Question and Answers

Text Size: A A A

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)

Mucoviscidosis
CF

Home > Genetic & Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) > Cystic fibrosis > Questions and Answers

Cystic fibrosis
Please note that the links contained on this search results page may take you to sites outside of the NIH. (See Disclaimer under Site Policies for details.)

More Detailed Information	Organizations	Medical Products	Services	Scientific Conferences	Clinical Trials & Research

Where can I get information on cystic fibrosis carrier screening and the official recommendations for pregnant women?

Where can I get information on cystic fibrosis carrier screening?
Where can I get information on the official recommendations for cystic fibrosis carrier screening?

Where can I get information on cystic fibrosis carrier screening? (Back to Top)
You can find information on cystic fibrosis carrier screening from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the following link:
http://www.cff.org/AboutCF/Testing/GeneticCarrierTest/

If you or your partner are interested in carrier screening for cystic fibrosis, you might consider speaking with a genetics professional. Genetics clinics are a source of information for individuals and families regarding genetic conditions, treatment, inheritance, and genetic risks to other family members. More information about genetic consultations is available from Genetics Home Reference at http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/consult. To find a genetics clinic, we recommend that you contact your primary healthcare provider for a referral.

The following online resources can help you find a genetics professional in your community:
- GeneTests has a searchable directory of US and international genetics and prenatal diagnosis clinics.
- The National Society for Genetic Counselors provides a searchable directory of US and international genetic counseling services.
- The American College of Medical Genetics has a searchable database of US genetics clinics.
- The University of Kansas Medical Center provides a list of US and international genetic centers, clinics, and departments.
- The American Society of Human Genetics maintains a database of its members, which includes individuals who live outside of the United States. Visit the link to obtain a list of the geneticists in your country, some of whom may be researchers that do not provide medical care.
Last Reviewed: 8/23/2011
Where can I get information on the official recommendations for cystic fibrosis carrier screening? (Back to Top)
Recommendations and guidelines for genetic carrier screening may differ among organizations; additionally, they are often updated over time as we learn more about the genetic basis of disease and the effects of genetic screening. Information subject to change may include the populations for which screening is recommended, and the type or extent of screening recommended for individuals or populations.
In 2001, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) began recommending that ob-gyns make DNA carrier screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) available to all couples seeking preconception or prenatal care — not just those with a personal or family history of carrying a CF gene mutation, as previously recommended. To read more about ACOG’s CF carrier screening guidelines, click here.

The American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) also has an article discussing how over the years the number of mutations that are looked for in CF carrier screening has increased to better identify carriers. To read more about this, click here.
Individuals seeking information about specific screening recommendations for themselves or family members should speak with a genetics professional.
Last Reviewed: 6/22/2012

Note: If you need help accessing information in different file formats such as PDF, MP3, see Viewers, Players, and Plug-ins.