NEXTGENPRE-IMPLANTATION GENETIC TESTING (PGT-A)

What is a PGT-A Test? 

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) is an advanced genetic testing performed on embryos created through In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). The test examines a small sample of cells from your embryo to check for chromosomal abnormalities before the embryo is transferred to your uterus. 

This embryo biopsy helps detect aneuploidy, which means having an abnormal number of chromosomes that could lead to implantation failure, miscarriage, or genetic conditions like Down syndrome. 

What does the PGT-A Test measure? 

The PGT-A test specifically measures and evaluates several important aspects of your embryo's genetic health: 

• Chromosome count accuracy: Identifies embryos with the correct number of chromosomes (23 pairs) 

• Euploid embryos: Detects chromosomally normal embryos with the highest potential for healthy pregnancy 

• Aneuploid embryos: Identifies embryos with missing or extra chromosomes that may cause pregnancy complications 

• Mosaicism patterns: Reveals embryos containing a mixture of normal and abnormal cells 

• Embryo viability assessment: Helps prioritise the healthiest embryos for transfer during your IVF cycle 

PGT-A Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done 

What Symptoms May Call for a PGT-A Test? 

PGT-A testing is recommended based on your reproductive history and health risk factors rather than physical symptoms: 

• Recurrent pregnancy losses: Two or more consecutive miscarriages 

• Repeated IVF failures: Previous unsuccessful embryo transfers despite good-quality embryos 

• Advanced maternal age concerns: Age-related increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities 

• Previous chromosomal abnormality: History of pregnancy affected by genetic conditions 

• Severe male factor infertility: Sperm-related fertility challenges that may increase embryo abnormality risk 

Who should get a PGT-A Test? 

Your fertility specialist may recommend PGT-A testing if you belong to specific groups: 

• Women aged 35 and above: Higher risk of producing eggs with chromosomal errors 

• Couples with recurrent miscarriages: History of multiple pregnancy losses often linked to chromosomal issues 

• Patients with repeated IVF failures: Multiple unsuccessful cycles despite transferring good-looking embryos 

• Individuals with chromosomal translocations: Carriers of balanced chromosome rearrangements 

• Couples seeking single embryo transfer: Those wanting to maximise success with one carefully selected embryo 

Why is a PGT-A Test done?  

A PGT-A test improves your IVF success by ensuring the embryo selected for transfer is chromosomally normal, significantly increasing your chances of a healthy pregnancy while reducing miscarriage risk. 

Importance of a PGT-A Test 

The PGT-A test holds tremendous significance in modern fertility treatment, offering you several crucial advantages. It revolutionises embryo screening and selection by adding genetic information beyond what microscopic appearance alone can reveal, helping identify the healthiest embryos even when they look identical under examination. 

This testing approach can reduce your time to pregnancy by prioritising chromosomally normal embryos, potentially decreasing the number of IVF cycles needed for success. Most importantly, PGT-A significantly lowers your miscarriage rates since many early pregnancy losses result from chromosomal abnormalities. 

The test also supports safer single embryo transfer practices, giving your doctor confidence to transfer one healthy embryo rather than multiple embryos, thereby avoiding the health risks associated with twin or triplet pregnancies for both you and your babies. 

PGT-A Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India 

How to Book a PGT-A Test? 

1. Simple Online Booking 
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare app or website. Select PGT-A Test, choose a convenient time slot, and visit the nearest Metropolis Lab. 
    
2. Sample Tracking Updates 
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website. 
    
3. Accurate Laboratory Testing 
   Your sample is processed at our NABL & CAP accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results. 
    
4. Quick & Easy Reports 
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app. 

Is home sample collection for PGT-A Test available near you?  

PGT-A testing requires specialised embryo biopsy procedures performed by trained embryologists at IVF clinics, not traditional home collection. The sample collection involves carefully extracting a few cells from your embryo in a controlled laboratory environment. Metropolis Healthcare works closely with fertility clinics to ensure your embryo samples are processed with the highest accuracy and safety standards at our advanced genetic testing facilities. 

How Long Does It Take to Get a PGT-A Test Report? 

Reports are usually available on the 10th day once the sample reaches the pathology lab. 

Note: Reporting time may vary depending on your location. 

Where can I see or get PGT-A Test results? 

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare app to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab. 

Interpreting PGT-A Test Results 

What Your PGT-A Test Results May Indicate 

The NextGen Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A) test analyses all 23 pairs of chromosomes to select embryos with the best chance of successful implantation. The following table outlines how to interpret the results and what they may mean for embryo selection and treatment planning: 

Result Category	Interpretation	Transfer Recommendation
Euploid (No Aneuploidy Detected)	Normal chromosome count (23 pairs) - chromosomally healthy embryo	Recommended
Aneuploid (Aneuploidy Detected)	Abnormal chromosome count - missing or extra chromosomes detected	Not Recommended
Mosaic	Mixed population of normal and abnormal cells in the embryo	Determined by fertility specialist and further analyses
Non-informative	Insufficient DNA quality for reliable analysis	Determined by fertility specialist and further analyses

Conditions that May Affect PGT-A Test Accuracy 

Several factors can influence your PGT-A test results and should be considered when interpreting outcomes: 

• Embryo mosaicism: Some embryos contain both normal and abnormal cells, which may lead to inconclusive results 

• Sample quality issues: Poor embryo biopsy samples may result in non-informative outcomes requiring repeat testing 

• Laboratory technical factors: DNA amplification failures can occasionally occur, affecting result reliability 

• Biopsy timing variations: Samples taken at different developmental stages may show varying accuracy levels 

• Chromosomal complexity: Certain chromosome regions with repetitive sequences may be harder to analyse accurately 

How is a PGT-A Test Done? 

The PGT-A testing process involves several carefully coordinated steps performed by your fertility team: 

• Embryo development monitoring: Your embryos are cultured in the IVF laboratory until they reach the blastocyst stage (day 5-6) 

• Embryo biopsy procedure: Skilled embryologist uses microscopic tools and laser technology to carefully remove 5-10 cells from the outer layer 

• Sample preservation: The biopsied cells are immediately placed in specialised containers for genetic analysis 

• DNA extraction and amplification: Laboratory technicians extract genetic material and amplify it for comprehensive testing 

• Next-generation sequencing: Advanced genetic sequencing technology analyses all 23 chromosome pairs for abnormalities 

• Result interpretation: Expert geneticists review the data and provide clear recommendations for embryo transfer decisions 

How Should You Prepare for a PGT-A Test? 

Preparing for PGT-A testing involves coordination with your IVF treatment cycle rather than personal preparation steps: 

• Follow your IVF protocol strictly: Adhere to all medications and appointments prescribed by your fertility specialist 

• Complete required consent forms: Sign genetic testing consent documents provided by your clinic 

• Coordinate timing carefully: Ensure the embryo biopsy is scheduled appropriately with your treatment cycle 

• No dietary restrictions needed: Your food intake does not affect the genetic testing results 

• Maintain regular medications: Continue taking prescribed fertility medications as directed by your doctor 

Diseases that a PGT-A Test Can Help Detect 

PGT-A testing can identify embryos at risk for various chromosomal health conditions before implantation: 

• Down syndrome (Trisomy 21): Extra copy of chromosome 21 causing intellectual disability and health complications 

• Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18): Additional chromosome 18 leading to severe developmental delays and organ defects 

• Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13): Extra chromosome 13 causing multiple birth defects and intellectual disability 

• Turner syndrome: Missing X chromosome in females causing growth and reproductive issues 

• Klinefelter syndrome: Extra X chromosome in males affecting hormone production and fertility 

• Other chromosomal aneuploidies: Various missing or extra chromosomes that may cause miscarriage or birth defects 

PGT-A Test/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare 

Metropolis Healthcare offers comprehensive genetic testing services to support your fertility journey and family planning needs: 

Test/Package Name	Purpose/Highlights
Histopathology Test	Microscopic tissue examination for disease diagnosis
Array Chrome - Chromosomal Microarray Test	Comprehensive chromosomal analysis for genetic disorders
Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) Test	Ovarian reserve assessment for fertility evaluation