This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee of outcomes. Costs and clinical recommendations vary by individual case and clinic. Please consult a qualified specialist for advice about your own treatment plan.
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has moved from a niche add-on to a mainstream conversation in Indian IVF clinics — but it isn’t automatically right for every patient. PGT doesn’t improve an embryo’s quality; it simply identifies which embryos are genetically normal, so the strongest candidate can be transferred first. For some couples, that shortens the path to pregnancy. For others, it adds cost without clearly changing the outcome.
The Core Fact
“PGT” isn’t one test — it covers three distinct tests (PGT-A, PGT-M, PGT-SR), each looking for a different kind of genetic issue. Most people asking about “genetic testing in IVF” are actually asking about PGT-A.
The Three Types of PGT
PGT-A (Aneuploidy) —
Checks whether an embryo has the normal number of chromosomes (46). This is the most common form of PGT and what most people mean by "embryo genetic testing."
PGT-M (Monogenic disorders) —
Tests for a specific inherited single-gene condition, such as thalassemia or cystic fibrosis, when one or both parents are known carriers.
PGT-SR (Structural rearrangements) —
Used when a parent carries a balanced translocation or inversion that can lead to recurrent miscarriage or an unbalanced embryo.
Myth: A PGT-tested embryo guarantees a healthy baby.
Fact: PGT-A only counts whole chromosomes — it doesn’t screen for every single-gene disorder, structural birth defect, or pregnancy complication. Routine prenatal screening during pregnancy still matters, even after a tested transfer.
Who Actually Benefits From PGT-A
1. Age 35 or Older
Chromosomal errors in eggs rise sharply from the mid-30s onward — ICMR data and Indian clinic audits suggest over half of embryos from women 38 and above carry some chromosomal abnormality.
2. Recurrent Miscarriage or Failed Transfers
Two or more pregnancy losses, or two or more failed transfers of good-looking embryos, are common reasons specialists discuss PGT-A — appearance alone doesn’t reflect chromosomal status.
3. Known Carrier Status or Elective Single Transfer
A known translocation or single-gene disorder calls for PGT-SR or PGT-M specifically. PGT-A is also commonly used to support a confident single embryo transfer, reducing twin pregnancy risk.
Not Sure If PGT Fits Your Treatment Plan?
Your age, ovarian reserve, and embryo numbers all factor into this decision — a consultation can clarify whether it’s worth adding to your cycle.
When PGT-A May Not Be Worth It
In younger patients — typically under 35 — with several good-quality blastocysts, the share of chromosomally normal embryos is already high, and large studies haven’t consistently shown improved cumulative live birth rates with PGT-A added. Testing just one or two embryos also rarely changes the treatment plan, and can even shrink the embryo pool if a biopsy result comes back inconclusive.
Euploid Rates and Outcomes by Age
These are typical ranges from published cohorts and Indian clinic audits — your own numbers depend on your specific case:
| Maternal Age | Euploid Rate per Blastocyst | Live Birth per Euploid Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | 55–65% | 55–65% |
| 35–37 | 45–55% | 50–60% |
| 38–40 | 30–40% | 45–55% |
| 41–42 | 15–25% | 35–45% |
| 43+ | Under 10% | Often under 30% |
What PGT Costs in India
Worth holding onto: PGT cost is added on top of your base IVF cycle — it’s priced by test type and the number of embryos tested, not as a flat fee.
| Test Type | Typical Cost in India |
|---|---|
| PGT-A | ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 |
| PGT-M | ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| PGT-SR | ₹50,000 – ₹90,000 |
Cost depends on the lab and sequencing technology used, and whether you’re testing one embryo or a full cohort. The biopsy itself — removing a handful of cells from the embryo’s outer layer at the blastocyst stage — is considered low risk, since those cells go on to form the placenta, not the baby.
PGT is a clinical decision, not a checkbox — it should fit your specific case, not just feel like the more advanced option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What's the difference between PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR?
PGT-A screens for the correct number of chromosomes. PGT-M tests for a specific inherited single-gene condition when a parent is a known carrier. PGT-SR checks for structural chromosome rearrangements when a parent carries a balanced translocation or inversion.
2. How much does PGT-A cost in India?
PGT-A typically adds ₹40,000 to ₹80,000 to the total IVF bill, depending on the lab used and the number of embryos tested. This is in addition to the base IVF cycle cost.
3. Who should consider PGT-A?
It’s most useful for women 35 and older, couples with recurrent miscarriage or repeated IVF failure, and those planning an elective single embryo transfer. Younger patients with several good embryos often see less clear benefit.
4. Does the embryo biopsy for PGT harm the embryo?
Trophectoderm biopsy at the blastocyst stage is considered low risk when performed by trained embryologists. The cells removed come from the layer that becomes the placenta, not the fetus.
5. Does a PGT-tested embryo guarantee a healthy baby?
No. PGT-A only checks whole chromosome numbers — it doesn’t screen for every genetic condition or pregnancy complication. Routine prenatal screening during pregnancy is still recommended.
- Wondering If PGT Is Right for You?
A personalised evaluation looks at your age, embryo numbers, and history to help you decide.