ACOG recommendations

In late 2001, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) began recommending that ob-gyns make DNA screening for cystic fibrosis available to all couples seeking preconception or prenatal care — not just those with a personal or family history of carrying the CF gene, as previously recommended.

Couples who learn they both carry the CF gene would have a one in four chance of delivering a child with cystic fibrosis. It is one of the most common genetic disorders in Caucasian populations, carried by about one in 29 Caucasians. It is much less frequent in Asian Americans (carried by one in 90), in African Americans (one in 65), and in Hispanic Americans (one in 46).

Among ACOG's recommendations:

• Testing will be made available to all couples, whatever their risk for carrying the CF gene, through information brochures on CF given to couples seeking preconception or prenatal care. These materials explain the relative risks for carrying CF, screening options, and what steps are next should a couple learn that they carry the CF gene.
• For couples in ethnic or racial groups considered at higher risk for carrying the CF gene — Caucasians, particularly those of European or Ashkenazi Jewish descent — physicians will specifically offer screening and will follow up with inquiries about the couple's decision on whether to be screened.