PGT - A (3 Embryos) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About PGT - A (3 Embryos) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | PGT-A, Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy, Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS), Embryo Genetic Screening, Chromosomal Screening of Embryos |
| Sample Type | Trophectoderm biopsy (5 to 10 cells from the outer layer of a blastocyst-stage embryo) |
| Fasting Required | No (the test is performed on embryos in the IVF laboratory, not on the patient) |
| Report Time | 18 days from biopsy submission |
| Recommended For | Couples undergoing IVF, particularly women over 35, those with recurrent miscarriage, or repeated IVF failures |
| Price | Starting at ₹30,000 |
What is a PGT - A (3 Embryos) Test?
The PGT - A test is a genetic screening procedure performed on embryos during an IVF (in vitro fertilisation) cycle. It checks whether each embryo has the correct number of chromosomes before it is transferred to the uterus. This variant screens three embryos in a single cycle. The test is also known as Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) or Chromosomal Screening of Embryos, and the sample used is a small group of cells taken from each embryo in the laboratory.
What Does a PGT - A (3 Embryos) Test Measure?
The PGT - A test procedure analyses the chromosomal makeup of each embryo using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). The following aspects are screened for each embryo:
| What Is Screened | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Chromosome number (ploidy status) | Checks whether the embryo has the correct 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) |
| Whole chromosome aneuploidy | Detects extra or missing entire chromosomes, such as in Down syndrome or Edwards syndrome |
| Segmental aneuploidy | Identifies missing or extra portions of a chromosome |
| Mosaicism | Finds embryos where some cells are normal, and others have chromosomal differences |
| Sex chromosome abnormalities | Detects conditions such as Turner's syndrome or Klinefelter's syndrome |
Why is a PGT - A (3 Embryos) Test Done?
The PGT - A test is recommended in specific reproductive situations. It helps fertility specialists select the most suitable embryos for transfer, reducing the risk of failed implantation or miscarriage.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Several clinical situations may lead a fertility specialist to recommend this test. These include:
- Advanced maternal age (typically 35 years or older)
- Recurrent unexplained miscarriage
- Repeated IVF cycle failures
- Unexplained implantation failure
- Family history of chromosomal abnormalities
- Desire to reduce the risk of chromosomal disorders in offspring
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The PGT - A test screens embryos for a range of chromosomal conditions, including:
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
- Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18)
- Patau's syndrome (trisomy 13)
- Turner's syndrome (monosomy X)
- Klinefelter's syndrome (extra X chromosome in males)
- Complex chromosomal abnormalities and sex chromosome aneuploidies
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The preparation for a PGT - A test differs significantly from routine blood or urine tests. The process takes place entirely within an IVF clinic and embryology laboratory.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. The test is performed on embryos in the laboratory, not directly on the patient. Follow all IVF cycle instructions given by your fertility specialist.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
There are several important steps to take before your PGT - A test online booking and cycle:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry a duly filled Test Request Form (TRF), biopsy worksheet, and signed consent form to your clinic
- Ensure your IVF centre has trained embryologists and the laser dissection equipment needed for trophectoderm biopsy
- Speak with a genetic counsellor before the cycle to understand what results may mean
- Follow all medications and instructions provided as part of your IVF protocol
Step-by-Step Procedure
The PGT - A test procedure takes place over several days within the IVF cycle. Here is what to expect:
- An IVF cycle is started. Eggs are retrieved from the female partner and fertilised with sperm in the embryology laboratory.
- The resulting embryos are cultured in the laboratory for approximately five to six days until they reach the blastocyst stage.
- A trained embryologist performs the trophectoderm biopsy. A laser is used to gently open the outer shell of each embryo, and five to eight cells are carefully removed from the outer layer (the part that would become the placenta).
- Each biopsied embryo is immediately frozen using ultra-rapid freezing (vitrification) while the genetic results are awaited.
- The extracted cells from all three embryos are sent to the genetics laboratory, where DNA is analysed using NGS to count chromosomes in each embryo.
- Results are returned within 18 days. Your fertility specialist reviews the findings before deciding which embryo, if any, is suitable for transfer.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The PGT - A test is highly accurate but not infallible. The following factors can influence results:
- The skill and experience of the embryologist performing the biopsy
- Embryo mosaicism (mixed cell populations), which can complicate interpretation
- Embryo quality and stage of development at the time of biopsy
- The fact that only a small sample of cells is tested, which may not fully represent the entire embryo
- Laboratory equipment and the quality of the NGS analysis
Understanding Your PGT - A (3 Embryos) Test Results
Results from a PGT - A test are categorised per embryo. Your fertility specialist and a genetic counsellor will review each result with you and guide the next steps.
| Result | Chromosome Findings | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Euploid (Normal) | 46 chromosomes present, 23 from each parent | Best candidate for transfer; highest likelihood of successful pregnancy |
| Aneuploid (Abnormal) | Too many or too few chromosomes detected | Not recommended for transfer; may lead to failed implantation, miscarriage, or chromosomal disorder |
| Mosaic | A mix of normal and abnormal cells within the embryo | May be considered for transfer in some cases; outcomes are lower than with euploid embryos |
| Inconclusive | The biopsy did not yield a usable result | Does not indicate embryo abnormality; re-biopsy may be considered |
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 factors can influence how results are interpreted.
- Maternal age has a direct effect on aneuploidy rates. The proportion of abnormal embryos is around 28% in women under 30, rising to approximately 67% in women over 40. This affects both the number of euploid embryos available and the overall live birth rate, even when PGT - A testing is used.
- Embryo mosaicism is more common at the blastocyst stage than previously understood. Mosaic embryos contain both normal and abnormal cells. In some cases, normal cells may replicate preferentially, meaning a mosaic embryo could still result in a chromosomally normal pregnancy.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While chromosome outcomes cannot be directly controlled, the following steps support overall IVF success:
- Follow a balanced diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle before and during your IVF cycle to support egg and sperm quality
- Attend all genetic counselling sessions before and after the test to fully understand your results
- Discuss all result categories, including mosaic embryos, with your fertility specialist before making any embryo transfer decisions
Lupin Diagnostics PGT - A (3 Embryos) Test Price
The PGT - A test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹30,000 for three embryos. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or an affiliated IVF facility. Home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 30000 |
| CHENNAI | 30000 |
| HYDERABAD | 30000 |
| KOLKATA | 30000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 30000 |
| PUNE | 30000 |
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 for your PGT - A test online booking:
- Select the PGT - A (3 Embryos) test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre or your affiliated IVF clinic at your scheduled time for embryo biopsy and sample submission.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 18 days of biopsy submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
The PGT - A test (also called PGS) checks whether embryos have the correct number of chromosomes. PGD, now called PGT-M, identifies specific inherited genetic diseases caused by single-gene mutations. These are separate tests with different purposes, and your fertility specialist will advise which is appropriate for your situation.
This test is generally recommended for women over 40, those with recurrent pregnancy loss, repeated implantation failure, and individuals with a known family history of chromosomal abnormalities. Your fertility specialist will assess whether PGT - A testing is right for your specific circumstances.
Results are typically available within 18 days of biopsy submission at Lupin Diagnostics. The laboratory uses Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), which analyses chromosome counts across all three embryo samples.
The accuracy of the PGT - A test is estimated at approximately 98%. There is a small chance that results may not fully reflect the chromosomal makeup of an embryo, as only a few cells are tested. Prenatal testing after a successful transfer is still advisable.
Receiving all aneuploid results can be difficult news. However, this outcome is generally due to random chance in that particular cycle and does not necessarily predict what will happen in future IVF cycles. Your fertility specialist will discuss the options available to you.
In some cases, yes. Mosaic embryos are reviewed on an individual basis. Your clinic will outline its policies, which may include transferring, storing, or not using the embryo. A genetic counsellor can help you understand what a mosaic result means for your specific situation.
No. The PGT - A test requires specialised embryo biopsy performed by trained embryologists using laser-assisted equipment within an IVF laboratory. It cannot be conducted as a home collection test.
PGT - A (3 Embryos) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
