Ontario Newborn Screening Program: Cystic Fibrosis

The Ontario Newborn Screening Program is a provincial program that will screen every newborn in Ontario for at least 27 rare disorders.

On April 7th, 2008, screening for cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder involving the lungs and digestive tract, was added to the list of newborn screening tests. One in every 25 Canadians carries a defective version of the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis. However, in order to have cystic fibrosis, a person must inherit two defective genes, one from the mother and one from the father.

As a result of cystic fibrosis screening, parents will find out if their child has a "carrier status". Carrier status does not mean your child has cystic fibrosis or that they will develop it. However, carrier status will have implications when the child is ready to start a family as they will be able to pass this gene onto their children.

For more information, please visit www.newbornscreening.on.ca.