embryos created during IVF for chromosomal abnormalities. It helps identify embryos with a normal chromosome count before transfer, which can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage linked to chromosomal errors.
The test is most commonly recommended for women aged 35 and above, those who have experienced two or more miscarriages, couples with repeated IVF failures, and individuals with a personal or family history of chromosomal conditions. Your fertility specialist can advise whether it is appropriate for your situation.
At the blastocyst stage (Day 5 or Day 6 of embryo culture), the embryologist uses a fine laser to create a small opening in the embryo's outer shell. Five to eight cells from the outer layer (the trophectoderm) are then carefully removed. These cells are what will form the placenta, not the baby itself.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the PGT-A test report is delivered within 18 days of sample receipt. Your embryos remain safely frozen during this period, ready for transfer once results are available.
No test can guarantee this outcome. The accuracy of PGT-A testing is estimated at approximately 98%, indicating a small margin of error. Prenatal diagnostic testing after pregnancy is still advisable for additional reassurance, and all decisions should be made in consultation with your fertility team.
This outcome does occur, particularly in older patients. Your fertility specialist will discuss the available options, which may include undergoing another IVF cycle, exploring the use of donor eggs, or, in some cases, considering the transfer of low-risk mosaic embryos following thorough genetic counselling.
No. The PGT-A test procedure requires a specialised embryo biopsy performed by trained embryologists in an IVF laboratory. This cannot be performed at home. Please visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre or affiliated clinic to arrange the test.
PGT-A (1 Embryo) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
