Genetics

Comprehensive Cystic Fibrosis Screening and Counseling

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems. Genetic testing is available to identify children who have the disease and people who are healthy carriers of the gene for the disease. The multidisciplinary team at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is available to discuss your individual risk and the testing process, and provide information and appropriate care.

• Newborn Screening: Screening tests are performed in New York to identify newborns who may be at risk for CF. When a baby has a "positive newborn screen for CF," families are notified that additional testing is necessary to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of CF. Our genetic counselors and specialists in the Cystic Fibrosis Center at NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital provide additional testing, education, counseling, and comprehensive care as needed.
• Prenatal Screening: If you don't have CF but are concerned you may carry the gene for the disease, we offer genetic counseling and testing. The counseling session provides an opportunity to discuss CF, its inheritance, your individual genetic risk, and testing options. The session lasts approximately one hour and includes a complete family medical history.