Embryo Genetic Testing · NABH Certified Lab · Since 1997

PGT and Embryo Biopsy in Lucknow

Preimplantation genetic testing lets your embryologist check an embryo for chromosomal problems before it is ever transferred. A few cells are taken by biopsy on day 5, the embryo is frozen while the laboratory reports, and only a normal embryo is chosen for transfer. For couples who have had repeated miscarriages or failed cycles, that single step can change the outcome.

Day 5 Biopsy

Blastocyst stage, safest timing

Embryoscope

First in Uttar Pradesh

RI Witness

Electronic sample tracking

Since 1997

Caring for families in Lucknow

Book a Consultation Call +91 99360 68274

Medically reviewed by Dr. Rajul Tyagi, Founder and Director, Javitri Hospital. MD Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KGMU. Trained in embryo biopsy at Barcelona. Chairperson, ISAR UP Chapter.

Embryology Lab

NABH certified on site

Trained Embryologists

Biopsy trained at Barcelona

Vitrification

Safe freezing while testing

ART Act Compliant

Fully within Indian law

What Is PGT and Embryo Biopsy?

Preimplantation genetic testing, usually shortened to PGT, is the genetic screening of an embryo created through IVF before it is transferred to the uterus. To perform that test the laboratory needs a small sample of cells, and taking that sample is what we call an embryo biopsy.

The biopsy is carried out on day 5, when the embryo has reached the blastocyst stage and has already separated into two cell groups. Around five cells are removed from the trophectoderm, the outer layer that goes on to form the placenta, while the inner cell mass that becomes the baby is left completely untouched. This is why day 5 biopsy is preferred over older day 3 methods, which took cells at a far more fragile stage.

After the biopsy the embryo is vitrified and stored safely while the genetic laboratory processes the sample. Once the report arrives, a chromosomally normal embryo is selected and transferred in a later frozen cycle. Read more about blastocyst transfer and our embryology laboratory.

PGT AND BIOPSY AT A GLANCE
Biopsy dayDay 5, blastocyst stage
Cells takenAround 5, from outer layer
Baby cells touchedNone
Embryo meanwhileVitrified and stored
TransferLater frozen cycle
Sex selectionProhibited by Indian law

Types of Preimplantation Genetic Testing

The biopsy is the same procedure in each case. What differs is the question the laboratory is asked to answer.

PGT A, for Chromosome Number

Checks whether the embryo has the correct number of chromosomes. An abnormal count is the single most common reason an embryo fails to implant or a pregnancy miscarries, and it becomes more frequent with maternal age.

PGT M, for Single Gene Conditions

Used when a couple carries a known inherited condition such as thalassaemia, sickle cell disease or cystic fibrosis. The laboratory looks for that specific gene so an unaffected embryo can be chosen.

PGT SR, for Structural Rearrangements

For couples where one partner carries a balanced translocation. Their own health is unaffected, but embryos often inherit an unbalanced arrangement, which explains many cases of recurrent miscarriage.

Which test applies to you depends on your history and, where relevant, on genetic counselling and karyotype testing done beforehand.

Who May Benefit From an Embryo Biopsy

PGT is not part of every IVF cycle, and most couples never need it. It is recommended when there is a clear clinical reason to believe chromosomal or genetic factors are affecting your chances.

  • Two or more miscarriages without an explanation being found
  • Repeated implantation failure despite good quality embryos being transferred
  • Maternal age above 35, where chromosomal errors become more common
  • A known inherited condition in either partner or in the family
  • A balanced translocation found on karyotype testing
  • A previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal condition

If none of these apply, your specialist will say so. Adding PGT to a straightforward cycle increases cost without improving your odds, and we do not recommend tests that will not change your outcome.

WHAT PGT CAN AND CANNOT DO
Screen chromosome numberYes
Detect a known family conditionYes
Reduce miscarriage riskCan help
Create more embryosNo
Improve egg qualityNo
Guarantee a pregnancyNo

How the Biopsy and Testing Work

The biopsy adds steps to your IVF cycle in the laboratory, not for you personally. Nothing extra is done to your body.

1. Counselling First

Before anything is agreed, your specialist explains what the test can answer, what it cannot, and whether your history genuinely calls for it. Karyotype testing or genetic counselling may be arranged at this stage.

2. IVF Cycle and ICSI

Your cycle proceeds as normal through stimulation and egg collection. ICSI is used for fertilisation in PGT cycles so that no stray sperm can contaminate the genetic sample later.

3. Culture to Day 5

Embryos are grown to blastocyst stage under Embryoscope time lapse monitoring, so development is watched continuously without disturbing the incubator.

4. The Biopsy

Using a laser and fine micromanipulation, the embryologist removes around five cells from the outer trophectoderm layer of each suitable blastocyst. The inner cell mass is not touched.

5. Freeze and Test

Each biopsied embryo is vitrified and stored under electronic tracking while the labelled samples go to the genetic laboratory. Results usually take a matter of weeks.

6. Frozen Transfer

Your specialist goes through the report with you, and a normal embryo is thawed and transferred in a later prepared cycle, at a time when your uterine lining is ready.

Sex Selection Is Not Permitted in India

This needs stating plainly, because it is the single most common question asked about embryo biopsy. Indian law prohibits determining or disclosing the sex of an embryo or foetus for the purpose of selection. The Pre Conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act makes this a criminal offence, and the ART Act 2021 reinforces it for fertility clinics.

Javitri Hospital does not perform sex selection, will not disclose embryo sex, and will decline any request of this nature regardless of circumstances. PGT here is used only to screen for chromosomal abnormalities and inherited disease, which is exactly what the law permits.

Any clinic that offers otherwise is acting illegally, and that alone tells you how they treat every other rule that protects you.

Being Realistic About the Results

PGT is a valuable tool, but it is a screening test rather than a guarantee, and honest expectations matter more than optimistic ones.

  • A cycle may produce no chromosomally normal embryo to transfer, which is difficult but is genuine information about egg quality
  • PGT selects among the embryos you have, it does not create better ones
  • A normal result lowers the chance of miscarriage but cannot remove it
  • Occasionally a sample gives no clear result and the embryo may need rebiopsy
  • Very few embryos are damaged by biopsy in experienced hands, though the risk is not zero

Your specialist will discuss all of this with you before you decide, not afterwards.

Why the Laboratory Matters More Than the Test

PGT depends entirely on the quality of the embryology behind it. A biopsy performed badly damages the embryo, and a mislabelled sample produces a report that belongs to someone else.

  • Embryos must reach good quality blastocyst stage, which requires a strong culture system
  • Biopsy demands laser precision and a highly trained embryologist
  • Vitrification must be reliable, since every embryo is frozen and thawed
  • Sample identity must be tracked without any possibility of error

At Javitri, embryos are cultured under the first Embryoscope in Uttar Pradesh, tracked by RI Witness electronic witnessing at every step, and biopsied in our own NABH certified embryology laboratory. Our director trained in embryo biopsy at Barcelona.

What PGT Costs

PGT is an add on to an IVF cycle, so your total consists of the IVF cycle itself plus the biopsy and the genetic laboratory charges, which depend on how many embryos are tested and which test is used.

IVF at Javitri starts from Rs 95,000. You receive a written, itemised estimate before treatment begins, with the PGT component shown as its own line so you can see exactly what the genetic testing adds. There are no hidden charges and no pressure to include a test you do not need, and 0% EMI options are available.

Your first consultation is Rs 600 with Dr. Rajul Tyagi, or Rs 400 with Dr. Niharika Tyagi or Dr. Lavanya Tyagi, with an ultrasound at Rs 800 if advised on the day.

Your Fertility and Embryology Team

PGT cycles at Javitri are planned by our fertility specialists and carried out by our in house embryology team.

Dr. Rajul Tyagi

  • Founder, Director and Head of Infertility
  • Embryo Biopsy Training, Barcelona
  • Cleveland Clinic Trained

Dr. Lavanya Tyagi

  • Senior IVF Specialist
  • Head of Clinical Embryology
  • ISAR Certified Embryologist

Dr. Niharika Tyagi

  • IVF and Fertility Consultant
  • Prenatal Genetics Fellowship
  • Fetal Medicine

Dr. Rajul Tyagi

  • Founder, Director and Head of Infertility
  • Embryo Biopsy Training, Barcelona
  • Cleveland Clinic Trained

Dr. Lavanya Tyagi

  • Senior IVF Specialist
  • Head of Clinical Embryology
  • ISAR Certified Embryologist

Dr. Niharika Tyagi

  • IVF and Fertility Consultant
  • Prenatal Genetics Fellowship
  • Fetal Medicine

PGT and Biopsy, FAQs

An embryo biopsy is the removal of a few cells from an embryo so they can be tested genetically. At Javitri it is performed on day 5, when around five cells are taken from the outer trophectoderm layer that forms the placenta. The inner cell mass that develops into the baby is not touched.

In experienced hands the risk is very low. Day 5 biopsy is far safer than the older day 3 technique because the embryo has more cells by then and only the outer layer is sampled. A small risk remains, which is why the procedure requires laser precision and a highly trained embryologist rather than being treated as routine.

PGT is recommended for couples with two or more unexplained miscarriages, repeated implantation failure, maternal age above 35, a known inherited condition in the family, a balanced translocation on karyotype, or a previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal condition. Most couples having IVF do not need it.

No. Indian law prohibits determining or disclosing embryo or foetal sex for selection, under the Pre Conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, and the ART Act 2021 reinforces this. Javitri Hospital does not perform sex selection and will decline any such request. PGT here screens only for chromosomal abnormalities and inherited disease.

Genetic laboratory results usually take a matter of weeks from the date of biopsy. Your embryos remain safely vitrified during this period, and your specialist goes through the report with you before any transfer is planned.

Because the embryos must be frozen while the laboratory reports. This is called a freeze all approach, and it has an additional benefit: the transfer happens in a calmer, prepared cycle when your uterine lining is at its most receptive rather than immediately after stimulation.

This does happen, and it is hard news to receive. It does mean, though, that you have avoided transferring an embryo that would most likely not have implanted or would have miscarried. Your specialist will review what the result tells us about egg quality and discuss the options, which may include another cycle or donor eggs.

No. PGT screens for the specific conditions it is designed to detect, so it substantially reduces certain risks but cannot rule out every genetic or developmental problem. Routine pregnancy scans and screening remain important, and our fetal medicine team provides that care once you conceive.

Yes. ICSI injects a single sperm directly into the egg, which prevents stray sperm from remaining attached to the outside of the embryo. Those sperm could otherwise contaminate the genetic sample and produce a misleading result.

PGT is an add on to an IVF cycle, so the total is the cycle cost plus biopsy and genetic laboratory charges, which vary with the number of embryos tested and the type of test. IVF starts from Rs 95,000, and your written, itemised estimate shows the PGT component as a separate line before treatment begins. 0% EMI options are available.

PGT and Embryo Biopsy in Lucknow, Since 1997

For couples facing repeated miscarriage, failed transfers or a known inherited condition, PGT with day 5 embryo biopsy can turn a cycle of uncertainty into a decision based on real information. At Javitri Hospital the biopsy is carried out in our own NABH certified embryology laboratory, with embryos cultured under the first Embryoscope in Uttar Pradesh and tracked by RI Witness electronic witnessing from the moment they are created. Testing is used strictly within Indian law, and only where your history genuinely calls for it.

To find out whether PGT applies to your case, call +91 99360 68274 or email info@javitrihospital.co.in. Our centres are in Telibagh and Badshahnagar, Lucknow, and Swaroop Nagar, Kanpur.

Ask Whether PGT Is Right for You

An honest assessment of whether genetic testing would change your outcome. Consultations from Rs 400.

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