Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be tested every time I have a baby?
NO. If you are not a carrier, you remain at very low risk of having a child with CF. If you are a carrier and you have a new partner, your new partner will need to be tested.
What if I have a relative who is a carrier of CF?
Your chance of being a carrier of CF is greater than most people and you and your partner should consider testing. There is no charge for testing where an individual residing in Victoria has an immediate blood relative with CF. You should contact us on 83416201 to discuss testing in this situation.
If I am a carrier, who else should be tested?
If you are found to be a carrier, your partner should be tested. As you are a carrier, you have inherited the alteration in your CFTR gene from one of your parents. Your brothers and sisters are at risk of being carriers, as are your cousins, so they should be advised of your carrier status and consider having testing.
If no gene alteration is found, could I still be a carrier?
YES. The current carrier test detects about 83% of carriers, and cannot detect every gene change that causes CF. If no change is found, you are not a carrier of the most common gene changes, but there is still a small risk that you are a carrier.
If I am a carrier, can I develop CF?
NO. If you are a carrier, you have an alteration in one of your two CFTR genes. A person can only be affected with CF when they have two altered CFTR genes. Relatives of carriers are more likely to be carriers and may wish to have testing.
If I have no family history of CF can I have a child with CF?
YES. More than 95% of couples who have a child with CF have no family history of this condition. This is because carriers of CF are healthy and unless tested would be unaware that they are carriers.
How do I arrange to have a test?
You can arrange a test through your Obstetrician, general practitioner or contact Vicki Petrou on 83416201 to discuss how you go about obtaining our Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Screening Pack for testing. Your doctor will need to sign your request form.
How long until I get a result?
It takes 5 - 7 working days from when your cheek brush arrives in the laboratory to process and send the results to your doctor.
How do I get my results?
Results are mailed to your referring doctor.