Cystic Fibrosis
Healthcare Professionals Resources - Newborn Screening

Newborn Screening for Cystic Fibrosis - Information for Healthcare Professionals

Ohio has been screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) with its Newborn Screening Program since 2006. Approximately 500 newborns screen positive for CF through this program each year. However, fewer than 10 percent of babies who screen positive actually have CF.

A confirmatory sweat test must be performed on any baby who screens positive on the CF portion of the newborn screening test. Confirmatory testing for CF can cause anxiety for patients and families, but particularly for the parents of asymptomatic newborns. Clinicians need to strike a delicate balance by encouraging parents to pursue appropriate follow up without unduly alarming the family.

FAQ's: My patient had a positive CF newborn screening test

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Newborn Screening: Information for Families

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Has your child received a positive newborn cystic fibrosis screening? Read about next steps, and other info for parents. Read More