Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia


 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Neonatal cystic fibrosis screening test

Cystic fibrosis screening - neonatal; Immunoreactive trypsinogen; IRT test; CF - screening

 

Neonatal cystic fibrosis screening is a blood test that screens newborns for cystic fibrosis (CF).

How the Test is Performed

 

A sample of blood is either taken from the bottom of the baby's foot or a vein in the arm. A tiny drop of blood is collected onto a piece of filter paper and allowed to dry. The dried blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis.

The blood sample is examined for increased levels of immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT). This is a protein produced by the pancreas that is linked to CF.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

The brief feeling of discomfort will probably cause your baby to cry.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

Cystic fibrosis is a disease passed down through families. CF causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tract. It can lead to breathing and digestive problems.

Children with CF who are diagnosed early in life and start treatment at a young age may have better nutrition, growth, and lung function. This screening test helps doctors identify children with CF before they have symptoms.

Some states include this test in the routine newborn screening tests that are done before the baby leaves the hospital.

If you live in a state that does not perform routine CF screening, your health care provider will explain whether testing is needed.

Other tests that look for genetic changes known to cause CF may also be used to screen for CF.

 

Normal Results

 

If the test result is negative, the child likely does not have CF. If the test result is negative but the baby has symptoms of CF, further testing will likely be done.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

An abnormal (positive) result suggests that your child may have CF. But it is important to remember that a positive screening test does not diagnose CF. If your child's test is positive, more tests will be done to confirm the possibility of CF.

  • Sweat chloride test is the standard diagnostic test for CF. A high salt level in the person's sweat is a sign of the disease.
  • Genetic testing may also be done.

Not all children with a positive result have CF.

 

Risks

 

Risks associated with the test include:

  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
  • Anxiety over false positive results
  • False reassurance over false negative results

 

 

References

Egan ME, Green DM, Voynow JA. Cystic fibrosis. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 403.

Lo SF. Laboratory testing in infants and children. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 726.

 
  • Infant blood sample - illustration

    To draw blood, a needle is inserted beneath the skin. Regardless of the amount of pain, infants will usually cry.

    Infant blood sample

    illustration

    • Infant blood sample - illustration

      To draw blood, a needle is inserted beneath the skin. Regardless of the amount of pain, infants will usually cry.

      Infant blood sample

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Neonatal cystic fibrosis screening test

         

         

        Review Date: 5/18/2016

        Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

        The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

         
         
         

         

         

        A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



        Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.