Cystic Fibrosis Educational Information
How is Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Newborn Screening performed?
In October 2007, the State of Indiana added cystic fibrosis (CF) to its newborn screening panel. In Indiana, CF newborn screening is a two-step process performed on a standard Guthrie card. The first step involves analysis of immunoreactive trypsin (IRT). Specimens that have IRT levels in the top 4% are considered abnormal; these specimens are then automatically sent for a second test that checks for mutations within the CFTR gene. Indiana's CF newborn screening looks for 43 of the most common CFTR gene changes.
The screen is considered “positive” for CF if one or more mutations from the panel are detected. At this step, the healthcare practitioner is notified of the positive test by the Indiana University Newborn Screening Laboratory.
Click here to view “Cystic Fibrosis: A Review for Healthcare Providers."
Click here to download the Physician Reporting Form.
Click here for a list of resources for families of children with newborn screening conditions.
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