Where Genetics Meets the Promise of Parenthood

Your doctor recommends genetic testing

Your IVF specialist will discuss whether genetic testing is appropriate for your specific situation. This is usually recommended if you are 35 or older, have had previous failed IVF cycles, have experienced recurrent miscarriage, have a known genetic condition in the family, or have a partner with a chromosomal abnormality. There is no obligation — your doctor will help you make an informed decision.

Your IVF cycle proceeds normally

You undergo your normal IVF stimulation cycle — hormone injections to grow multiple eggs, followed by egg collection under sedation. The eggs are fertilised in the laboratory, and the resulting embryos are grown to Day 5 or Day 6 (the blastocyst stage). This part of the process is identical to a standard IVF cycle.

Embryo biopsy — quick, safe, and painless

On Day 5 or 6, your embryologist carefully removes 5–10 cells from the outer layer (trophectoderm) of each blastocyst embryo. This layer becomes the placenta — not the baby — so this procedure does not harm the embryo. You will not feel anything as this happens in the laboratory. Each embryo is given a unique ID so results can be matched exactly. After biopsy, your embryos are vitrified (frozen) at ultra-low temperature and safely stored until your transfer cycle.

Genetic analysis at Tattvagene

The biopsy samples are carefully transported to our laboratory in Koramangala, Bengaluru. Our scientists analyse the DNA from each sample using the Ion Torrent NGS platform, examining all 24 chromosomes (chromosomes 1–22, X and Y) in a single test. We look for extra or missing chromosomes (aneuploidy), as well as mosaic findings (where some cells are normal and some are not). Results are typically ready within a few working days.

Understanding your results

Your doctor receives a detailed report for each embryo, classifying it as euploid (chromosomally normal — highest chance of a healthy pregnancy), aneuploid (chromosomally abnormal — not suitable for transfer), or mosaic (a mixture of normal and abnormal cells — your doctor will discuss the implications). Your doctor will explain the results and help you decide which embryo to transfer first.

Frozen embryo transfer

In the following cycle, your uterine lining is prepared with hormones, and your best euploid embryo is thawed and transferred. This is a simple, painless procedure similar to a smear test. Because the embryo has been selected based on its chromosomal status, your chance of successful implantation is significantly higher than in an untested cycle. If you have multiple euploid embryos, the remaining ones stay frozen safely for future attempts.

Initial contact & case discussion

Call or email us with the patient's clinical background — indication for testing, number of embryos expected, any known genetic conditions in the family, and the test required. Our scientific directors are available to discuss complex or unusual cases before you formally refer. For PGT-M, this initial consultation is essential to assess feasibility and plan the pre-test workup timeline.

Documentation & consent

We provide test-specific request forms, patient consent forms (in English and Kannada), and sample collection guidelines. For PGT-A, biopsy collection protocol and transport guidelines are provided to your embryology lab. For PGT-M, additional family history forms and requirements for proband/carrier blood samples will be issued.

Sample collection & biopsy coordination

For PGT-A and PGT-SR: trophectoderm biopsy is performed by your embryologist on Day 5 or 6 blastocysts. Biopsy cells are collected in labelled 0.2 mL PCR tubes with minimal PBS. Embryos are vitrified immediately post-biopsy. Samples are transported to our laboratory fresh on dry ice or as pre-vitrified biopsy cells — we coordinate logistics with your embryology team to ensure optimal handling and chain-of-custody documentation.

Analysis & quality control

On receipt, samples undergo whole genome amplification (WGA) followed by NGS library preparation and sequencing on our Ion Torrent platform. Internal QC metrics (amplification efficiency, sequencing coverage, noise levels) are checked at each stage. Samples that fail QC are flagged immediately and re-analysis options discussed with you before final reporting.

Report delivery

Reports are delivered securely to the referring clinician via email in PDF format. Each PGT-A report includes: a summary table of all embryos with chromosomal classification, detailed chromosome plots per embryo, mosaic findings with % estimates per affected chromosome, a clinical notes section, and the reporting scientist's signature. Reports follow the PGDIS/ESHRE international classification criteria.

Post-report support

Our scientific directors are available for clinician-to-clinician discussion on complex findings — particularly mosaic embryo transfer decisions, segmental imbalance interpretation, and PGT-M result counselling. We can also provide written case summaries for complex cases on request. Patient-facing genetic counselling support can be arranged through our team where needed.