Testing Genes to Detect Cystic Fibrosis

Expectant parents have developed a new trend of undergoing career screening to find out possible existence of cystic fibrosis or CF. Cystic fibrosis is a syndrome that has proved to be a genetic disorder that reduces the life span of babies. In Victoria, the current process of determining CF is screening and there are no alternatives available to replace the process.
 The genetic services are also expensive and costs over $200 per person. However, very few are aware of the availability of career screening even when they are planning pregnancy. At the same time many are not aware of the possible dangers of carrying CF without having a family history.
 “An alarming fact that many people may not be aware of is that there does not have to be a family history for someone to be a carrier of CF. In fact more than 95% of all carriers don’t have a family history”, according to Dr Ioannou who is conducting a research on CF at present.