Prenatal tests (NIPT)

Prenatal tests (NIPT – Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) are non-invasive prenatal screenings that analyze cell-free fetal DNA from a pregnant woman’s blood sample and enable a highly reliable assessment of the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. They represent an important continuation or supplement to early combined screening.

At Poliklinika Drinković, NIPT tests are clearly integrated into the prenatal algorithm, with expert counseling and proper indication.

What NIPT detects

• Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
• Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18)
• Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)
• sex chromosome abnormalities (depending on the test)
• the possibility of determining the fetal sex
• expanded panels may include rare chromosomal disorders and microdeletions

When NIPT is performed

• from the 10th week of pregnancy onward
• after early combined screening with elevated risk
• in pregnant women over 35 years of age
• in pregnancies after assisted fertilization
• in cases of a positive family history
• at the personal request of the pregnant woman

Advantages of NIPT tests

• non-invasive (mother’s blood sample)
• extremely high sensitivity and specificity
• no risk to the mother or fetus
• reduces the need for invasive procedures
• fast and reliable result

Important to emphasize

• NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic one
• a positive finding requires confirmation by invasive methods (CVS, amniocentesis)
• the result is always interpreted in the context of the clinical picture and ultrasound findings

What the procedure looks like

• taking a venous blood sample from the pregnant woman
• no special preparation is required
• results available within a few days (depending on the test)
• expert explanation of the findings

Related prenatal examinations

• early combined screening (11th–14th week)
• pregnancy ultrasound – early pregnancy
• fetal morphology ultrasound
• Color Doppler in pregnancy
• genetic counseling
• invasive prenatal diagnostics (if indicated)

You can book your appointment by calling 01 2321 970 or by filling out the contact form.