Carrier screening
Genetics of cystic fibrosis
9 out of 10 children born with cystic fibrosis are born into families with no known family history of the condition. To have a child with cystic fibrosis, both parents must be a carrier of the gene change that causes cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis carrier screening services are available to help you and your partner find out whether you are among the one million Australians who carry the gene change.
If both parents are carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene change, then with each pregnancy there is a 25% chance of that child having cystic fibrosis.
Being a cystic fibrosis carrier does not mean you have cystic fibrosis and carriers usually display no symptoms of cystic fibrosis.
What is cystic fibrosis carrier screening?
Cystic fibrosis carrier screening is a genetic test that will help to identify if you have changes to the cystic fibrosis gene. The test involves providing a blood or saliva sample and requires a referral from your GP, obstetrician or gynaecologist. Other family members can choose to be tested so they are aware of their cystic fibrosis carrier status if they are planning to have children.
There are around 2 000 gene changes that cause cystic fibrosis and a typical cystic fibrosis screening will identify the most common cystic fibrosis gene changes in Australia. However, there is still a small risk that you may be a carrier of a rare cystic fibrosis gene change.
If you have a family history of cystic fibrosis, it is important to tell your GP, obstetrician or gynaecologist before providing your sample for screening. This will ensure that you are being tested for the most common cystic fibrosis gene changes as well as the specific gene change relevant to your family.
Cystic fibrosis carrier screening is only available to those 18 years and over and is the only way to find out if you are a carrier of the cystic fibrosis gene change. The test can be ordered prior to pregnancy or early in a pregnancy.
Our Carrier Screening Information Card can be found here.
Cystic Fibrosis Queensland’s position on carrier screening
Cystic Fibrosis Queensland encourages people to make an informed choice about knowing their cystic fibrosis carrier status as early as possible. The earlier carrier status is known, the longer carriers have to make a thorough, informed and considered choice about their reproductive options including, but not limited to: understanding the impact of having a child with cystic fibrosis; understanding the risks of having a child with cystic fibrosis; and exploring IVF options.
Cystic Fibrosis Queensland encourages people interested in understanding their risks of being a carrier for cystic fibrosis to consult a genetic counsellor and supports efforts to make carrier screening accessible for anyone who is interested in learning about their cystic fibrosis carrier status. This includes raising awareness of cystic fibrosis, raising awareness of carrier screening services and addressing other potential barriers to access and informed choice (e.g. cost of screening).
