PGT in Bangalore, Planned for the Right Genetic Question
Preimplantation genetic testing, or PGT, refers to genetic testing performed on embryos created through IVF before an embryo is selected for transfer. Different types of PGT answer different genetic questions, so the first step is understanding why testing is being considered.
At Khushi Fertility & IVF Centre, PGT is approached as part of an individual fertility and genetic-care plan. Your medical history, family history, previous genetic reports, IVF circumstances and the specific purpose of testing are reviewed before the appropriate pathway is discussed.
PGT provides information about specific genetic or chromosomal findings depending on the type of testing performed. It cannot guarantee embryo implantation, pregnancy, live birth or the absence of every genetic or health condition.
What Does Preimplantation Genetic Testing Actually Test?
Preimplantation genetic testing, or PGT, analyses genetic material from embryos created through IVF before an embryo is considered for transfer. The test performed depends on the specific genetic question being asked.
PGT is not one single test. The main categories commonly discussed in fertility care are PGT-A, PGT-M and PGT-SR, and each has a different purpose.
PGT-A — Chromosome Number
PGT-A assesses embryos for differences in chromosome number. It is a screening tool and is not recommended routinely for every patient undergoing IVF.
PGT-M — A Specific Single-Gene Condition
PGT-M may be considered when there is a known reproductive risk from a specific inherited monogenic condition. It usually requires genetic counselling, confirmation of the relevant variant and individual laboratory case preparation.
PGT-SR — Structural Chromosome Rearrangements
PGT-SR is used when a known structural chromosome rearrangement is relevant to the reproductive situation and embryos need to be assessed in that specific context.
Because these tests answer different questions, the decision should begin with the indication for testing rather than with the technology itself.
When Preimplantation Genetic Testing May Be Considered
PGT is considered for a specific genetic or chromosomal question, not simply because someone is undergoing IVF. The type of testing depends on the known reproductive risk, previous genetic findings and the purpose of testing. Genetic counselling and laboratory review may be needed before the final plan is made.
01 — A Known Single-Gene Condition
PGT-M may be considered when a specific inherited monogenic condition creates a recognised reproductive risk and the relevant genetic finding has been identified.
02 — A Structural Chromosome Rearrangement
PGT-SR may be considered when one partner has a known structural chromosome rearrangement that could result in an imbalance of chromosome material in an embryo.
03 — Selected PGT-A Discussions
04 — Previous or Family Genetic Findings
A known genetic diagnosis, relevant family history or previous genetic testing may lead to further review to understand whether a specific PGT pathway is appropriate.
05 — After Genetic and Laboratory Review
Some PGT pathways require confirmation that the proposed test is technically feasible before the IVF cycle begins. The fertility team, genetics professionals and testing laboratory may therefore need to coordinate the plan in advance.
What Is Reviewed Before PGT Is Planned
Before PGT is added to an IVF plan, the reason for testing needs to be clearly defined. Previous genetic reports, family history, the condition or chromosome finding involved, the type of PGT being considered and the feasibility of testing may all need review before treatment begins.
For PGT-M especially, genetic counselling, confirmation of the relevant variant and laboratory case preparation may be required before the IVF cycle starts. PGT-A follows a different decision pathway and should not be assumed to be necessary for every IVF cycle.
01 — Reason for Testing
The first step is defining what the test is intended to investigate. PGT-M, PGT-SR and PGT-A answer different questions and should not be treated as interchangeable tests.
02 —Existing Genetic Reports
Relevant molecular, carrier-screening, chromosome or previous genetic-test reports are reviewed when available so that the proposed testing is based on a confirmed finding rather than assumption.
03 — Family and Reproductive History
Family history, previous pregnancies and other relevant reproductive information can help place a known genetic or chromosomal finding into the correct clinical context.
04 — Genetic Counselling
For some PGT pathways, particularly PGT-M, counselling helps explain the condition, inheritance pattern, reproductive risk, available options and limitations of testing before a decision is made.
05 — Laboratory Case Review
Some PGT-M cases require an individual laboratory review and customised test preparation. The laboratory must first confirm that the proposed testing can be performed for the specific genetic finding.
06 — IVF & Embryo Planning
PGT takes place within an IVF treatment pathway. The fertility plan therefore also considers ovarian response, fertilisation, embryo development and whether embryos suitable for testing become available.
How PGT Fits Into an IVF Treatment Cycle
PGT is not performed as a separate fertility treatment. It takes place within an IVF cycle, after embryos have been created and developed to a stage suitable for testing. The exact pathway depends on the type of PGT, the embryos available and the individual laboratory plan.
IVF Treatment Planning
The fertility and genetic plan is confirmed before treatment begins so that the reason for PGT and the type of testing required are clear.
Ovarian Stimulation
Medication is used to encourage several follicles to develop, with monitoring during the treatment cycle according to the individual response.
Egg Retrieval
Eggs are collected during the IVF cycle and transferred to the embryology laboratory for assessment and fertilisation.
Fertilisation
Suitable mature eggs are fertilised in the laboratory. The fertilisation method is planned according to the clinical and genetic-testing requirements of the individual case.
Embryo Development
Fertilised eggs are cultured in the laboratory. Embryos that continue developing appropriately may reach a stage at which biopsy can be considered.
Embryo Biopsy
For embryos suitable for testing, a small sample of cells is carefully removed by the embryology team and prepared for genetic analysis.
Genetic Analysis & Cryopreservation
The biopsy sample is analysed according to the planned PGT pathway. The biopsied embryo is usually cryopreserved while the laboratory completes and reports the genetic analysis.
Results & Transfer Planning
Once the report is available, the findings are reviewed in the context of the specific test performed. If an embryo considered suitable for transfer is available, the next treatment step can then be discussed.
What Happens During Embryo Biopsy and Genetic Testing
Embryos created through IVF are observed in the embryology laboratory as they develop. When an embryo reaches an appropriate stage and is considered suitable for biopsy, a small sample of cells can be carefully removed for the planned genetic test.
The biopsy sample is then analysed by the genetic testing laboratory according to the specific PGT pathway. For PGT-M, the analysis may require patient-specific laboratory preparation before the IVF cycle because the test is designed around the particular gene and variant involved.
The embryo itself is commonly cryopreserved while testing is completed. Once the report is available, the findings are interpreted according to the type of PGT performed and discussed before the next treatment decision is made.
PGT Provides Information, Not Certainty
PGT can provide useful genetic information about embryos for a defined clinical question, but it has important limitations. Results need to be interpreted in the context of the type of testing performed, the embryo sample analysed and the individual IVF treatment plan.
Testing Does Not Guarantee an Outcome
An embryo result cannot guarantee implantation, pregnancy, live birth or the absence of every genetic or health condition. Many biological factors remain beyond the information provided by PGT.
Some Results Need Careful Interpretation
Depending on the type of PGT, results may occasionally be inconclusive or require further counselling. With PGT-A, findings such as mosaic or segmental results can make embryo-selection decisions more complex.
Pregnancy Testing May Still Be Recommended
PGT examines a small sample from an embryo and does not test for every possible condition. Depending on the PGT pathway and pregnancy circumstances, prenatal screening or diagnostic testing may still be discussed after pregnancy is established.
Our Approach to PGT at Khushi
PGT begins with a genetic question, not with a laboratory test. Our approach is to understand why testing is being considered, identify the appropriate PGT pathway and connect fertility treatment, genetic counselling and laboratory planning before important treatment decisions are made.
01 — The Right Test for the Right Question
PGT-A, PGT-M and PGT-SR have different purposes. The testing pathway is selected according to the specific genetic or chromosomal question rather than treating all PGT as the same test.
02 — Genetic Counselling When Relevant
When a known inherited condition or complex genetic finding is involved, counselling helps patients understand the reproductive risk, testing options, limitations and alternative pathways before proceeding.
03 — Fertility and Laboratory Planning Together
The IVF plan, embryo-development pathway and genetic-testing requirements need to work together so that testing is planned appropriately before embryos reach the biopsy stage.
04 — Results Explained in Context
A PGT report is not treated as a stand-alone promise about an embryo. The result is interpreted according to the type of testing performed, the original indication and the wider treatment situation.
05 — Clear Limits and Next Steps
Patients should understand what the test has assessed, what it has not assessed and what further counselling or testing may still be relevant before embryo transfer or during a future pregnancy.
PGT and Related Fertility & Genetic Pathways
PGT sits within a wider IVF and reproductive-genetics pathway. Depending on the reason for testing, patients may also need fertility evaluation, genetic counselling, review of previous reports or another laboratory treatment approach before the final plan is decided.
IVF Treatment
PGT is performed on embryos created through IVF, so ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation and embryo development remain part of the wider treatment pathway.
ICSI
ICSI may form part of selected PGT treatment plans depending on the type of genetic testing and laboratory requirements. The fertilisation method should be chosen for the individual case rather than assumed automatically.
Carrier Screening
Carrier screening can identify selected inherited conditions before pregnancy or fertility treatment. When a relevant reproductive risk is identified, further genetic counselling and options such as PGT-M may be discussed.
Genetic Counselling
Genetic counselling helps explain inheritance patterns, test results, reproductive risk, available options and the limitations of genetic testing before important treatment decisions are made.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Evaluation
When pregnancy losses have occurred, evaluation may include review of clinical history and selected genetic or chromosome factors. PGT should only be considered when the findings and individual situation provide a clear reason for it.
Patient Journey
Frequently Asked Questions About PGT
PGT can be confusing because different tests answer different genetic questions and all of them take place within an IVF treatment pathway. These common questions explain when PGT may be considered, what the results can tell you and where its limitations remain.
What is PGT, and does it require IVF?
Preimplantation genetic testing, or PGT, analyses genetic material from embryos created through IVF. Embryos need to develop to a stage suitable for biopsy before a small cell sample can be tested, so PGT is performed within an IVF treatment pathway rather than as a separate pregnancy test.
What is the difference between PGT-A, PGT-M and PGT-SR?
PGT-A screens embryos for differences in chromosome number. PGT-M is designed around a specific inherited single-gene condition. PGT-SR is used when a known structural chromosome rearrangement is relevant. Because they answer different questions, the appropriate test depends on the individual indication.
Does every IVF cycle need PGT?
No. PGT should be considered for a defined clinical or genetic reason. In particular, current evidence does not support routine PGT-A as a universal screening test for every patient undergoing IVF.
Does PGT guarantee pregnancy or a healthy baby?
No. PGT provides information about the specific genetic or chromosomal question being tested, but it cannot guarantee implantation, pregnancy, live birth or the absence of every possible genetic or health condition.
Can PGT be used to choose the sex of a baby?
PGT should not be used for non-medical sex selection in India. Indian law prohibits assisted-reproduction clinics from offering a child of a predetermined sex and prohibits identifying the sex of an in-vitro embryo, except within the specific legal provision relating to diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a sex-linked disorder or disease.
Is pregnancy testing still recommended after PGT?
PGT does not test for every possible fetal condition. Depending on the type of PGT performed and the pregnancy situation, prenatal screening or diagnostic testing may still be discussed. For pregnancies conceived following PGT-M, current guidance recommends that prenatal diagnostic testing be offered because technical limitations can occasionally lead to misdiagnosis.
Understand Whether PGT Is Relevant to Your IVF Plan
If PGT has been suggested or you have a known genetic or chromosome finding, a consultation can help clarify what type of testing may be relevant, what information it can provide and what its limitations are. Your fertility history, previous genetic reports and the reason for testing can be reviewed before the next step is planned.