What is PGT-A?
PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy) is an advanced genetic screening test performed on embryos during an IVF cycle to check for chromosomal abnormalities. This test helps identify embryos that have the correct number of chromosomes (euploid), increasing the chance of a healthy pregnancy and reducing the risk of miscarriage.
PGT-A is done before embryo transfer and helps select the most genetically normal embryos for implantation.
If you’re undergoing IVF treatment in Delhi and want to improve success rates or avoid genetic risks, PGT-A testing at Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics can be a valuable addition to your fertility plan.
Who Should Consider PGT-A?
While not mandatory for all IVF patients, PGT-A is highly recommended in the following cases:
- Women aged 35 and above (higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities)
- Couples with recurrent IVF failure
- History of repeated miscarriages
- Male partners with abnormal sperm DNA or poor sperm quality
- Couples with known chromosomal translocations
- Families who want to reduce the risk of aneuploidy-related conditions like Down syndrome
- Individuals using donor eggs or embryos who want additional assurance
PGT-A increases the likelihood of transferring a healthy embryo, improving both implantation and live birth rates.
Benefits of PGT-A
- Improves IVF success rates by selecting chromosomally normal embryos
- Reduces risk of miscarriage, especially in older women
- Lowers the risk of failed implantation
- Increases chances of having a healthy baby
- Helps prevent transfer of embryos with trisomies or monosomies (e.g., Down syndrome, Turner syndrome)
- Enables elective single embryo transfer (eSET) without compromising success
- Saves time and emotional stress by avoiding failed cycles with abnormal embryos
PGT-A Procedure Step-by-Step
The PGT-A process is integrated into the IVF cycle and includes the following steps:
Step 01
Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval
- The female partner or egg donor undergoes controlled ovarian stimulation.
- Eggs are collected using ultrasound-guided retrieval under mild anesthesia.
Step 02
Fertilization
- Eggs are fertilized with sperm through IVF or ICSI in the embryology lab.
- Embryos are cultured for 5–6 days to reach the blastocyst stage.
Step 03
Embryo biopsy
- A few cells are carefully removed from the trophectoderm (outer layer of the embryo).
- This step is performed by highly trained embryologists to avoid damaging the embryo.
Step 04
Embryo freezing
- After biopsy, all embryos are frozen (vitrified) until test results are available.
Step 05
Genetic testing
- The biopsied cells are sent to a certified genetics lab.
- Using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) or other advanced methods, the lab analyzes all 23 pairs of chromosomes to detect:
- Missing chromosomes (monosomy)
- Extra chromosomes (trisomy)
- Mosaicism (mixed normal and abnormal cells)
Step 06
Embryo selection and transfer
- Only euploid embryos (with the correct number of chromosomes) are selected for transfer.
- One or two healthy embryos are thawed and transferred in a frozen embryo transfer cycle.
Step 07
Pregnancy testing
- A beta-hCG blood test is done 12–14 days after transfer.
- Ultrasound follow-up confirms the ongoing pregnancy.
Risks and Limitations of PGT-A
While PGT-A is safe and beneficial, it is important to be aware of certain considerations:
- Embryo biopsy is delicate, requiring high expertise to avoid damage.
- A small number of embryos may not survive freezing and thawing.
- False positives or negatives are rare but possible.
- It does not test for all genetic diseases, only for chromosomal count errors.
- May reduce the number of transferable embryos, especially in older women.
- Some embryos may be mosaic—partially normal/abnormal—which complicates decision-making.
At Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics, all PGT-A procedures are performed under strict quality control using globally accepted techniques to ensure embryo safety.
Why choose Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics?
At Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics, we design each treatment plan around your specific needs and medical history.
With over 40+ years of combined experience and more than 10,000 healthy deliveries, our team is committed to helping you achieve your dream of parenthood with skill, care, and compassion.
Here’s what makes Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics one of the top 5 IVF and fertility centres in Delhi:
Each treatment is designed specifically around your medical history, goals, and emotional needs.
Our doctors and embryologists are internationally accredited and bring decades of hands-on fertility experience to every case.
We explain everything clearly—no hidden fees, no unnecessary procedures.
Get access to the best care at a cost that respects your budget.
From lab facilities to diagnostic equipment, we use the latest in reproductive science to increase your chances of success.
Whether you’re just starting out or seeking a second opinion, Zemya IVF & Fertility Clinics is here to guide you every step of the way, with experience you can trust, and care you can feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is optional and usually recommended for high-risk cases like advanced maternal age, recurrent miscarriages, or repeated IVF failure.
PGT-A helps reduce the chance of chromosomal disorders but does not screen for all genetic diseases. It increases the likelihood of a successful and healthy pregnancy, but no test can guarantee perfection.
The embryo biopsy is performed by skilled embryologists and does not damage the inner cell mass (which becomes the baby). With modern methods, risks are minimal.
No. PGT-A checks for chromosome count errors (aneuploidy), while PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) is used to detect specific inherited genetic conditions (like thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, etc.).
If all tested embryos are aneuploid, transfer is not recommended. The couple may consider another IVF cycle, donor eggs, or genetic counseling based on the situation.
Yes. Frozen embryos can be thawed, biopsied, and re-frozen until results are available. However, fresh biopsy before initial freezing is the preferred method.
Yes. PGT-A can be performed on embryos created with donor eggs or donor sperm, especially if recipients want extra assurance of embryo health.
