+91 89399 94244WhatsApp usHome › Tests › PGT
TESTS · PGT (EMBRYO TESTING)
PGT tests a few cells from an IVF embryo for one specific genetic question before it is transferred. For a few couples it is exactly the right test; for many it adds cost without adding a baby.
PGT (pre-implantation genetic testing) takes a few cells from an embryo made by IVF and tests them for a specific genetic problem before the embryo is transferred.
Some embryos carry a chromosome in the wrong number, or a faulty gene passed down from a parent. PGT tells the embryology team which embryos are unaffected on that one test. It needs an embryo outside the body, so it is only possible with IVF, not with natural conception. The older name PGD means the same as PGT-M.
PGT-M tests for one known inherited condition, PGT-SR for a parent's chromosome rearrangement, and PGT-A for the number of chromosomes.
PGT-M is built around your family's specific gene change, such as beta thalassaemia, which is common in India, or sickle cell disease or spinal muscular atrophy. PGT-SR is for a parent who carries a balanced translocation, usually found on a karyotype blood test. PGT-A counts chromosomes; it does not look at individual genes. Each test answers only its own question.
Karyotype testEmbryos are grown to day 5 or 6, a few cells are taken from the outer layer, and every biopsied embryo is frozen while the lab tests the cells.
For PGT-M and PGT-SR, counselling and a custom lab test come first, which can take several weeks. Then a normal IVF cycle, usually with ICSI so stray sperm cannot confuse the result. Only embryos that reach blastocyst can be tested. Results usually take 1 to 2 weeks, and a suitable embryo is transferred in a later, prepared cycle.
PGT-M and PGT-SR are for couples with a known genetic condition or chromosome rearrangement; PGT-A is considered only in selected cases, discussed with you.
In India the ART (Regulation) Act 2021 allows embryo testing to screen for known, pre-existing, heritable or genetic diseases. At Jananam, PGT-A may be discussed from 38, or after repeated failed transfers or miscarriages, weighing what it can and cannot do for you. Outside these situations the case for testing is much weaker.
The Pre-implantation Genetic testing shall be used to screen the human embryo for known, pre-existing, heritable or genetic diseases only. (The ART (Regulation) Act, 2021, section 25)
PGT does not make embryos better, does not test for every condition, and does not guarantee a healthy baby.
It only chooses among the embryos you already have, so a cycle with few embryos may end with none to transfer. Some embryos are mosaic (a mix of normal and abnormal cells), and some give no result. For most patients PGT-A does not raise the chance of a baby, though it may lower the chance of miscarriage. Routine pregnancy screening is still needed.
PGT-A is rated red for increasing the chance of a baby for most patients, and green for reducing the risk of miscarriage. (HFEA add-on ratings)
PGT is worth it when it answers a question that changes your decision, such as a known family condition or a parent's translocation.
ASRM advises against using PGT-A for every IVF patient. What decides the cost is the type of PGT, the lab set-up for your family's gene, how many embryos are tested, and the extra freezing and frozen transfer. We give you that in writing before you decide. If a tested embryo is normal, one embryo is transferred.
Single embryo transfer is preferred for tested euploid embryos at any age, and usually under 38 with a good blastocyst. (Dr Vani Sundarapandian)
Bring your PGT report. We read it with you, embryo by embryo, before any decision.
A whole chromosome was extra (+) or missing (-) in the cells tested.
Part of a chromosome, not a whole one, looked extra or missing.
Whether the embryo inherited your family's gene change, and how many copies.
Whether the embryo inherited the rearranged chromosomes in a balanced way.
The lab could not read the cells.
The embryo's sex is not disclosed, because determining it is illegal in India.
Aneuploid (e.g. '+16' or '-22', trisomy or monosomy)
Segmental gain or loss (e.g. 'del(5p)')
Source of ranges: Categories and thresholds follow the testing lab's report and the ESHRE PGT Consortium good practice recommendations (2020). Labs word reports differently.
IfAt least one normal, balanced or unaffected embryo
A single embryo is thawed and transferred in a prepared frozen cycle. Others stay frozen for later.
What that meansIfNo embryo suitable for transfer
We review the cycle with you honestly: another collection, a change of plan, or donor eggs where your own eggs are unlikely to work.
What that meansIfMosaic or segmental result only
Genetic counselling before any decision. Nothing is transferred or discarded without your informed agreement.
What that meansIfNo result for an embryo
Re-biopsy is sometimes possible. Otherwise we discuss the choice with you in writing.
IfStill deciding whether you need PGT
A karyotype for both partners and a family history often answer that first.
What that meansDo any of these sound like you?
No known genetic risk and under 38? PGT is unlikely to change your plan. Start with IVF itself.
Family history, carrier or karyotype results, past miscarriages and transfers.
Karyotype or carrier tests for both of you if not done, and genetic counselling.
Whether PGT changes your decision, which type, and the costs in writing.
IVF with blastocyst biopsy and freezing, then a frozen transfer of one suitable embryo.
No. PGT answers one specific genetic question and cannot detect every condition or problems that arise later in pregnancy. Routine pregnancy screening is still needed.
For most IVF patients PGT-A does not raise the chance of a baby, and ASRM does not recommend it for everyone. It may be discussed in selected cases, such as from 38 or after repeated loss, with its limits explained.
Yes, the ART (Regulation) Act 2021 allows embryo testing to screen for known, pre-existing, heritable or genetic diseases. Using it to choose an embryo's sex is illegal.
No. Sex selection is prohibited in India under the PCPNDT Act, 1994 and the ART Act, 2021, and no clinic may offer it.
The cells come from the outer layer that forms the placenta, not the part that becomes the baby, and the HFEA describes the test as very safe. It is still a procedure on a living embryo, which is one reason it is not offered to everyone.
The type of PGT, the lab set-up needed for your family's gene, the number of embryos tested, and the extra freezing and frozen transfer decide the cost. We give it to you in writing before you start.
Unaffected embryos can stay frozen for later use. What happens to affected embryos is your decision, made with counselling and written down before the cycle begins.
The questions people don't ask with their partner sitting beside them, answered by Dr Vani Sundarapandian.
What an embryo biopsy is, and who it is suggested for. It is not part of every cycle, and these explain where it is considered.
All the staffs and nurses are very supportive. My special thanks to Yuvarani sister and Anju sister.
The accommodation, food, the 24x7 support is highly appreciated. Dr Vani was always so reassuring and for us it must have taken more effort as we always troubled her with too many questions.
Family history, carrier results and what they change.
CONDITIONGood embryos, no pregnancy: what to check.
TREATMENTHow a tested embryo is transferred.
TESTThe blood test that finds a translocation.
Tell us your family history and what you have been offered. Janvi, Jananam's companion for fertility treatment, replies straight away.
Chat on WhatsAppCall +91 89399 94244
Sex selection is prohibited in India under the PCPNDT Act, 1994 and the ART Act, 2021.
