Newborn Screening

Newborn bloodspot screening for Cystic Fibrosis commenced in Ireland on 1st July 2011. All newborn children in Ireland are now tested for CF as part of the existing newborn bloodspot programme. Newborn blood spot screening is usually known as the 'heel-prick test'.

The leaflets included in this section are primarily for parents who have been informed by a specialised CF doctor or nurse following screening that their child is suspected of having CF or does not have CF but is a healthy carrier of cystic fibrosis.

LEAFLETS

Increased Risk of CF - For parents who have been informed that their baby is an increased risk of CF. Download
The Sweat Test - For parents who have been informed that their child must have a sweat test to determine if they have CF Download
Healthy Carrier of CF - For parents who have been informed that their child does not have CF, but is a carrier of CF Download

Background to the Newborn Bloodspot Screening

From 1 July 2011, newborn babies are screened for the following six conditions as part of the heel-prick test:

  • Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
  • Phenylketonuria (PKU)
  • Congenital Hypothyroidism
  • Maple Syrup Urine Disease
  • Classical Galactosaemia
  • Homocystinuria

The newborn blood spot programme commenced in 1966 and used to be known as the 'Guthrie Test'. CF is the most recent addition to the screening programme.

CF Ireland have an Information for New Parents for parents whose child is diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Please contact us on +353 1 496 2433 or email info@cfireland.ie.

More information on the newborn screening service can also be found on the HSE website at the following link: www.newbornscreening.ie