Testing for CF

Diagnosing cystic fibrosis is a multistep process. A complete diagnostic evaluation should include a newborn screening, a sweat chloride test, a genetic or carrier test, and a clinical evaluation at a CF Foundation-accredited care center.

What You Need To Know

Blog Post

Carrier Testing for Cystic Fibrosis

Carrier (or genetic) testing not only plays a key role in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, but testing also allows parents to find out what their chances are of having a child with CF to help inform important family planning decisions.

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  1. Article

    Newborn Screening for CF

    Newborn screening (NBS) is a nationwide program to identify babies born with certain health conditions, including cystic fibrosis. While a sweat test should be used to rule out or confirm a CF diagnosis, NBS can help you and your health care providers take immediate steps to keep your child as healthy as possible.

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  2. Article

    Sweat Test

    If you show symptoms of cystic fibrosis or your baby has a positive newborn screen for CF, a sweat test at a CF Foundation-accredited care center can help provide a CF diagnosis by measuring the concentration of salt in a person's sweat. This painless test is the most reliable way to diagnose CF.

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  3. Article

    CFTR-Related Metabolic Syndrome (CRMS)

    Your doctor may classify your baby as having CRMS/CFSPID if he or she has a positive newborn screen and subsequent sweat chloride test results that fall into an uncertain or borderline range described as "intermediate."

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  1. Article

    How Babies Are Screened in IRT-Only vs. IRT-DNA States

    Babies born in a state that only tests IRT levels will need to have the IRT test repeated at a pediatrician's office. If the IRT level remains high on a second test, a sweat test will need to be done at a CF Foundation-accredited care center.

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  2. Blog Post

    The Unexpected Road to Unexpected Blessings

    There is no way to prepare yourself for hearing the words, "I am sorry but your child has cystic fibrosis." That day, that moment, is forever etched into my memory, heart and soul.

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