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Testing for Genetic Disorders

Related Genetic Tests

Cystic Fibrosis

Includes a personalized report, a letter for your doctor, and toll-free support

Price: $260.00

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Pre-test & Post-test Consultation

Our genetic experts can counsel you before and after testing.

Price: $250 per hour

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CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Who Is At Risk for Cystic Fibrosis?

Over 10 million people in the United States are CF carriers, and most do not know it. Having a family member with CF increases the chance of being a carrier, but most carriers don't have a known family history of CF. Because family history is not a very good way of figuring out who is a carrier on its own, medical professionals now recommend CF carrier screening based on where a person's ancestors came from (ethnic background).

Ethnicity

Some ethnic groups have higher CF carrier rates than others. To learn more about why some ethnic groups have increased risks for certain genetic mutations, read more about the Founder Effect and Beneficial Mutation Theory.

The table below shows the risks, based on broad ethnic groups in the United States, for carrying one CF mutation.

Ethnicity	Carrier Risk
Caucasian (white, European ancestry)	1 in 25
Ashkenazi Jewish	1 in 25
Hispanic	1 in 46
African American	1 in 65
Asian	1 in 90

Since many people are of mixed ancestry in the United States, it can be difficult to give exact risks based on race and ethnicity. In addition, some smaller groups have not had extensive studies, so the risks of being a carrier are not yet clear.

For this reason, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American College of Medical Genetics recommend that CF carrier screening should be offered to all individuals who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, and all those of Caucasian ancestry.