Lifespan's A - Z Health Information Library

Neonatal cystic fibrosis screening is a blood test that looks for increased levels of immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT), an enzyme produced by the pancreas. The test is performed on newborns to diagnose cystic fibrosis (CF).

A sample of blood is either taken from the bottom of the baby's foot of a vein in the arm. A tiny drop of blood is collected onto a piece of filter paper and allowed to dry. The dried blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis.

There is no special preparation needed.

Some states include this test in the routine newborn screening tests that are done before the baby leaves the hospital.

If you live in a state that does not perform routine CF screening, your health care provider will explain whether testing is needed.

The brief feeling of discomfort will probably cause your baby to cry.

Children with CF who are diagnosed early in life and start treatment at a young age may have better nutrition, growth, and lung function. Newborn screening tests allow doctors to identify children with CF before they have symptoms.

Normal values vary from lab to lab. Ask your doctor or testing center for details.

If your child's IRT level is high, further tests will be done to confirm the possibility of CF. Not all children with a positive screening IRT test have CF.

Risks associated with the test include:

• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• Parental anxiety over false positive tests
• False reassurance over false negative tests

The IRT level does not indicate the severity of the CF. False-positives may occur.

Gross SD, Boyle CA, Botkin JR, et al. Newborn Screening for Cystic Fibrosis:Evaluation of Benefits and Risks and Recommendations for State Newborn Screening Programs. MMWR. 2004;53(RR13);1-36.

Comeau AM, Parad RB, Dorkin HL, et al. Population-based newborn screening for genetic disorders when multiple mutation DNA testing is incorporated: a cystic fibrosis newborn screening model demonstrating increased sensitivity but more carrier detections. Pediatrics. 2004 Jun;113(6):1573-81.