PGT - A (4 Embryos) Test
About PGT - A (4 Embryos) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening), Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy, Embryo Chromosomal Screening, Comprehensive Chromosome Screening (CCS) |
| Sample Type | Embryo biopsy (trophectoderm cells from a blastocyst-stage embryo, Day 5 or Day 6) |
| Fasting Required | Not applicable. The sample is collected from embryos in a laboratory, not from the patient. |
| Report Time | 18 days |
| Recommended For | Couples undergoing IVF; particularly women aged 35 and above, those with recurrent miscarriages, repeated IVF failures, or a family history of chromosomal conditions |
| Price | Starting at ₹40,000 |
What is a PGT - A (4 Embryos) Test?
The PGT - A test is a genetic screening procedure performed on embryos created during in vitro fertilisation (IVF). It checks each embryo for chromosomal abnormalities before it is transferred into the uterus. Also known as Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) or Comprehensive Chromosome Screening (CCS), this test examines up to four embryos in a single cycle. The sample is not taken from the patient's body — instead, a few cells are gently removed from each embryo in the laboratory.
What Does a PGT - A (4 Embryos) Test Measure?
The PGT - A test analyses the chromosomal makeup of each embryo. Using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), it counts and evaluates all 23 pairs of chromosomes. The key parameters assessed are listed below.
| Parameter | What it Detects |
|---|---|
| Chromosome count | Whether all 23 pairs (46 chromosomes total) are present |
| Euploidy status | Embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, suitable for transfer |
| Monosomy | Missing chromosomes (one copy instead of two) |
| Trisomy | Extra chromosomes (three copies instead of two, e.g., Down syndrome) |
| Segmental aneuploidy | Duplications or deletions of chromosome segments rather than whole chromosomes |
| Mosaicism | A mix of chromosomally normal and abnormal cells within the same embryo |
Why is a PGT - A (4 Embryos) Test Done?
Fertility specialists recommend the PGT - A test to help select embryos with the best chance of a successful pregnancy. The following situations commonly prompt its use.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
This test is not ordered based on symptoms in the traditional sense. However, the following reproductive history factors typically lead a fertility specialist to recommend it.
- Advanced maternal age (35 years or above)
- A history of recurrent miscarriages or pregnancy loss
- Repeated implantation failure in previous IVF cycles
- A prior pregnancy or child affected by a chromosomal condition
- Severe male factor infertility
- Use of donor eggs or sperm
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The PGT - A test procedure identifies chromosomal abnormalities in embryos that are linked to several outcomes. These include the following conditions.
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21) caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21
- Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) associated with a high rate of pregnancy loss
- Turner syndrome and other sex chromosome aneuploidies
- Chromosomal imbalances responsible for early implantation failure
- Aneuploidy-related causes of spontaneous miscarriage and stillbirth
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The PGT - A test is performed on embryos in an embryology laboratory, not on the patient directly. The steps below outline what the overall process involves.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. The test does not involve any blood draw or sample collection from the patient. All preparation relates to the IVF cycle managed by your fertility team.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure the process runs smoothly.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your 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 the IVF centre.
- Discuss the process and results with a fertility specialist and genetic counsellor before proceeding.
- Ensure your embryos are cultured to the blastocyst stage (Day 5 or Day 6) before biopsy can be performed.
- Confirm all documentation with your IVF clinic in advance to avoid delays.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The PGT - A test procedure takes place within your IVF cycle. Here is how it works.
- Eggs are retrieved from the female partner and fertilised with sperm in the laboratory as part of the IVF process.
- The fertilised embryos are cultured in the laboratory until they reach the blastocyst stage, typically on Day 5 or Day 6 of development.
- An embryologist performs a biopsy: a laser is used to open the outer shell of the embryo, and five to eight trophectoderm cells (the cells that would form the placenta) are gently removed.
- The biopsied embryos are immediately frozen using ultra-rapid vitrification while genetic testing is carried out.
- DNA from the collected cells is analysed using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to count and evaluate chromosomes across all 23 pairs.
- Results are reported after approximately 18 days, and chromosomally normal embryos are identified for transfer in a subsequent frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of the test results.
- Embryo mosaicism, where some cells in the embryo have a different chromosome count from others
- The quality and number of trophectoderm cells collected during the biopsy
- Technical laboratory conditions, including amplification bias or sample contamination
- Variation in the biopsy technique used by the embryologist
- Inconclusive results, which occur in approximately 2 to 6% of trophectoderm biopsies
Understanding Your PGT - A (4 Embryos) Test Results
Results from the PGT - A test are reported per embryo. Your fertility specialist and genetic counsellor will review the findings with you and advise on the best embryos for transfer.
| Result Category | Chromosome Status | What it Means |
|---|---|---|
| Euploid | 46 chromosomes (23 correct pairs) | Normal; best candidate for transfer |
| Aneuploid | Missing or extra chromosomes | Abnormal; not suitable for transfer |
| Mosaic | Mix of normal and abnormal cells (20 to 80% abnormal) | May be considered for transfer after genetic counselling |
The accuracy of the PGT - A test is approximately 97 to 99% for detecting whole chromosome abnormalities. However, a small margin of error exists because testing is performed on only a few cells and cannot assess the entire embryo.
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.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While chromosomal status cannot be altered, the following steps support the best possible IVF outcomes.
- Follow your fertility specialist's guidance closely regarding timing and preparation for the frozen embryo transfer.
- Discuss your results with a genetic counsellor to fully understand the implications for your treatment plan.
- Maintain a balanced diet, manage stress, and avoid smoking and alcohol during your IVF cycle, in line with your doctor's advice.
Lupin Diagnostics PGT - A (4 Embryos) Test Price
The PGT - A test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹40,000 for four embryos. This test requires specialised embryo biopsy and is not available as a home collection service. Sample collection is performed by trained embryologists at an IVF centre, after which the embryo biopsy is dispatched to a Lupin Diagnostics laboratory for analysis.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 40000 |
| CHENNAI | 40000 |
| HYDERABAD | 40000 |
| KOLKATA | 40000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 40000 |
| PUNE | 40000 |
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 PGT - A test online or through a Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Select the PGT - A (4 Embryos) Test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre or coordinate with your IVF clinic for embryo biopsy and sample dispatch as directed.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The PGT - A test checks the chromosome count of embryos created during IVF before they are transferred into the uterus. It helps identify embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, improving the chances of a successful pregnancy and reducing the risk of miscarriage.
The 4-embryo package means that up to four blastocyst-stage embryos can be biopsied and tested within a single IVF cycle. Each embryo is individually assessed, and results are reported separately for each one.
Yes. Research indicates that trophectoderm biopsy does not harm the embryo or the baby that may develop from it. The procedure removes only a small number of cells from the part of the embryo that would form the placenta, leaving the inner cell mass intact.
The test has an accuracy of approximately 97 to 99% for detecting whole chromosome abnormalities. A small possibility of inconclusive or discordant results exists, which is why prenatal genetic testing is still recommended after a successful transfer.
Your fertility specialist will discuss your next steps, which may include another IVF cycle, considering transfer of mosaic embryos with appropriate counselling, or exploring other reproductive options. This outcome is related to chance and does not necessarily indicate an underlying medical condition.
No. The PGT - A test requires embryo biopsy performed by trained embryologists in a specialised IVF laboratory. This cannot be carried out at home. Samples are then dispatched to a Lupin Diagnostics NABL-accredited laboratory for chromosomal analysis.
No test can guarantee a healthy pregnancy. The PGT - A test significantly improves the chances of implantation and reduces the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriage, but it does not screen for all genetic conditions. Your fertility specialist will guide you on what the results mean for your individual treatment plan.
PGT - A (4 Embryos) Test
