PGT-A is a test that checks embryos for the right number of chromosomes prior to IVF transfer. It helps the chances of becoming pregnant and reduces the risk of miscarriage. It is recommended by doctors for women over 35, couples who have had unsuccessful IVF treatments or those with genetic histories. At Wellspring IVF, PGT-A allows couples to select healthy embryos and have a high chance at IVF success.
Couples often ask why IVF works for some and fails for others. One main reason is the health of the embryo. If the embryo has the right number of chromosomes, it has a higher chance to grow into a healthy baby. If it has extra or missing chromosomes, it may fail to implant or cause a miscarriage.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy, known as PGT-A, helps doctors check embryos before transfer. At Wellspring IVF & Women’s Hospital, we guide couples through this step to improve their chances of success. In this page, we explain PGT-A in simple words and show how it can help during IVF.
What Is PGT-A in IVF?
PGT-A means Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy. It is a test done on embryos before they are placed in the uterus. The goal is to check if the embryo has the correct number of chromosomes.
A healthy embryo usually has 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). If an embryo has more or fewer, it is called aneuploid. Such embryos often fail to implant or may cause miscarriage. By checking this early, doctors can choose the healthiest embryo for transfer.
PGT-A does not change the embryo. It only checks a small set of cells from the outer layer. The main embryo remains safe and can still grow normally.
Why PGT-A Is Done During IVF?
Doctors suggest PGT-A for many reasons. One main reason is to reduce the risk of failed IVF cycles. By picking healthy embryos, the chance of success increases.
PGT-A is also done to lower the risk of miscarriage. If an embryo with chromosomal problems is transferred, it often fails to develop. This causes emotional pain and loss of time.
Another reason is age. Women above 35 years are more likely to produce embryos with extra or missing chromosomes. For them, PGT-A helps improve IVF outcomes.
How PGT-A Works in the IVF Process?
The PGT-A process has clear steps. Each step is carefully done by trained doctors and lab experts.
- Egg Retrieval and Fertilization
Eggs are collected from the woman and mixed with sperm in the lab. Fertilization leads to embryos. - Embryo Growth
The embryos are allowed to grow for about 5–6 days until they reach the blastocyst stage. - Biopsy
A few cells are taken from the outer layer of the embryo. This layer forms the placenta, not the baby. - Lab Testing
The cells are checked for chromosome count using advanced tools. - Embryo Transfer
Only embryos with the correct chromosome number are chosen for transfer into the uterus.
This process gives doctors clear data to make better choices for couples.
Benefits of PGT-A for Couples in IVF
PGT-A offers many real benefits for couples planning IVF:
- Better pregnancy chance: Healthy embryos have higher implant rates.
- Lower miscarriage risk: Embryos with problems are not transferred.
- Fewer IVF cycles needed: Couples often succeed faster.
- Peace of mind: Couples know the embryo is tested before transfer.
IVF Outcomes With and Without PGT-A
Factor | Without PGT-A | With PGT-A |
Implantation Rate | 30-35% | 50-65% |
Miscarriage Rate | 25-30% | 10-15% |
Average IVF Cycles | 3-4 | 1-2 |
Healthy Birth Chance | Lower | Higher |
Who Should Consider PGT-A in IVF?
PGT-A is not recommended to all. Doctors offer it to women over the age of 35, since their eggs are more likely to form embryos with chromosomes they should not have.
Couples with multiple IVF failures should also be recommended PGT-A. The test can also single out healthy embryos with a chance of succeeding where others have previously failed.
It’s also helpful for couples who have experienced multiple miscarriages or whose families have a history of genetic issues. In these situations, PGT-A is a risk reducer and can provide you with clarity.
PGT-A and IVF Success Rates
Clinical studies show that PGT-A improves IVF outcomes across many age groups. In women above 38, the chances of live birth increase greatly compared to cycles without PGT-A.
Couples with repeated IVF failures also show higher pregnancy rates after using PGT-A. Doctors believe that this is because embryos with balanced chromosomes are more likely to implant.
Reports also show that miscarriage rates are cut by half when PGT-A is used. This reduces emotional pain and gives couples more hope during treatment.
Risks and Limits of PGT-A in IVF
PGT-A has plenty of benefits and some limits. The biopsy does not pose much of a risk to the embryo. This complication is unusual in the hands of experienced doctors.
Another limit is cost. It is an added cost to the total cost of IVF treatment (PGT-A). It may be too expensive for some couples.
Also, PGT-A is not perfect. It’s rare to have this test fail. Doctors say this to all couples before the procedure. Young women with no genetic risk may not necessarily require PGT-A.
Cost of PGT-A Test in India
The cost of PGT-A in India depends on the clinic and city. On average, the price ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per cycle. This fee is separate from the cost of the IVF cycle.
In cities like Delhi and Mumbai, costs are usually higher. In Ahmedabad, prices are often lower but still depend on the hospital. Couples should always ask for a full breakdown of charges.
Approximate PGT-A Costs in Major Indian Cities
City | Average PGT-A Cost (INR) |
Delhi | 70,000 – 1,00,000 |
Mumbai | 80,000 – 1,20,000 |
Ahmedabad | 60,000 – 90,000 |
Bangalore | 75,000 – 1,00,000 |
PGT-A vs Other Genetic Tests in IVF
There are different types of genetic tests used in IVF. PGT-A is the most common because it looks only at chromosome count.
Another type is PGT-M, which checks for single-gene disorders such as thalassemia or cystic fibrosis. Couples with a family history of such diseases may need PGT-M.
The third type is PGT-SR, which is used when there are structural changes in chromosomes. Each test serves a different purpose, and doctors suggest the right one after full evaluation.
Conclusion
PGT-A is a helpful step for many couples who want to improve their IVF success. It helps doctors choose the healthiest embryos, lowers miscarriage risk, and saves time and money in the long run.
At Wellspring IVF & Women’s Hospital, we guide couples with clear advice and advanced care. If you are planning IVF and want to know whether PGT-A is right for you, our doctors are ready to support you.
Frequently Asked Questions on PGT-A In IVF
Yes. The biopsy is done on the outer layer, which later forms the placenta. The inner part that grows into the baby is untouched. The risk is very small when done by skilled experts.
Yes. By selecting embryos with the right chromosome count, PGT-A increases implantation rates and reduces miscarriages. Couples often need fewer IVF attempts, which saves cost and time.
It is most suitable for women above 35, couples with repeated miscarriages, and those with past IVF failures. Couples with genetic history in their family may also benefit from the test.
The price ranges between ₹50,000 and ₹1,00,000 per cycle. It depends on the city and clinic. This cost is separate from the main IVF charges, so couples should ask for a clear estimate in advance.
No. PGT-A only checks for extra or missing chromosomes. It does not look for single-gene disorders. For those, a different test called PGT-M is used.
Embryo biopsy is done around day 5 or 6. The lab test takes about a week. Doctors usually plan embryo transfer in the next cycle once the results are ready
No. The biopsy is done in the lab, not inside the woman’s body. The woman does not feel it. Only egg retrieval may cause mild discomfort, but anaesthesia is given for that.
No test is 100% perfect. While PGT-A is highly accurate, rare mistakes can happen. Doctors explain this clearly before the procedure so couples can take an informed decision.