Mailer Delay July 2023
Once resolved, we will provide notice and all results previously unmailed will be mailed.
Results may be obtained by contacting our office at (206)418-5410. Please feel free to contact our office with questions or concerns.
Newborn Screening CF Algorithm Update
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a treatable disorder that affects the body’s control of salt levels. It causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive system, and other organs. Affected babies have two CF-causing variants in the CFTR gene, one from each parent. More than 700 gene variants have been described that cause CF.
CF occurs in about one in every 5,400 babies in Washington State. Early detection and treatment have improved digestive problems, growth, and breathing difficulties for more than 250 babies born in Washington State since newborn screening for CF started in 2006.
The Newborn Screening Program and pulmonologists at the Seattle Children’s Hospital CF Center have been collaborating on ways to speed up diagnosis and treatment of babies with CF. On July 1, 2023, we will expand our CF DNA testing protocols. This will identify more babies with CF and do it faster than current methods. Timely diagnostic testing at an accredited CF center is critical for these babies.
The newborn screening follow-up team will contact medical providers to coordinate this testing for the babies with positive results.