Carrier of Cystic Fibrosis

What does it mean to be a carrier of Cystic Fibrosis? 

Your child was found to have one non-working copy of the CF gene and a negative sweat test, so they do not have CF.

They are a carrier for CF. This means either you or your partner are also a carrier of the CF gene. When only one parent is a carrier, the chances of having children with CF are low.

• 50% will be a carrier for the CF gene
• 50% will not have the CF gene

However, it is possible both you and your partner are carriers of the CF gene even though your child does not have CF. It is important to know each time two CF carriers have a child, their child has a:

• 25% chance of having CF
• 25% chance of not having CF
• 50% chance of being a carrier

Why is carrier testing important?

Parents who plan to have more children should consider carrier testing. Carrier (genetic) testing can determine if you and your partner are both carriers for CF and help determine your chance of having a child with CF.

Other children or siblings may want to know if they are carriers eventually. Carrier testing is available at Arkansas Children's Hospital or through your primary care doctor. Insurance may or may not cover testing.

To learn more about your status as a carrier or about carrier testing, talk with your healthcare provider or a genetic counselor.

Children who are carriers for CF should grow and develop normally

Children who are carriers for CF do not typically have symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis or CF disease.

Children who are carriers for CF do not require medical treatment for CF. Your child can pass their nonworking CF gene on to their children.

Your child’s future children could have CF if their mate also is a carrier for CF. Your child should be made aware of this risk when they are old enough to understand genetics and begin to plan for a family.