PGT-A (8 Embryos) Test
About PGT-A (8 Embryos) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening), Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy, Embryo Genetic Screening, Chromosome Screening of Embryos |
| Sample Type | Trophectoderm biopsy (cells from the outer layer of blastocyst-stage embryos) |
| Fasting Required | No. This test is performed on embryos, not on a patient's blood sample |
| Report Time | 18 days |
| Recommended For | Women undergoing IVF, especially those aged 35 years or above, or those with recurrent miscarriage or repeated implantation failure |
| Price | Starting at ₹80,000 |
What is a PGT-A (8 Embryos) Test?
The PGT-A test — short for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy — is a specialised genetic screening test performed on embryos during an IVF (in vitro fertilisation) cycle. It checks whether embryos have the correct number of chromosomes before they are transferred to the uterus. This version of the PGT-A (8 embryos) test covers the screening of up to eight embryos in a single cycle.
The test is also known as PGS or Preimplantation Genetic Screening. It uses a small sample of cells taken from each embryo, not from the patient directly.
What Does a PGT-A (8 Embryos) Test Measure?
The PGT-A test analyses the chromosomal makeup of each embryo using next-generation sequencing (NGS), a highly accurate method of reading genetic material. The test examines all 23 pairs of chromosomes and reports on the following:
| Parameter | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Euploidy status | Whether the embryo has the correct number of chromosomes (46 total) |
| Aneuploidy | Detection of extra or missing chromosomes across all 23 pairs |
| Mosaicism | A mixture of normal and abnormal cells within the same embryo |
| Segmental changes | Partial deletions or duplications within individual chromosomes |
Why is a PGT-A (8 Embryos) Test Done?
The PGT-A test is ordered by fertility specialists to help select the most chromosomally suitable embryos for transfer, improving the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
This test is not triggered by symptoms in the traditional sense. However, a fertility specialist may recommend the PGT-A test procedure in the following situations:
- Advanced maternal age, typically 35 years or older
- Recurrent pregnancy loss (two or more consecutive miscarriages)
- Repeated implantation failure after IVF transfers
- A previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal condition
- Unexplained infertility despite good embryo quality
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The PGT-A test screens embryos for the following chromosomal abnormalities:
- Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome — an extra chromosome 21)
- Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome — an extra chromosome 18)
- Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome — an extra chromosome 13)
- Other numerical chromosomal imbalances across all 23 pairs
- Partial chromosomal deletions or duplications (segmental aneuploidy)
- Embryonic mosaicism (a mix of normal and abnormal cells)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The PGT-A test procedure is performed on embryos in an IVF laboratory. There are no preparation steps for the patient in the traditional sense, but there are important things to be aware of before proceeding.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test does not involve collecting a blood or urine sample from the patient. The genetic material comes from the embryo itself.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few things to keep in mind before your PGT-A test:
- Complete genetic counselling with a qualified specialist before starting the process
- Discuss with your fertility doctor whether testing all embryos or only top-grade embryos is right for your case
- Be aware that not every embryo will reach the blastocyst stage required for biopsy
- Plan for a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle, as embryos are vitrified (flash-frozen) after biopsy while results are awaited
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
Step-by-Step Procedure
The following steps explain how the PGT-A test procedure works from embryo creation to results:
- Eggs are retrieved from the female partner and fertilised with sperm in the IVF laboratory, creating embryos that are monitored for five to six days.
- At the blastocyst stage (Day 5 or Day 6), a small number of cells are carefully removed from the outer layer of each embryo (the trophectoderm). The inner portion that develops into the baby is not touched.
- The biopsy involves a laser-assisted opening of the embryo's outer shell, followed by the gentle removal of five to eight cells from the outer layer.
- Each biopsied embryo is immediately vitrified (rapidly frozen) to preserve it while results are processed.
- The removed cells are packaged and shipped to the genetics laboratory on dry ice for NGS-based chromosomal analysis.
- Results are reported within 18 days, after which your fertility specialist reviews them with you to plan the next steps.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of PGT-A test results:
- Embryonic mosaicism, where only some cells carry abnormalities, may not always be fully represented in the small biopsy sample
- The quality of the biopsy technique and the skill of the embryologist performing it
- Day of biopsy (Day 5 biopsy is generally more accurate than Day 3)
- Laboratory equipment and the specific NGS protocol used
Understanding Your PGT-A (8 Embryos) Test Results
Your fertility specialist will review your PGT-A test results alongside your full IVF history. Each embryo receives an individual classification based on its chromosomal status.
| Result | Classification | What it Means |
|---|---|---|
| Euploid | Fewer than 30% abnormal cells | Chromosomally normal; suitable for transfer |
| Mosaic | 30 to 70% abnormal cells | Mixed result; transfer requires specialist counselling |
| Aneuploid | More than 70% abnormal cells | Chromosomally abnormal; not recommended for transfer |
| Inconclusive | DNA amplification failure | Insufficient material; re-biopsy may be needed |
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.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While chromosomal status in embryos cannot be altered by lifestyle, these general preconception wellness steps are widely recommended:
- Follow a balanced diet rich in folate, iron, and other micronutrients in the months leading up to IVF
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and unnecessary medications during the IVF period, as advised by your doctor
- Consider prenatal diagnostic testing (such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling) after embryo transfer to confirm chromosomal status during pregnancy
Lupin Diagnostics PGT-A (8 Embryos) Test Price
The PGT-A test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹80,000 for up to eight embryos. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or partner IVF facility. Home collection is not available for this test, as embryo biopsy must be performed by a trained embryologist in a specialised laboratory setting.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 80000 |
| CHENNAI | 80000 |
| HYDERABAD | 80000 |
| KOLKATA | 80000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 80000 |
| PUNE | 80000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the PGT-A (8 embryos) test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for coordination of embryo biopsy and sample dispatch.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 18 days of sample receipt at the genetics laboratory.
Frequently Asked Questions
The PGT-A test screens all 23 chromosome pairs for numerical abnormalities such as extra or missing chromosomes. PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders) is different — it targets a specific known gene variant that causes an inherited condition. Both are performed on embryos during IVF, but they address different types of genetic concerns.
The PGT-A test is generally recommended for women aged 35 years or older undergoing IVF, as the rate of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos increases with maternal age. It is also advised for couples who have experienced recurrent miscarriages, repeated failed IVF transfers, or a previous pregnancy with a chromosomal condition.
NGS-based PGT-A test results are estimated to be approximately 95 to 98% accurate. The small chance of an inaccurate result exists because the test analyses only a few cells from the outer layer of the embryo, which may not always represent the chromosomal status of every cell in that embryo.
Mosaic embryos contain a mixture of chromosomally normal and abnormal cells. In situations where no fully euploid embryos are available, some fertility specialists may consider transferring a mosaic embryo after detailed counselling. Evidence suggests that normal cells may sometimes outcompete abnormal ones during development. Your fertility specialist and genetic counsellor will guide this decision.
No. At the blastocyst stage, an embryo contains over 100 cells. Removing five to eight cells from the outer trophectoderm layer does not affect the inner cell mass, which is the part that develops into the baby. The procedure is considered safe when performed by an experienced embryologist.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the PGT-A test price starts at ₹80,000 for up to eight embryos. The final cost may vary by location and any additional clinical requirements. It is advisable to confirm the current price at the time of booking.
No. The PGT-A test requires embryo biopsy performed by a skilled embryologist inside a specialised IVF laboratory. The biopsied cells are then transported to a genetics laboratory for NGS analysis. Home collection is not possible for this type of test.
PGT-A (8 Embryos) Test
