Genetic Testing in IVF (PGT-A, PGT-M)
Advanced Embryo Screening at Excel IVF Delhi
The Role of Genetic Testing in IVF
One of the most common reasons for IVF failure is chromosomal or genetic abnormalities in embryos. Even when embryos look healthy under a microscope, they may carry genetic errors that prevent implantation or lead to miscarriage.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), including PGT-A and PGT-M, is an advanced technique that helps doctors select embryos with the highest chance of resulting in a healthy pregnancy. At Excel IVF in Delhi, led by Dr. Rhythm Gupta, genetic testing is offered for couples with recurrent IVF failures, miscarriages, or risk of inherited disorders.
What Is Genetic Testing in IVF?
Genetic testing in IVF involves analysing embryos for chromosomal or genetic abnormalities before transfer.
Types of PGT
- PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy): Checks for abnormal chromosome numbers (aneuploidy). Prevents transfer of embryos with Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, etc.
- PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders): Tests embryos for single-gene disorders (like thalassemia, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis).
Why It Matters
- Reduces IVF failures.
- Prevents miscarriages.
- Ensures healthier pregnancies and babies.
When Is Genetic Testing Recommended in IVF?
Not all IVF patients require genetic testing. It is most useful in:
- Couples with recurrent miscarriages.
- Women over 35 years of age.
- Couples with recurrent IVF failures.
- Carriers of genetic diseases like thalassemia or cystic fibrosis.
- Couples with a family history of genetic disorders.
- Male partners with high sperm DNA fragmentation.
Step-by-Step Genetic Testing Process in IVF
At Excel IVF, PGT testing is seamlessly integrated into the IVF cycle.
1- IVF Cycle & Egg Retrieval
- Woman undergoes stimulation.
- Eggs retrieved and fertilized with sperm.
2- Embryo Development
- Embryos cultured to blastocyst stage (day 5–6).
3- Embryo Biopsy
- Few cells carefully removed from trophectoderm (outer layer).
- Inner cell mass (baby-forming part) remains untouched.
4- Genetic Analysis
- Cells sent to specialized lab for chromosomal or genetic testing.
5- Embryo Freezing
- Embryos are frozen while waiting for results.
6- Embryo Transfer
- Healthy embryos selected for transfer in the next cycle.
PGT-A (Testing for Aneuploidy)
- Identifies embryos with the correct number of chromosomes.
- Prevents transfer of abnormal embryos that would fail or miscarry.
- Particularly useful in older women, where risk of abnormal embryos is higher.
Benefits of PGT-A
- Increases implantation rates.
- Reduces miscarriage risk.
- Improves live birth rates.
PGT-M (Testing for Monogenic Disorders)
- Detects single-gene conditions passed down in families.
- Prevents inherited disorders like thalassemia, sickle cell, hemophilia, cystic fibrosis.
- Ensures only unaffected embryos are transferred.
Benefits of PGT-M
- Gives families with genetic conditions a chance for healthy children.
- Prevents painful decisions after prenatal diagnosis.
- Offers peace of mind for high-risk couples.
Difference Between PGT-A and PGT-M
| Feature | PGT-A | PGT-M |
| Checks for | Chromosome numbers | Specific gene mutations |
| Best for | Older women, recurrent IVF failures | Couples with genetic disease risk |
| Goal | Prevent miscarriage & IVF failure | Prevent inherited disorders |
Does Genetic Testing Improve IVF Success?
Yes. By transferring only chromosomally normal embryos, pregnancy chances increase significantly.
Outcomes with PGT-A
- Implantation rates: 60–70%
- Miscarriage rates: reduced by half
- Fewer IVF cycles needed for live birth
Outcomes with PGT-M
- Nearly 100% prevention of targeted genetic disorder.
- Healthy, unaffected embryos selected.
Cost of Genetic Testing in IVF in Delhi
- PGT-A cost: ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000 per cycle.
- PGT-M cost: ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 (depends on disorder tested).
- Costs include embryo biopsy, lab analysis, and freezing.
While expensive, genetic testing saves couples from repeated IVF failures or pregnancies affected by genetic conditions.
Success Rate of IVF with Genetic Testing
At Excel IVF, success rates with PGT are among the highest in Delhi.
- PGT-A: Improves pregnancy rates by 15–20% in older women.
- PGT-M: Ensures healthy baby in families with known disorders.
- Reduces IVF failures and increases confidence in treatment.
Why Choose Excel IVF for Genetic Testing in Delhi?
- Expertise in PGT-A and PGT-M.
- In-house embryology team skilled in embryo biopsy.
- Partnership with advanced genetic labs.
- Personalised treatment plans under Dr. Rhythm Gupta.
- High success rates with transparent care.
Take the First Step Toward Future Parenthood
Explore Your Options Here:
- Blastocyst Transfer in Delhi
- Endometrial Receptivity in Delhi
- AI in Embryo Selection
- Sperm Selection Technique
Call +91-8920963596
FAQs on Genetic Testing in IVF
PGT-A checks embryos for the correct number of chromosomes. Embryos with abnormal numbers often fail to implant or cause miscarriage. By selecting only chromosomally normal embryos, IVF success and live birth rates improve.
PGT-M tests embryos for single-gene disorders such as thalassemia or cystic fibrosis. It is recommended when one or both parents carry a genetic mutation. Only unaffected embryos are transferred, preventing inherited conditions.
Couples with recurrent miscarriages, repeated IVF failures, advanced maternal age, or known genetic risks should consider PGT. It is not needed for every IVF cycle but is invaluable for high-risk couples.
PGT-A costs ₹1,00,000–₹1,50,000 per cycle, while PGT-M may cost ₹1,50,000–₹2,50,000. Though costly, it prevents repeated failures and reduces emotional and financial strain.
No. While it improves chances, other factors like egg quality, sperm quality, and uterine health also affect outcomes. PGT greatly reduces risk but does not ensure success in every case.
Yes. Biopsy is done on the outer layer of cells (trophectoderm) that forms the placenta, not the baby. Embryos continue to develop normally, and freezing preserves them until transfer.
PGT results usually take 2–3 weeks. Embryos are frozen in the meantime, and transfer is planned once reports are ready.
