Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Screening: Who Should Be Screened

Content provided by Healthwise

Who Should Be Screened?

Genetic testing is available to screen people who want to determine whether they may be carriers of CF. This type of genetic testing allows parents to find out if they have an increased chance of having a child with CF. Anyone who is interested in knowing his or her carrier status can request the test, but the test can be ordered only by a health professional. Genetic counseling to help you understand the meaning and possible results of the test is recommended prior to genetic testing.

CF carrier screening is recommended for:^{1, 2}

• Adults with a positive family history of CF.
• Partners of people with CF. If one partner has CF and the other partner has the defective CF gene, a child will have a 50% chance of having CF.
• Couples planning to have children.
• Pregnant women (and their partners) who seek prenatal care, regardless of family history.

Last updated:	June 26, 2007
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC