PGT-M vs PGT-A for Inherited Disorders: Preventing Genetic Diseases in Indian Families
PGT-M vs PGT-A for Inherited Disorders
All parents want to carry a healthy baby. But there are many couples with subclinical genetic conditions in their genes. Even though you may be perfectly healthy, you can pass on a serious genetic disease to your child without realizing it.
Advanced IVF technologies can assist you if you are thinking of starting a family and have a family history of genetic diseases. The correct method will depend on the understanding of PGT-M vs PGT-A for inherited disorders that are common today.
Our fertility expert, Dr Mona Dahiya, enables couples to build healthy families with these state-of-the-art technologies.
What Are PGT-M and PGT-A?
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a lab technique that examines embryos (the early formation of a baby from egg and sperm) before their transfer into the womb, helping couples evaluate PGT-M vs PGT-A for inherited disorders to select the safest path forward.
- PGT-M: Searches for a specific inherited disease that is caused by a single gene defect (monogenic disorder) in the family.
- PGT-A: This test offers the number of chromosomes to check for the presence or absence of additional or missing chromosomes (aneuploidy), thereby minimizing the risk of miscarriage.
These tests are frequently confused by couples, as both test embryos. But when looking at PGT-M vs PGT-A for inherited disorders, it becomes clear that they have different targets; PGT-M looks for the total number of chromosomes, and PGT-A looks for specific family genetic problems.
| Feature | PGT-M | PGT-A |
| Primary Purpose | Finds a specific inherited genetic disease | Counts the total number of chromosomes |
| What it Detects | Single-gene flaws (e.g., Thalassemia) | Extra or missing chromosomes (e.g., Down syndrome) |
| Who Should Consider It | Couples with a known family genetic disease | Women over 35 or those with repeated miscarriages |
| Can They Be Combined? | Yes, they can be done together | Yes, they can be done together |
Which Genetic Disorders Can PGT-M Help Prevent?
PGT-M can be used for screening the following common disorders:
- Thalassemia: An anemia disease. IVF genetic testing for Thalassemia does away with the need for lifelong blood transfusion.
- Sickle Cell Disease: Makes red blood cells hard and sticky, slows blood flow and leads to severe pain.
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA): Affects muscles, seriously compromising a child’s movement and breathing.
- Cystic Fibrosis: Causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tract.
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): It is a severe condition marked by gradual weakening of muscles, mainly found in males.
- Huntington’s Disease: An inherited disease of the brain that impairs the functioning of the body over the course of time.
How Does the PGT-M Process Work?
A healthy pregnancy with PGT-M is a step-by-step process. Couples undergo genetic counseling before the treatment of IVF to take preventative measures for family risks. Carrier testing of Indian couples, however, is straightforward blood testing that can detect which gene mutation is present.
After the identification is done, the procedure for IVF can begin. The eggs are harvested and fertilized in the lab. After about five days, they are developed to become blastocysts.
At this point, the embryologists remove some cells from the outer layer of the cells, which will later form the placenta. This step is called trophectoderm biopsy, and all the other cells remain intact.
These cells are screened for any mutations in the genes while the embryos are stored. After the reports come, the healthiest embryo without a genetic disease is chosen and placed inside the mother’s womb.
Who Should Consider PGT-M?
The type of testing is not required for every IVF cycle, but is highly recommended in some cases. It might be worth considering PGTM for those with any genetic disorders in themselves or their partner, an offspring diagnosed with genetic disorders, or a family history of any severe illnesses. It is also important if your blood tests show that you are both carriers of a genetic defect.
Some communities in India practise consanguineous marriage (marriage within the extended family), which raises the possibilities of a hidden genetic disease matching in a child. For such couples, genetic expertise before conception is extremely helpful.
PGT-M Test Cost in India
In general, the cost of the PGT-M test in India is from ₹50,000 to ₹2,50,000 per IVF cycle or around ₹23,000 – ₹30,000 per embryo for the biopsy and lab setup. Final costs are based on the type of hereditary disease tested, and the laboratories create a map of the DNA probe for your own personal medical history.
Here at Little Angel IVF, we offer you your very own personal guide to your costs.
Is PGT-M Better Than PGT-A?
No one test is uniformly superior to the others. They have just different roles to play.
When your family has a certain disease, such as Thalassemia, PGT-M is the right test to use. In cases where the biggest concern is advanced maternal age or a history of miscarriages, the only test that should be used to identify the number of chromosomes is PGT-A.
Many couples select to do both tests simultaneously. This means that the embryo will have the right number of chromosomes for a healthy pregnancy and won’t be affected by the family’s genetic disease.
Conclusion
A healthy beginning is a right of every family. While PGT-A determines the stability of the chromosomes, PGT-M examines the DNA to prevent the transmission of some life-changing conditions. The right test will be based on each individual’s medical history and genetic makeup.
An analysis of PGT-M vs PGT-A for inherited disorders is a wonderful starting point if there are concerns about hereditary diseases in the family. Take the first step toward a brighter future for your family with a chat with our caring specialists at Little Angel IVF.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PGT-M vs PGT-A?
When comparing PGT-M vs PGT-A, PGT-M is used to screen for a single genetic defect, which can lead to a certain inherited disease (such as Thalassemia). PGT-A tests for the number of chromosomes to determine if there are any missing or extra parts to assess the risk of miscarriage and other conditions (including Down syndrome).
Who should undergo PGT-M testing?
PGT-M is performed for couples with a known genetic disorder, a family history of hereditary disease or an affected child.
Can PGT-M prevent Thalassemia in babies?
Yes. IVF embryos are tested in the laboratory for the particular fault in the Thalassemia gene. Only disease-free embryos are selected for transfer into the womb, so that the baby is born without the disease.
Is PGT-M available in India?
Yes. Specialized genetic labs work with clinics such as Little Angel IVF to provide customized PGT-M testing. This will enable Indian families to have a successful embryo screening and prevent the transmission of severe hereditary diseases.
Can PGT-M and PGT-A be done together during IVF?
Yes. PGT-M and PGT-A can both be used by doctors in the same treatment when choosing for inherited disorders. PGT-M is a test that will prevent transmission of a specific inherited family disease to the baby, and PGT-A is a test that will help increase the chances of a normal pregnancy.
