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Prenatal Tests

NIPT, combined screening, invasive tests (CVS, amniocentesis).

Prenatal tests and screenings - a clear risk assessment and a calmer pregnancy.
They help assess the risk of certain chromosomal and developmental disorders in pregnancy. The goal is not to “create panic”, but to obtain reliable information at the right moment and, if needed, to take additional steps that provide a definitive answer. At Polyclinic Cito we explain everything simply and without rushing: what a test can (and cannot) show, when it is performed and how to choose the option that makes sense for you.

Page Overview

What are prenatal tests and screenings?

Prenatal screenings are safe procedures by which, at an early stage, already between the 10th and 14th week of pregnancy, the probability (risk) of certain conditions is assessed from a sample of the mother's blood - most often chromosomal disorders, e.g. Down syndrome, trisomy 13, trisomy 18.  It is important to know the difference:

  • A screening (e.g. combined screening, NIPT): tells you about probability/risk, it does not give a final diagnosis.
  • A diagnostic test (e.g. amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling): gives a final answer, but is only performed when there is a clear indication and after a discussion.

Note: The most important thing is to make the right choice according to the weeks of pregnancy and your situation, and to know what to do with the result.

What a prenatal work-up usually includes

  • A conversation about risks and family history 
  • An assessment of which test makes sense in your week of pregnancy 
  • A review of the results and an explanation of what the result means
  • A plan for next steps if the result indicates increased risk

When are prenatal tests and screening recommended?

Prenatal tests are recommended in certain situations or when a pregnant woman wants an additional assessment of the risk of chromosomal disorders. Every patient has the right to choose whether to have the test.

The most common reasons for prenatal screening

  • If you want an assessment of the risk of chromosomal disorders in early pregnancy
  • If you want additional reassurance alongside a normal ultrasound finding
  • If there is an increased risk based on age or family history
  • If earlier findings (ultrasound/screening) showed a need for further assessment

Situations when it is especially important to come for a consultation

  • If you have a previous pregnancy with a chromosomal or developmental disorder
  • If there is a genetic or chromosomal burden in the family
  • If a change has been noticed on the ultrasound that requires further clarification
  • If you are confused by the range of tests and want to make a calm, informed decision
The gynaecologist's recommendation: Prenatal screening has optimal weeks for it to be carried out, so it is important to plan the test in good time.

What does the prenatal testing procedure look like?

The aim is for you to receive clear information and a recommendation of the prenatal test that makes sense in your situation, without information overload.

1. Consultation

We talk about the week of pregnancy, earlier ultrasound findings, and your personal and family medical history, in order to assess which type of test is appropriate for you. 

2. Choosing an option

An explanation of the differences between the options you have. 

What each test can detect, how reliable it is and what its limitations are.

3. Carrying out the test

Depending on the chosen method, a blood draw is performed for the NIPT test, or combined screening that includes an ultrasound and a laboratory test. 

4. Interpretation of results

Once the results are received, we explain what “low” or “increased” risk means and what the next recommendations are. 

The consultation most often lasts 15-30 min. If an ultrasound assessment is also performed, it may take longer.
The most important thing is that you understand what the test measures, what it misses and what is done if the result is borderline or increased.

How to prepare for prenatal testing?

  • No special preparation is needed, other than bringing your maternity documentation and previous findings if you have them. 
  • Prepare any questions you have, e.g. “What do I get from this test?” “What if the result is not normal?”
  • If you are taking any therapy or have chronic conditions, bring a list of medication.
  • If you have any additional questions about the examination, you can always ask our nurses when booking. 

The most common questions before your visit

  • Do I have to be fasting?
    For most prenatal screenings no, but you will receive specific instructions for the chosen option.
  • May I just have a conversation first and then decide?
    Yes, this is often the best approach.
  • What if the result worries me?
    You are not left alone with the result; we explain it and make a clear plan.
Note:Sometimes the very conversation about screening tests causes anxiety in couples. These tests are not mandatory, and ultimately the couple themselves decide whether to have the test or not.

What do you get from prenatal testing?

The aim of counselling and prenatal testing is for you to receive clear information about the risk and to understand which options make sense in your situation.

1
A clear assessment of the findings
You receive a risk assessment for chromosomal disorders and information on how reliable the result is for your case.
2
A calmer decision

After a conversation and an explanation of the options (e.g. NIPT test or combined screening) you can make a decision about further tests, if they are needed. 

3
A plan for the next steps (if needed)
If the risk is increased or the finding is unclear, you will receive a clear recommendation on what to do next, when and why (follow-up ultrasound, additional consultations, diagnostics by indication).

In practice this means

  • less “googling”, more clear answers
  • understanding the results without technical jargon
  • recommendations tailored to you (not “the same for everyone”)
  • a safer pregnancy
Discreet
Clear
Safe

Why choose Cito Polyclinic for prenatal tests or screening?

In addition to a top team of experts, Cito Polyclinic performs all the advanced prenatal screening tests available on the market. Available to you are the most well-known NIPT tests.

We provide: 

  • Expert consultations and a calm approach
  • An explanation of all the options, without rushing
  • A choice based on the weeks of pregnancy and your medical history
  • Coordination of the next steps if further work-up is needed

Not sure which test makes sense?

Tell us the week of pregnancy and what concerns you most - we will suggest the option that is genuinely useful for you.

Send an enquiry FAQ

Price of the perinatal test

It is understandable that the wide range of prices for prenatal tests (NIPT) can seem confusing. Although they are all based on the same technology (analysis of foetal DNA from the mother's blood), differences in price mostly depend on how deeply the test "looks".

The scope of testing (what does the test actually detect?) is the main factor. Tests are usually divided into packages, and the price rises with the number of disorders analysed: 

  • Basic packages: They focus only on the most common trisomies (Down, Edwards and Patau syndrome) and the baby's sex. These tests are the most affordable.

  • Extended packages: In addition to the basic trisomies, they also check for sex chromosome disorders and microdeletions (small defects on the chromosomes that can cause specific syndromes).

  • Complete (Premium) packages: Some tests today offer analysis of all 23 pairs of chromosomes or even screening for certain monogenic diseases. Because the analysis is much more complex, these tests are the most expensive..

You can get the first available appointment straight away by phone on +385 21 457 800 or by sending a short message via the contact form.

View the full price list
Doctors

Our team of expert physicians

Nađa Aračić
Doc.dr.sc.

Nađa Aračić, dr.med.

Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics

Subspecialist in Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction

Ante Mršić

Ante Mršić, dr.med.

Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics

Subspecialist in Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction

Petar Poljak

Petar Poljak, dr.med.

Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics

Subspecialist in Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction

Stipe Medvidović

Stipe Medvidović, dr.med

Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics

Testimonials from our patients

Heartfelt praise for Polyclinic Cito! Pleasant, attentive, always available. The nurses are smiling, calm, full of support. From the very first moment you get a feeling of safety and professionalism. I would like to highlight Dr. Petar Poljak and Sisters Ivana and Lucija. I also commend the cleanliness of the entire polyclinic :) Here you don't feel like a patient, but like a friend :) Thank you to the whole team!🩵

Darija T

08.01.2026.
5/5

I am extremely satisfied with the service at Polyclinic Cito. I would especially like to commend Dr. Petar Poljak who managed my pregnancy - professional, calm and always ready to explain everything in detail. A big thank you to Sister Lucija who was warm and attentive every time. A recommendation to everyone looking for quality and professional care 💕

Marina K

16.10.2025.
5/5

Exceptionally kind and wonderful staff, and I would especially like to highlight Dr. Ante Mršić, with whom even complicated pregnancies are stress-free - full of empathy, knowledge and care for his patients. I come and go from your clinic with joy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Antonia P

26.09.2025.
5/5

I would like to share my experience with Dr. Ante Mršić. At the hospital where he worked he was a top expert, but first and foremost a man with empathy. He proved to be a great expert during my pregnancies, so I sought him out at Cito for my 3rd pregnancy. And now, after all that, the Bartholin gland procedure: from the first contact he understood the seriousness of the situation, with a smile he scheduled the procedure for 8 in the morning. Once it was done, he broke my fear; the seriousness was felt, a true professional, a great expert, together with the entire team of nurses I met. Thank you Dr. Ante - I would always choose him. And to everyone in the Cito team.

Ivana O

08.10.2025.
5/5

All praise for the entire Polyclinic Cito, from Dr. Poljak to Dr. Aračić, all the way to the staff - Sister Janja, Sister Lucija... A kind word in difficult moments means a lot. Dr. Poljak is a great expert in his field; Dr. Aračić is kind, approachable and extremely thorough - in a word, all praise.

Ivana K

03.02.2026.
5/5

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