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Ency. home > Test > N > Neonatal cystic fibrosis screening

Neonatal cystic fibrosis screening   

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Cystic fibrosis screening - neonatal; Immunoreactive trypsinogen

Definition:

A pancreatic test evaluating immunoreactive trypsinogen that is performed on newborn infants. The test helps to identify who may have cystic fibrosis (CF).

How the Test is Performed

The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood is collected onto a test strip. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.

How to Prepare for the Test

Your health care provider will explain the test to you and that false positives and false negatives are possible. You must sign a consent form before the test.

How the Test will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. The brief feeling of discomfort will probably cause your baby to cry.

Why the Test is Performed

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the sweat glands as well as the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Trypsinogen is produced by the pancreas and is elevated in babies with cystic fibrosis. This test is a screening tool to identify those infants that need further testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Ency. home > Test > N > Neonatal cystic fibrosis screening

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