PGT – A
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) is a specialized laboratory procedure performed during an IVF cycle to assess embryos for numerical chromosome abnormalities before they are transferred to the uterus. Around Day 5 or 6 of development, when embryos reach the blastocyst stage, a few cells are carefully biopsied from the outer trophectoderm layer and sent for genetic analysis. Using advanced techniques such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) or array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), embryologists can determine whether each embryo has the correct number of chromosomes (euploid) or carries extra or missing chromosomes (aneuploid).
By selecting only euploid embryos for transfer, PGT-A helps to improve implantation rates, reduce the risk of miscarriage, and shorten the overall time to pregnancy. Although this testing adds an extra step and cost to the IVF process, it provides valuable insight into embryo health and allows clinicians to tailor treatment more precisely, particularly for patients with recurrent pregnancy loss, advanced maternal age, or previous IVF failures.
- Overview
- Procedure
- Cost of Treatment
- Why Choose Abirbhav Infertility Care?
- FAQs
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) is a specialized laboratory procedure integrated into the IVF process to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. By analysing a few cells biopsied from each blastocyst on Day 5 or 6 of development, PGT-A determines whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes (euploid) or carries gains or losses (aneuploid). Selecting only euploid embryos for transfer greatly improves implantation rates, lowers the risk of miscarriage, and shortens the time to pregnancy, making it especially valuable for patients with advanced maternal age, recurrent pregnancy loss, or previous IVF failures.
Following ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, fertilization is achieved via conventional IVF or ICSI. Embryos are cultured to the blastocyst stage (five to six days post-fertilization), at which point an embryologist uses a micromanipulator to remove 5–10 cells from the trophectoderm (the layer destined to form the placenta). The biopsied cells undergo genetic analysis—typically next-generation sequencing (NGS) or array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH)—to count each chromosome. Meanwhile, all biopsied blastocysts are cryopreserved. Seven to ten days later, once the chromosomal results identify euploid embryos, the highest-quality blastocyst is thawed and transferred in a hormonally prepared cycle.
PGT-A carries an additional laboratory fee on top of standard IVF expenses, reflecting the biopsy, genetic analysis, and specialized cryopreservation required. While it represents an investment, PGT-A can reduce overall treatment costs by increasing success rates per transfer and avoiding miscarriages or multiple failed cycles. At Abirbhav Infertility Care, we provide clear, itemized estimates during your initial consultation and offer flexible payment plans to help you manage the financial aspects of care.
Abirbhav Infertility Care combines cutting-edge reproductive technologies with individualized, compassionate support. Our on-site genetics lab employs the latest NGS platforms under rigorous quality control. Our team of embryologists and geneticists has extensive experience in blastocyst biopsy and chromosomal analysis, ensuring maximal accuracy with minimal risk to your embryos. From personalized stimulation protocols to tailored embryo transfer strategies, we guide you through each step—backed by comprehensive counselling and follow-up—to maximize your chance of a healthy pregnancy.
1. Who should consider PGT-A?
Patients over age 35, those with recurrent miscarriage, previous IVF failures, or known chromosomal translocations can benefit most from PGT-A.
2. How accurate is the testing?
With modern NGS technology, PGT-A achieves over 95% accuracy for detecting whole-chromosome aneuploidies.
3. Does embryo biopsy harm the embryo?
When performed at the blastocyst stage by skilled embryologists, biopsy has minimal impact on embryo viability and does not reduce implantation rates.
4. What happens to embryos not transferred?
Euploid embryos not immediately transferred remain safely cryopreserved for future use, avoiding repeat stimulation cycles.
5. How long until I get results?
Genetic analysis typically requires 7–10 days, during which time all blastocysts remain vitrified.
6. Can PGT-A detect single-gene disorders?
PGT-A screens for chromosomal number only; specialized testing (PGT-M) is required for single-gene mutations.
7. Are there risks?
PGT-A is very safe; rare risks include unsuccessful biopsy if embryos fail to survive thawing, which our protocols minimize to <5%