Your care is provided by a team of clinical geneticists and doctors specialising in prenatal medicine, with many years of practice and expert experience.
Guide to Genetic Testing During Pregnancy at Gennet
At our clinics in Prague and Liberec, we offer a complete range of prenatal genetic tests. Understanding the different testing options can be difficult, so we have prepared a clear guide explaining the available methods and their benefits.
The aim is to provide accurate and easy to understand information about your baby’s health and help you feel more confident when making decisions during pregnancy.
Why Choose Gennet for Prenatal Genetics?
Find Out More About the PRENASCAN Test
Make sure everything is all right with your baby.
Overview of Genetic Tests During Pregnancy
Genetic tests are divided into two main groups:
Non invasive tests: safe, with no risk to the fetus
Invasive tests: diagnostic tests used to confirm a finding
1. Non Invasive Screening: A Safe Way to Get Initial Information
Screening tests are safe and do not interfere with the fetal environment. They estimate the risk of the most common genetic disorders with high accuracy.
First Trimester Combined Screening
A combination of a detailed ultrasound examination and a blood test used to calculate the individual risk of genetic abnormalities.
Non Invasive Prenatal Test from Maternal Blood
A highly accurate blood test that analyses cell free fetal DNA in the mother’s blood.
At Gennet, we offer our own PRENASCAN test, which detects the risk of Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities.
Screening Tests
You can find more information about the timing and process of screening tests on the Pregnancy Screening page.
2. Invasive Diagnostics: Definitive and Accurate Answers
If screening shows an increased risk, an invasive test is needed to confirm the diagnosis. This test analyses fetal cells directly.
Chorionic Villus Sampling
Performed between the 10th and 13th week of pregnancy. It enables early and rapid genetic analysis.
Amniocentesis
A procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is collected, usually around the 16th week of pregnancy.
Both methods are performed under continuous ultrasound guidance. The risk of complications is approximately 0.5%.
Details
You can find more details on the Invasive Prenatal Diagnostics page.
3. Non Invasive Paternity Test During Pregnancy
Intended for couples who need to verify biological paternity before the baby is born.
Process:
The test can be performed from the 11th week of pregnancy using a maternal blood sample and a buccal swab from the presumed father.
Accuracy:
Paternity confirmation: more than 99.9%
Paternity exclusion: 100%
Important Information:
The test is intended only for singleton pregnancies. The result is for personal information only and cannot be used for legal purposes without the presence of a court appointed expert.
Prices and Health Insurance Coverage
Is It Covered by Health Insurance?
YES
If genetic testing is recommended by a doctor, for example due to age, family history or a positive screening result, it is fully covered by public health insurance. In other cases, the woman may pay for the tests herself.
Before each examination, we will inform you in detail about all costs at Gennet. Current prices can be found in our price list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about genetics, or would you like a consultation? Our team at the Gennet Medical Genetics Centres in Prague and Liberec is here for you.
Is genetic testing safe during pregnancy?
Non-invasive tests (ultrasound, NIPT from blood) are completely safe for both mother and baby. Invasive procedures (AMC, CVS) carry a low risk of complications, approximately 0.5%, which your doctor will always explain in detail.
What conditions can the tests detect?
That depends on the test type. In general, we assess chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidies)—commonly trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), 18 (Edwards syndrome), and 13 (Patau syndrome); structural chromosome changes including submicroscopic microdeletions/duplications (e.g., 22q11.2 deletion syndrome); and single-gene disorders via targeted testing (e.g., CFTR – cystic fibrosis, SMN1 – spinal muscular atrophy, DMD – Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy).
How quickly will I get my results?
Rapid results (e.g., PRENASCAN or invasive tests) can be available within a few business days. Full analysis takes typically 2–3 weeks.
What happens if the test shows increased risk or confirms a disorder?
You’re never alone in such situations. Our team will immediately offer you a consultation with a clinical geneticist who will explain everything thoroughly and compassionately, answer your questions, and discuss your next steps and available options. GENNET also offers psychological support if needed.
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A genetic consultation will help you better understand your health situation, family history, and possible hereditary factors. Our specialists will provide expert advice and recommendations for next steps.
