Health Information
Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Screening
Who Should Be Screened?
Genetic testing can help people find out if they may be carriers of cystic fibrosis (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 only be ordered by a doctor. Reference Genetic counseling Opens New Window to help you understand the meaning and possible results of the test is recommended prior to genetic testing.
CF carrier screening is recommended for:Reference 1
- Adults with a positive Reference family history Opens New Window 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.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference June 15, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Reference Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology |
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