Cystic fibrosis carrier screening in two New South Wales country towns

To assess the feasibility of offering community testing for carrier status of delta F508, a gene mutation associated with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Prospective pilot survey.

General practice, the two main high schools and workplaces in the country towns of Young and Harden (combined population, 14,940; with 7707 people aged 16-55 years) in New South Wales (NSW).

Individuals aged 16 years and over.

Number of delta F508 carriers, test uptake rates, mode of learning about the testing, motivation for testing, retention of knowledge about CF, and test results and emotional effects of knowledge about carrier status.

We tested 610 people (8% of the population aged 16-55 years) and identified 47 carriers (20% of the expected number in the 7707 people aged 16-55 years). Testing in schools had the highest uptake. Retention of knowledge was high; all delta F508-positive individuals recalled their carrier status accurately. Anxiety was transient among carriers; over 90% of all respondents felt they had made the right decision to be tested.

We recommend community testing for carrier detection and suggest targeting those with a family history of CF and girls aged over 16 in high schools.