What are prenatal tests?
Prenatal tests are diagnostic examinations of the child in fetal life, which are performed before birth. They allow early detection of diseases or defects in children during the prenatal period. This is important because treatment of some of these diseases can be started as early as the pregnancy stage, or preparations can be made for appropriate therapy when the baby arrives in the world.
Pregnant women's prenatal tests are financed by the National Health Service.
As of June 5 this year, all pregnant women can have a free prenatal diagnosis as part of the Prenatal Testing Program funded by the National Health Fund. Regardless of age. The tests are performed on women between the 11th and 14th week of pregnancy. They are referred by the doctor in charge of the pregnancy.
Types of prenatal tests in the NHF program.
Under the program pregnant woman:
- Will perform non-invasive tests, viz:
- Fetal ultrasound performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy and 18 and 22 (+ 6 days)
- Biochemical tests performed according to the age of pregnancy - PAPP-A, free-β -hCG, AFP, Estriol
In case of the need for in-depth diagnostics:
- will receive genetic counseling
- will perform cytogenetic tests
- will receive a referral for the collection of material for genetic testing by amniocentesis, trophoblast biopsy or ultrasound-guided cordocentesis (after consenting to their performance).
Read more in the latest NFZ Patient Guide. This is a practical guide to the health care system from the patient's perspective. Written simply and concretely. All guides are available at https://www.nfz.gov.pl/dla-pacjenta/poradnik-pacjenta/
Source: press release
