What is a CF Carrier Screen test?

A CF carrier test is a test performed to check whether or not a person carries the abnormal genetic pattern that causes cystic fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease.  CF affects digestion and breathing.  CF is caused by an abnormal gene that causes the body to produce a thick mucus in the lungs, which causes infections that can be and often are life-threatening.  The life expectancy for someone with CF is 30 years.

Typically, for a child to get CF, he has to have genes from both mother and father that cause CF.  Many people may have the CF gene but never have symptoms of actual CF;  they are called CF carriers.  If both parents are CF carriers, there is a 1 in 4 chance that the child will have CF.  If only one parent is a CF carrier there is only a remote chance that the baby would have CF, and only a 50% chance that the baby will be a carrier. 

CF tests have traditionally been available only to couples who are at increased risk for being CF carriers because of family history.  However, many providers are making CF testing available to all couples.  Your insurance company may or may not cover a CF test if you have no family history of CF. 

If the results of a CF Carrier screen test show that both parents are CF carriers, your physician can test the baby in utero.  If the baby has CF, parents can take time before delivery to learn more about the disease and find appropriate specialists.

Each pregnancy, expectant mother, and unborn child is different. Your pregnancy may not progress the same as the information found here. The information here is based on the average pregnancy. It's not meant to be a replacement for any advice your may receive from your doctor. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, we advise you to contact your doctor.

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