Ireland screens newborns for cystic fibrosis

Ireland has begun to test all newborns for cystic fibrosis (CF). From 1 July, the test for CF is being performed under its newborn bloodspot screening programme, as part of the so-called heel prick test. Until now, this tested for the following inherited conditions: phenylketonuria (PKU), maple syrup urine disease, homocystinuria, classical galactosaemia and congenital hypothyroidism. Ireland has a high incidence of CF compared with other EU countries, according to the Health Service Executive. “Early identification and care is of great benefit to children with CF,” it said.