Screening for carriers of cystic fibrosis through primary health care services.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the uptake of cystic fibrosis carrier testing offered through primary health care services.


METHODS
Carrier testing for cystic fibrosis was offered to patients of reproductive age through primary health care services.


METHODS
Three general practice surgeries and four family planning clinics in South West Hertfordshire District Health Authority.


METHODS
Over 1000 patients aged 16-44 attending two general practices and four family planning clinics and a stratified random sample of patients aged 16-44 from one general practice's age-sex register.


RESULTS
When screening was offered opportunistically the uptake was 66% in general practice and 87% in family planning clinics. Ten per cent of those offered a screening appointment by letter took up the invitation. Of the screened population, 76% had previously heard of cystic fibrosis, 35% realised it is inherited, and 18% realised that carriers need not have any family history. If they found themselves in an "at risk" partnership 39% would consider not having children and 26% would consider terminating an affected pregnancy, but in each case most people were unsure how they would react.


CONCLUSIONS
Most people offered a cystic fibrosis test opportunistically wish to be tested, and the responses of those tested indicate that knowledge of carrier state would be considered in future reproductive decisions.
Watson
E K
EK
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, St Mary's Hospital Medical School, Imperial College, London.
Mayall
E
E
Chapple
J
J
Dalziel
M
M
Harrington
K
K
Williams
C
C
Williamson
R
R
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000235:genetics*; D004739:England; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011320:Primary Health Care; D018570:Risk Assessment; D035141:Voluntary Programs