How is Cystic Fibrosis diagnosed?
In New Zealand the National Testing Laboratory has been screening all new-born infants for Cystic Fibrosis since mid-1981. This test was devised by Professor Bob Elliott. It measures the amount of pancreatic enzymes in a baby's blood. This is conveniently done by using the blood spot sample which is routinely taken on all babies on the fifth day of life, and which is used to check for other diseases. This measurement of pancreatic enzyme levels is not a definitive diagnosis, but 'screens' out the babies that are likely to have Cystic Fibrosis.
In New Zealand the National Testing Laboratory has been screening all new-born infants for Cystic Fibrosis since mid-1981. This test was devised by Professor Bob Elliott. It measures the amount of pancreatic enzymes in a baby's blood. This is conveniently done by using the blood spot sample which is routinely taken on all babies on the fifth day of life, and which is used to check for other diseases. This measurement of pancreatic enzyme levels is not a definitive diagnosis, but 'screens' out the babies that are likely to have Cystic Fibrosis.