title: Issues in implementing prenatal screening for cystic fibrosis: results of a working conference.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To summarise a conference convened to examine how cystic fibrosis screening might appropriately be introduced into routine prenatal practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants included experts from various relevant disciplines. Systematic reviews and data from individual trials were presented; issues were identified and discussed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Judged by published criteria, prenatal cystic fibrosis screening is suitable for introduction. Screening can be performed cost effectively by identifying racial/ethnic groups at sufficient risk and then using either of two models for delivering laboratory services. Validated educational materials exist. Ethical issues are not unique.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Once adequate facilities for patient and provider education, testing, counselling, quality control, and monitoring are in place, individual programmes can begin prenatal screening for cystic fibrosis.
authors.affiliation: Foundation for Blood Research, Scarborough, Maine 04070-0190, USA.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Haddow
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Bradley
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Palomaki
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Doherty
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics / Q000235:genetics*; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004739:England; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008297:Male; D009154:Mutation; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011050:Policy Making; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000639:trends; D014481:United States