New Guidelines Improve Cystic Fibrosis Screening
Apr 2, 2025
Many newborn screening protocols miss cases of cystic fibrosis in Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American newborns, according to Dr. Meghan McGarry, a pediatric lung specialist and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. McGarry is the co-lead author of updated screening protocols recommended by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and published in the International Journal of Neonatal Screening. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s new guidelines call for uniform screening protocols in all states. Currently some are using limited DNA testing, which can cause many cases to be missed, particularly in newborns with rarer mutations that are found more in Asian, Hispanic, Black, American Indian and multiracial babies.
Many newborn screening protocols miss cases of cystic fibrosis in Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American newborns, according to Dr. Meghan McGarry, a pediatric lung specialist and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. McGarry is the co-lead author of updated screening protocols recommended by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and published in the International Journal of Neonatal Screening. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s new guidelines call for uniform screening protocols in all states. Currently some are using limited DNA testing, which can cause many cases to be missed, particularly in newborns with rarer mutations that are found more in Asian, Hispanic, Black, American Indian and multiracial babies.