Campbell, Ca., August 26, 2005 - Cystic Fibrosis Testing - Critical for Prenatal Screening
Hunter Laboratories, Inc. now offers Cystic Fibrosis (CF) DNA testing. CF is a common genetic disorder caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the CFTR gene.
Patients with CF have a defective CFTR protein that cannot perform its cell membrane transport function, resulting in thick, sticky mucus that clogs internal organs. This affects the function of the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, and
reproductive system, which leads to organ damage.
DNA testing for mutations in the CFTR gene has a critical role in prenatal screening. Most importantly, it can be used to identify at-risk couples that are carriers of the abnormal genes.
The incidence of the carrier state is highest in non-Jewish Caucasians of European Ancestry and Ashkenazi Jews, being present in approximately 1 in 30 individuals in these populations.
Widespread screening has been recommended by the National Institutes of Health, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American College of Medical Genetics.
According to published guidelines, carrier screening for cystic fibrosis should be offered to all couples that are expecting a child or planning a pregnancy. The accuracy of prenatal screening is greatest when both parents are tested.
