Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Carrier Screen
Key points
- Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease affecting breathing and digestion that is caused by an abnormal gene involved in mucus production in the body.
- The mucus is important in preventing infections and absorbing food within the body.
- Sufferers of cystic fibrosis lead an average lifespan of 30 years.
- The CF carrier screen is a blood test taken by parents to see if they carry the abnormal genes that cause CF, in order to determine the risk of having a child with CF.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Carrier Screen
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease affecting breathing and digestion that is caused by an abnormal gene involved in mucus production in the body.
The mucus is important in preventing infections and absorbing food within the body. Sufferers of cystic fibrosis lead an average lifespan of 30 years.
The CF carrier screen is a blood test taken by parents to see if they carry the abnormal genes that cause CF, in order to determine the risk of having a child with CF. If the test results show that both parents are CF carriers, your health care provider can test the baby. If the baby has CF, parents can take time before delivery to learn more about the disease and find appropriate specialists. Whether you have the test is your own personal choice, but if you have a family history of CF it is an important test to do.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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