PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies) screens IVF embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer to the uterus. This helps select chromosomally normal embryos, reducing miscarriage risk and improving IVF success rates — especially for women over 35 and those with recurrent IVF failure. Available at Mother Hospitals & IVF Centre, Boduppal, Hyderabad. Call 97059 93366.
Know your embryo is chromosomally healthy before transfer. PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies) gives couples a powerful way to select the best embryo — reducing miscarriage and improving the chance of a successful IVF pregnancy. Available at Mother Hospitals, Boduppal.
MBBS, DGO, PG Diploma in ART – Kiel University, Germany | 20+ Years Experience | TGMC Reg: 50624
PGT-A stands for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies. It is a sophisticated genetic test performed on IVF embryos before they are transferred to the uterus. The test checks whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes — a condition known as euploidy. Embryos with the wrong number of chromosomes (aneuploidies) are the single most common cause of IVF failure and early miscarriage.
A normal human embryo has 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. An aneuploidy occurs when an embryo has too many or too few chromosomes in one or more pairs. Common aneuploidies include trisomies (an extra chromosome — such as Trisomy 21/Down syndrome, Trisomy 18/Edwards syndrome, Trisomy 13/Patau syndrome) and monosomies (a missing chromosome — such as Turner syndrome/45,X). While some aneuploidies result in pregnancy loss (most commonly in the first trimester), others may lead to live births with chromosomal conditions. The vast majority of aneuploid embryos simply fail to implant or miscarry — which is why selecting euploid embryos for transfer is so powerful for improving IVF outcomes.
Aneuploidy is remarkably common in human embryos — far more so than many people realise. In women under 35, approximately 40–50% of blastocysts are chromosomally abnormal. By age 38–40, this rises to 60–70%. In women over 42, up to 80–90% of embryos may be aneuploid. This age-related increase in aneuploidy is the primary biological reason why IVF success rates decline with advancing maternal age — not egg numbers, but egg quality and the resulting chromosomal health of embryos. PGT-A directly addresses this by identifying the chromosomally normal embryos within a cohort.
PGT-A is not recommended for every IVF patient — it is most beneficial in specific clinical situations where the risk of chromosomal abnormality is elevated or where prior IVF cycles have been unsuccessful. Dr. Prashanthi will assess your individual circumstances and guide whether PGT-A adds value to your treatment plan.
The single strongest indication for PGT-A. As women age, eggs accumulate errors in chromosome segregation during meiosis — leading to a higher proportion of aneuploid embryos. For women aged 35–37, roughly 50% of embryos may be aneuploid. By 40+, this exceeds 70%. PGT-A allows selection of the chromosomally normal embryos in a cohort, dramatically improving the chance of successful implantation per transfer and reducing the repeated failure and heartbreak of transferring aneuploid embryos.
When two or more good-quality embryo transfers have failed without explanation, undetected chromosomal aneuploidy is one of the most common underlying causes. PGT-A identifies whether the embryos produced are chromosomally competent — providing crucial information and allowing only euploid embryos to be transferred in subsequent cycles. For many couples with unexplained recurrent failure, PGT-A represents a turning point in their IVF journey.
Chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo account for approximately 50–70% of first-trimester miscarriages. For couples with recurrent pregnancy loss, PGT-A helps ensure that only chromosomally normal embryos are transferred — significantly reducing the probability of another chromosomally-caused miscarriage. While other causes of recurrent miscarriage (uterine, immunological, thrombophilic) must also be investigated, PGT-A is a central part of the workup.
Couples who have had a previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal condition (such as Down syndrome detected on NIPT or amniocentesis) have a modestly elevated risk of recurrence. PGT-A allows embryo selection before transfer, reducing the likelihood of another affected pregnancy reaching the transfer stage.
Sperm with high DNA fragmentation rates have an elevated risk of producing aneuploid embryos. In men with very severe oligospermia or high sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI >30%), PGT-A on the resulting embryos provides an additional layer of quality selection to improve IVF outcomes.
Couples who wish to transfer a single embryo to avoid twin pregnancy (for safety or personal reasons) can use PGT-A to identify which single embryo in their cohort is most likely to implant successfully — reducing the temptation to transfer two embryos to improve chances.
PGT-A is performed at the blastocyst stage — Day 5 or Day 6 of embryo development. By this stage, the embryo has differentiated into two distinct cell populations: the inner cell mass (which becomes the baby) and the trophectoderm (which becomes the placenta). A laser creates a tiny opening in the zona pellucida (the embryo's shell), and a biopsy pipette gently aspirates 5–8 trophectoderm cells. Critically, the inner cell mass is never touched — protecting the cells that form the baby. After biopsy, the embryo is immediately vitrified (flash-frozen) while the biopsy sample is sent to the genetics laboratory. Day 5 trophectoderm biopsy is safer and more accurate than older Day 3 blastomere biopsy techniques.
The biopsy samples are analysed using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) — the current gold standard for PGT-A. NGS amplifies the tiny amount of DNA from the biopsy cells and sequences all 23 chromosome pairs simultaneously with high resolution. NGS can detect gains and losses of entire chromosomes (trisomies, monosomies) as well as large segmental imbalances — providing comprehensive chromosomal analysis. Results are typically available within 10–14 days (some specialised labs return results in 7–10 days). Array CGH (comparative genomic hybridisation), an older technology, is increasingly replaced by NGS due to higher resolution and lower noise.
The embryo has exactly 46 chromosomes in 23 normal pairs. These are the embryos selected for transfer. Euploid embryos have the highest implantation rates and the lowest miscarriage risk. A single euploid blastocyst transfer achieves clinical pregnancy rates of 60–70% per transfer in experienced centres.
The embryo has an incorrect number of chromosomes — either extra (trisomy) or missing (monosomy) in one or more chromosome pairs. Aneuploid embryos are not transferred, as they are very unlikely to implant and are the most common cause of early miscarriage. These embryos are set aside — not transferred.
A mosaic embryo has a mixture of chromosomally normal and abnormal cells. This is a complex category — some mosaics can self-correct during development and lead to healthy pregnancies. Mosaic transfer is considered in specific clinical circumstances, with detailed counselling about the risks and outcomes (discussed in the section below).
Because all biopsied embryos are frozen while awaiting results, PGT-A always involves a frozen embryo transfer (FET) rather than a fresh transfer. In the FET cycle, the uterine lining is prepared with oestrogen and progesterone over approximately 2–3 weeks. The selected euploid blastocyst is warmed and transferred to the uterus under ultrasound guidance. A pregnancy test (beta hCG) is performed 12–14 days after transfer. The freeze-all approach used in PGT-A is associated with lower OHSS risk and allows more time for uterine preparation — which many studies suggest can improve implantation rates.
Published data from large multicentre trials (STAR trial, PGDIS guidelines) consistently show that PGT-A improves live birth rates per transfer and reduces miscarriage when the right patients are selected. For women under 35 with good ovarian reserve and no history of repeated failure, the benefit of PGT-A is less clear — and may even reduce the number of embryos available for transfer if the cohort is small. This is why patient selection is critical. Dr. Prashanthi individualises the recommendation based on your age, embryo number, and history.
Mosaic embryos contain a mixture of chromosomally normal (euploid) cells and chromosomally abnormal (aneuploid) cells. They are detected in approximately 10–20% of biopsied blastocysts. The clinical management of mosaic embryos is one of the most nuanced areas in reproductive genetics. Key points:
Yes — and this is well established. Multiple published studies and registries document healthy live births from mosaic embryo transfers. The embryo may "self-correct" during early development as the normal cells outcompete the abnormal ones, or the aneuploid cells may be confined to the placenta (confined placental mosaicism) rather than the baby.
Low-level mosaics (where <40% of cells are aneuploid) have better outcomes than high-level mosaics (>50% aneuploid cells). Mosaicism involving chromosomes known to be associated with viable conditions (like chromosome 21 — Down syndrome) requires particularly careful counselling. Some chromosome mosaicisms are considered higher risk than others.
Mosaic transfer is considered only when no euploid embryos are available and the couple has been fully counselled about the risks and outcomes. Pre-natal testing (NIPT or amniocentesis) is strongly recommended in pregnancies from mosaic transfers to confirm chromosomal status of the baby. This decision is always made collaboratively with Dr. Prashanthi and the genetics team.
Preimplantation genetic testing in India is governed by the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 and the National Guidelines for Accreditation, Supervision and Regulation of ART Clinics. Under this framework:
Sex selection is illegal in India. PGT-A at Mother Hospitals is provided exclusively for medical purposes in compliance with all applicable law. The sex of embryos is not disclosed to patients.
The cost of PGT-A at Mother Hospitals depends primarily on the number of embryos biopsied and sent for analysis — since the genetics laboratory charges per embryo biopsy sample. Additional costs include the embryo biopsy procedure itself (performed in our embryology lab) and vitrification of all biopsied embryos. PGT-A is an add-on to a standard IVF cycle, so the base IVF cost applies in addition. We provide a complete, itemised cost breakdown during your consultation so you can make an informed decision. There are no hidden charges. For a personalised estimate, call 97059 93366 or WhatsApp us.
We perform trophectoderm biopsy at Day 5 — the gold standard approach that minimises embryo damage and maximises diagnostic accuracy. Our embryologists are trained in laser-assisted biopsy techniques to ensure precision at every step.
Biopsy samples are sent to NABL-accredited genetics laboratories for Next Generation Sequencing analysis — the most comprehensive and sensitive method available. We do not use older, lower-resolution technologies.
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy completed her PG Diploma in ART from Kiel University, Germany — ensuring international-standard training in advanced IVF techniques including PGT-A and its clinical applications.
PGT-A is not for everyone. We will tell you honestly whether it adds value to your specific situation — including cases where we advise against it if the embryo cohort is small or your clinical profile doesn't warrant it. Patient outcomes, not add-on revenue, guide our recommendations.
Results counselling for PGT-A — including guidance on aneuploid and mosaic embryos — is provided by Dr. Prashanthi in detail. You will never receive results without context and a clear plan for next steps.
With over two decades of IVF experience and 10,000+ families helped, Mother Hospitals brings proven expertise and genuine empathy to every step of your genetic testing and IVF journey.
No — and this is important to understand clearly. PGT-A significantly improves the odds by selecting chromosomally normal embryos, but it cannot guarantee a healthy pregnancy or baby. PGT-A tests only for chromosomal number abnormalities (aneuploidies) — it does not screen for single-gene disorders (unless PGT-M is added), structural birth defects that do not have a chromosomal cause, or all factors that influence implantation and pregnancy success. However, it does reduce the risk of chromosomally-caused miscarriage and IVF failure substantially.
Yes — Day 5 trophectoderm biopsy is considered safe when performed by trained embryologists. Multiple large studies involving thousands of PGT-A cycles show no increase in obstetric complications, birth defects, or developmental abnormalities in children born from biopsied embryos compared to non-biopsied IVF babies. The biopsy removes cells from the trophectoderm (future placenta) — not from the inner cell mass (future baby). Some studies show a very small reduction in implantation rate from the biopsy procedure itself, but this is minimal with proper technique.
Aneuploid embryos are vitrified (frozen) and kept in storage — they are not transferred. Couples decide what to do with them after completing their family — options include continued storage, donation for research (under ART Act conditions), or allowing them to be compassionately discarded. Aneuploid embryos are never discarded without explicit written consent from the couple. The decision is entirely yours and is never rushed.
No — PGT-A and NIPT serve different purposes. PGT-A is performed before transfer on the embryo; NIPT is performed during pregnancy (from 10 weeks) on a maternal blood sample containing fetal DNA. They are complementary, not interchangeable. Even after a euploid embryo transfer, NIPT in the first trimester is still recommended as a confirmatory screen, particularly for pregnancies from mosaic transfers or in women at higher risk. PGT-A reduces risk but does not eliminate the need for prenatal screening.
This is emotionally difficult news, but it provides important diagnostic information. If all embryos are aneuploid, it confirms that egg quality (chromosomal competence) is the limiting factor — not the uterus or implantation. Options include: repeating the IVF cycle (sometimes a different batch of eggs produces euploid embryos), considering donor eggs (which have a very high rate of euploidy — over 70% in younger donors), or in selected cases, discussing mosaic embryo transfer with full counselling. Dr. Prashanthi will guide you through all options with honesty and compassion.
Generally, at least 3–5 blastocysts are recommended to make PGT-A clinically worthwhile — because after chromosomal screening, only a proportion will be euploid. If only 1–2 blastocysts are obtained, PGT-A may leave you with no embryos to transfer if they both turn out aneuploid. In low-yield cycles, transferring the best-looking blastocyst without PGT-A (using morphological grading) may be more pragmatic. This is a nuanced decision that Dr. Prashanthi makes on a case-by-case basis based on your age, embryo number, and clinical history.
Yes — this is one of the most consistent findings in published PGT-A literature. By ensuring only chromosomally normal embryos are transferred, PGT-A substantially reduces the risk of first-trimester miscarriage caused by chromosomal aneuploidy. For women over 38, published data shows miscarriage rates drop from 25–35% (standard IVF) to approximately 8–12% (euploid transfer). For couples with recurrent miscarriage related to chromosomal causes, this represents a transformative improvement in outcomes.
PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) was the older umbrella term for all forms of embryo genetic testing — including what is now called PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR. The terminology was updated and standardised in 2017 by the PGDIS (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis International Society) to use the PGT prefix for greater precision. PGT-A specifically refers to testing for chromosomal number abnormalities (aneuploidies), while PGT-M covers single-gene disorders and PGT-SR covers structural chromosomal rearrangements. When people say "PGD" they most commonly mean what is now called PGT-A.
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy · TGMC Reg: 50624