Genetic testing (PGT-A / PGT-M)

At Sparsh Hospital, we believe that every family deserves the best possible chance of a healthy pregnancy. Therefore, we offer advanced Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-A and PGT-M) as part of our comprehensive fertility and IVF services. These cutting-edge genetic tests help identify chromosomal and inherited genetic conditions before pregnancy, allowing couples to make informed and confident decisions.

What Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)?

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a specialized genetic screening performed during an IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) cycle. In this process, embryos created in the laboratory are tested for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities before being transferred into the uterus.

As a result, only genetically healthy embryos are selected for transfer, which significantly improves the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduces the risk of miscarriage or genetic disorders.

At Sparsh Hospital, we provide two major types of PGT:

PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy)
PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders)

What Is PGT-A?

PGT-A is used to check embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, also known as aneuploidy. Normally, embryos should have 46 chromosomes. However, sometimes embryos may have extra or missing chromosomes, which can lead to failed implantation, miscarriage, or genetic conditions such as Down syndrome.

Therefore, PGT-A helps identify embryos with the correct number of chromosomes.

Traditionally, embryo transfer is done based on average timelines. However, research shows that nearly 25–30% of women have a displaced implantation window. Therefore, ERA testing helps personalize embryo transfer timing, which can be a game-changer in fertility success.

Who Should Consider PGT-A?

PGT-A is especially beneficial for:

Women aged 35 years and above
Couples with recurrent miscarriages
Patients with repeated IVF failures
Couples using donor eggs or sperm
Those seeking to improve IVF success rates

Consequently, PGT-A allows for better embryo selection and improved pregnancy outcomes.

Benefits of PGT-A at Sparsh Hospital

Higher chances of successful embryo implantation
Reduced risk of miscarriage
Improved IVF success rates
Reduced time to pregnancy
Single embryo transfer with better outcomes

Thus, PGT-A not only increases success but also promotes safer pregnancies.

What Is PGT-M?

PGT-M is designed to detect specific inherited genetic disorders caused by mutations in a single gene. These conditions are often passed from parents to children and may result in serious lifelong health issues. Hence, PGT-M helps couples avoid passing known genetic conditions to their baby.

Genetic Conditions Screened by PGT-M

PGT-M can screen for many inherited disorders, including:

Thalassemia
Sickle cell anemia
Cystic fibrosis
Spinal muscular atrophy
Hemophilia
Huntington’s disease
Tay-Sachs disease
Muscular dystrophy

As a result, couples with a family history of genetic diseases can plan a healthier future for their child.

Who Should Consider PGT-M?

PGT-M is recommended for:

Couples who are carriers of genetic disorders
Individuals with a family history of inherited diseases
Couples with a previously affected child
Consanguineous marriages
Couples undergoing IVF with known genetic risks

Therefore, PGT-M offers reassurance and control over genetic health.

How Is PGT Performed at Sparsh Hospital?

At Sparsh Hospital, PGT is performed using a highly accurate and systematic approach.

Step-by-Step Process

IVF Treatment
First, eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm in the laboratory.
Embryo Development
Next, embryos are cultured for 5–6 days until they reach the blastocyst stage.
Embryo Biopsy
A few cells are carefully removed from each embryo without harming its development.
Genetic Analysis
The biopsied cells are sent for advanced genetic testing.
Embryo Freezing
Meanwhile, embryos are safely frozen while awaiting results.
Embryo Transfer
Finally, only genetically healthy embryos are transferred in a later cycle.

Thus, the entire process is safe, precise, and patient-centric.

Accuracy and Safety of PGT

PGT-A and PGT-M are highly accurate, with reliability rates exceeding 95–98%. Moreover, embryo biopsy is considered safe when performed by skilled embryologists, as done at Sparsh Hospital.

However, genetic counseling is provided to ensure patients understand:

The benefits and limitations of testing
Possible outcomes
Ethical and emotional considerations

Therefore, couples receive complete clarity before proceeding.

Why Choose Sparsh Hospital for Genetic Testing?

Expertise You Can Trust

Sparsh Hospital is known for excellence in fertility care and genetic diagnostics. Our team includes:

Experienced fertility specialists
Trained genetic counselors
Skilled embryologists
Advanced laboratory technicians

As a result, every patient receives expert-led care.

Advanced Technology

We use:

International-standard IVF laboratories
Latest genetic sequencing technologies
Strict quality control protocols

Hence, accuracy and safety are never compromised.

Personalized Patient Care

At Sparsh Hospital:

Each treatment plan is customized
Emotional support is prioritized
Ethical practices are strictly followed

Therefore, patients feel supported throughout their journey.

Success Rates with PGT at Sparsh Hospital

By selecting genetically healthy embryos, PGT significantly improves:

Implantation rates
Ongoing pregnancy rates
Live birth rates

Additionally, it reduces the emotional and financial burden of repeated IVF cycles. Consequently, couples experience faster and more successful outcomes.

PGT and Ethical Considerations

At Sparsh Hospital, we strictly adhere to ethical and legal guidelines. PGT is never used for non-medical gender selection. Instead, it is focused solely on:

Preventing genetic diseases
Improving pregnancy outcomes
Supporting healthy family planning

Thus, patient trust and ethical responsibility remain our top priorities.

Emotional Support and Genetic Counseling

Undergoing genetic testing can be emotionally challenging. Therefore, Sparsh Hospital offers:

Pre-test genetic counseling
Post-test result discussions
Emotional and psychological support

As a result, couples feel confident, informed, and emotionally prepared.