Cystic Fibrosis: Diagnosis

There are a number of ways to diagnose cystic fibrosis (CF). Both parents must carry the gene. If you have a sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin or other relative who has CF, you may also carry the gene. A blood test, a scrape of tissue from inside the mouth, or a sweat chloride test can be used to detect CF.

Unfortunately, many people only discover that they are carriers when they have a child born with CF. Several states have mandatory cystic fibrosis screening for newborns.

This information has been approved by Jerry Nick, MD (March, 2006).