Cystic Fibrosis: Diagnosis, Sweat Testing, and Newborn Screening

I. Diagnosis Making the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) has lifelong implications for affected individuals and their families, for both medical and insurance reasons. Therefore, it is imperative that the clinician approach this problem with sensitivity and seriousness of purpose. The diagnosis should be considered in any child or adult who presents with the signs or symptoms listed in Table 1. Classical CF presents in childhood with the combination of poor growth and respiratory symptoms. A variety of other signs and symptoms may develop over time (Fig. 1) (1).