Laboratory

PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS AND GENETIC COUNSELING LABORATORY

Each our cell contains genetic material (DNA) which is organized into a unit, a gene. If they do not function correctly, this results in the development of genetic anomalies. Each of us, without knowing it, may carry one or more gene mutations. By undergoing numerous invasive and non-invasive techniques you will have access to important information about the genetic code on time, before a planned pregnancy or during pregnancy.
The objective of non-invasive biochemical screening, as well as invasive prenatal diagnosis is to determine the nature of potential or already present disorders in fetal development. These disorders may have developed due to genetic anomalies or for some other reason.

Which diagnostic method should be used depends on the gestational age at the time when the patient came to the doctor, the type of potential disorder as well as parental consent, given that some procedures carry some risk for the further course of pregnancy.

Genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis laboratory within specialised gynaecological hospital “Genesis” operate as a single unit. Patients come to genetic counselling on the basis of the recommendations by paediatrician, gynaecologist or at personal requests.

Genetic information is important:

  • To people whose families have hereditary diseases
  • To people who are carriers of peaceful (balanced) translocations
  • To people who have, or whose family member/s had congenital disorders (deviations in growth and development, insufficient mental development, gender disorder, families in which relatives got married)
  • In cases of sterility or during the preparation process for in vitro fertilization
  • In cases of two or more of spontaneous abortions or stillbirths
  • To pregnant women 35 years old, or older, to men 50 years old, or older, who want to become fathers (some authors believe that the age of the father is not significant)
  • To pregnant women who have been exposed to drugs, chemicals, infection or radiation.

The prenatal diagnosis laboratory is open and receives samples 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.