PGT-A Explained — Should You Test Your Embryos Genetically Before Transfer?

What is PGT-A? Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A) involves biopsy of a few cells from a Day 5 blastocyst embryo, followed by chromosomal analysis in a genetic lab. It identifies whether the embryo has the correct number of chromosomes (46, XX or 46, XY = normal/euploid) versus chromosomal errors (aneuploidies such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, etc.). Only euploid (chromosomally normal) embryos are transferred. Who genuinely benefits from PGT-A: - Women aged 37 or older (higher rate of chromosomal errors per embryo) - Couples with recurrent IVF failure (2+ failed transfers with good-looking embryos) - Recurrent miscarriage where embryo genetics are suspected - Couples who produce many blastocysts and want to identify the best one - Severe male factor infertility (higher sperm DNA fragmentation increases aneuploidy risk) Who may NOT need PGT-A: - Women under 35 with good prognosis and limited embryos (testing may reduce usable transfers if embryos are mosaic or have biopsy damage) - Couples with only 1–2 blastocysts (testing is expensive; it may leave no transfers if the one embryo is abnormal) Limitations and honest caveats: - Mosaic embryos (both normal and abnormal cells) are increasingly considered potentially viable - PGT-A does not test for all genetic disorders — only chromosomal number - Biopsied embryos must be frozen (no fresh transfer) adding cost and one cycle of waiting - Cost: Adds ₹40,000–₹80,000 to an IVF cycle Dr. Ankita's approach: PGT-A is recommended selectively — not as a blanket add-on. She discusses the genuine cost-benefit analysis transparently with each patient before suggesting it.