Michigan’s Newborn Screening (NBS) Program began screening for cystic fibrosis in 2007 using an IRT (Immune Reactive Trypsinogen)/DNA (screening for 40 mutations) method.
Infants with high IRT and one or two mutations are referred to University of Michigan NBS office, led by Dr. Samya Nasr as the cystic fibrosis NBS coordinator for the State of Michigan.
The NBS office communicates with the primary physicians and family of a patient with a positive screening to choose a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-accredited center for testing to confirm the diagnosis. Babies can be referred to our center or to one of the other 4 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-accredited centers in Michigan.
Our center reports the diagnostic outcome to the NBS Program. Outcomes for all positive screens are maintained in a database and screening performance metrics are reviewed by the CF NBS Quality Improvement Committee.
U-M has been leading significant research efforts in the cystic fibrosis NBS program, including research focusing on improving the NBS process and reducing the parental anxiety associated with positive screening. These research projects have been funded by the CFF and have been presented at national and international meetings, as well as published in reputable journals.
Questions about the University of Michigan NBS office can be directed to 734-936-9515.
What to do when newborn screening results are positive for cystic fibrosis
A positive newborn screening result tells you that your baby might have CF. Further testing through a sweat test is required in order to rule out or confirm an actual diagnosis.
The sweat test will measure how much salt is in your baby's sweat. This test is the most reliable way to diagnose CF.
The sweat test should be done at a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-accredited care center. Michigan's NBS Program will work with families and physicians to schedule the sweat test at one of 5 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-accredited centers in Michigan.
Additional Newborn Screening Resources
- Information about Newborn Screening for CF (cff.org)
- Newborn Screening education for patients and families
- Information about CFTR-related Metabolic Syndrome (CRMS)
- Genetic Carrier Testing for CF
- Information for parents of a baby who is a CF carrier
- Newborn Screening education for healthcare providers
Make an Appointment
To schedule an appointment to discuss cystic fibrosis care at U-M, call us at 734-764-4123.