How to Get a Cystic Fibrosis Genetic Test
Cystic fibrosis is a life threatening genetic condition. Early detection and proper nutritional care at an early age can help improve the affected person's health, but there is no cure for the disease. Many insurance companies will now cover the cost of a cystic fibrosis genetic test.
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Instructions
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Get a Genetic Test for Cystic Fibrosis
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Research cystic fibrosis thoroughly so you can ask your doctor informed questions if you think you might need to get a genetic test for cystic fibrosis. A family history of this or other inherited genetic disorders makes you a good candidate for a cystic fibrosis genetic test.
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Get a cystic fibrosis genetic test before you become pregnant if you are thinking about starting a family. Doctors will test your blood or saliva for the presence of a gene mutation that is responsible for cystic fibrosis.
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Have your partner tested for cystic fibrosis as well. When both parents are carriers, the chances your child will inherit the disease are strong.
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Consider in vitro fertilization as an option when both parents carry the cystic fibrosis gene mutation. In this method, doctors can test each fertilized egg for the presence of cystic fibrosis before it is implanted into the uterus. This way they can be sure that only eggs free from cystic fibrosis are allowed to mature and develop into an embryo.
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Recognize that there is a strong chance you will have to make a very hard decision. If your developing embryo does have cystic fibrosis, know that its life will be cut short and its health will always be poor. Termination of the pregnancy is something you will have to consider.
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Test the developing fetus for cystic fibrosis. Sometimes parents don't know they're carriers until mid-pregnancy. Doctors can perform a CVS test during the eleventh week of pregnancy to check for cystic fibrosis or an amniocentesis during the sixteenth week.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with your insurance company to make sure that they cover the cost of genetic testing of this type before you go to your doctor.
Coping with the physical, emotional, psychological and financial stresses of caring for someone with cystic fibrosis can be difficult. Studies show that people who join a cystic fibrosis support group do better than those who do not. Local meetings of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation occur in cities all across the country every single day.
