PGD and PGS Testing in Surat

Female First Hospital offers advanced PGD & PGS testing in Surat — genetic screening of embryos before transfer to improve IVF success and reduce the risk of miscarriage. Under the care of Dr. Sweta Patel, our genetic screening helps couples at risk of passing on inherited conditions have a healthy pregnancy.

What Is PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis)?

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) was developed as an alternative to prenatal diagnosis for couples at risk of passing on serious genetic diseases to their children. It uses the IVF (test tube baby) technique to test embryos for genetic disorders before they are implanted in the womb — avoiding the need for later pregnancy termination.

PGD can help detect a growing number of genetic disorders, though not all conditions can be diagnosed this way. Genetic disorders may be due to a single-gene defect (such as cystic fibrosis) or a chromosomal abnormality. In single-gene disorders, the embryo’s genes can be examined directly. Some conditions, such as Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy or haemophilia, affect only males, in which case the sex of the embryo is determined and only female embryos are transferred.

How Is PGD Performed?

PGD is carried out as part of an IVF–ICSI cycle:

• Standard IVF is used when FISH analysis is required; ICSI is used when semen is abnormal or PCR analysis is needed, to avoid contamination with sperm DNA.
• A single cell is removed from an early embryo through a small opening in its outer coat, under the microscope, without harming its ability to develop.
• The cell is analysed for genetic disorders before the embryo is transferred.
• A newer technique, comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH), allows cells to be removed at the blastocyst stage (day 5), when more cells can be analysed for greater confidence.

Because PGD works best on day 5–6 embryos, it is often combined with blastocyst culture & transfer.

Who Is PGD Advised For?

• Couples with repeated pregnancy loss due to genetic disorders
• Couples who have a child with a genetic disease and are at high risk of having another
• Couples where one or both partners carry a known genetic condition

What Is PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening)?

Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS), also called aneuploidy screening, checks embryos for a normal number of chromosomes (commonly chromosomes 21, 18, 16 and 13). Aneuploidy — where an embryo has the wrong number of chromosomes — is a major cause of failed implantation and miscarriage. Only chromosomally normal embryos are selected for transfer.

PGS is often considered for older women, those with a history of recurrent miscarriage, or repeated IVF failure despite good-quality embryos. Your specialist will advise whether PGS is likely to benefit your specific case.

Accuracy & Considerations

As with all tests, there is a small possibility of a false-positive or false-negative result (figures to be confirmed by the clinic), partly because some embryos show variation between cells (mosaicism). For this reason, prenatal testing during pregnancy may still be recommended. It is also possible that no normal embryos are found in a cycle, in which case none would be suitable for transfer. Our team explains all of this clearly before you decide.

Why Choose Female First Hospital for PGD & PGS in Surat

• Integrated genetic testing — PGD & PGS carried out within our own IVF & fertility treatments, with support from our genetic centre.
• Experienced specialist — care led by Dr. Sweta Patel, with 15+ years in reproductive medicine.
• Complete diagnostic support — backed by our diagnostic testing services.
• Clear, honest counselling — full explanation of benefits, limits and accuracy before any decision.

PGD, PGS and PGT: Understanding the Terms

You may see newer names for these tests in your reports. They mean the same things:

• PGT-A (earlier called PGS): checks whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes.
• PGT-M (earlier called PGD): tests for a specific single-gene condition that runs in the family, such as thalassaemia, sickle cell disease or cystic fibrosis.
• PGT-SR: for couples where one partner carries a chromosomal rearrangement such as a translocation.

The Testing Process, Step by Step

1. Genetic counselling: your history and reports are reviewed, and the right test is chosen.
2. IVF with ICSI: eggs are collected and fertilised by ICSI treatment in Surat, which gives the cleanest sample for testing.
3. Blastocyst culture: embryos are grown to day 5 or 6. See blastocyst transfer in Surat.
4. Biopsy: a few cells are gently removed from the outer layer of each blastocyst. The part that becomes the baby is not touched.
5. Freezing: the embryos are vitrified while the cells are analysed. Read about embryo freezing in Surat.
6. Results and transfer: reports usually arrive in two to three weeks, and an unaffected embryo is transferred in a later cycle.

Benefits and Limitations

Genetic testing can lower the risk of passing on a known inherited condition, reduce the chance of miscarriage caused by chromosomal errors and shorten the time to a healthy pregnancy for some couples. It also has limits. It does not make embryos healthier, it cannot test for every possible condition, a small margin of error remains, and occasionally no embryo is found suitable for transfer. Prenatal confirmation during pregnancy is still advised. To know more about screening in pregnancy, see NIPT test cost in Surat.

What the Law Says

In India, embryo testing is permitted only for medical reasons. Sex selection is strictly prohibited under the PC-PNDT Act, and we do not disclose the sex of embryos under any circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the biopsy harm the embryo?

When performed at the blastocyst stage by a trained embryologist, the risk of damage is very low.

Does every IVF patient need PGT?

No. It is advised for specific situations such as a known genetic condition, repeated miscarriage, repeated IVF failure or advanced maternal age, after counselling.

How much does PGD or PGS add to the cost?

It is charged per embryo or per batch in addition to the IVF cycle. We explain it in writing along with the IVF cost in Surat.

Can we start with basic tests first?

Yes. A complete infertility test in Surat, including karyotyping where needed, often shows whether embryo testing would help.

Book a Consultation

To find out whether PGD or PGS testing is right for you, book a consultation with Dr. Sweta Patel at Female First Hospital, Surat.