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Having test run is another thing that goes hand in hand with CF. In the post I will introduce and explain the most common test done.                                                                                                                                                                        

Test to Diagnose                                                                                                                                                                         Sweat Test- Considered the best way to diagnose CF when done correctly. This test measures the amount of salt chemicals in sweat. This test may be done as early as 48 hours after birth  but may need to be repeated due to newborns not producing enough sweat.

Genetic Carrier Testing- This test looks at a persons DNA an is able to determine if this person is a carrier of the altered genes causing CF. This test is useful for any and everyone considering or trying to conceive. This test is done by scraping cells from the inside of the mouth or by drawing blood.

Newborn Screening- A test to detect the possibility of having CF early on. The earlier CF is diagnosed the less damage may be caused. For this test blood is drawn a couple of days after birth and sent to the lab to be checked for high levels of  IRT (enzyme created by the pancreas).                         

Pulmonary Function Test                                                                                                                                                              A group of tests that measure how well the patients lungs are working. In the doctors office you will hear alot of random letters used during the test or when reading the test that may not make sense to you if your new but I will add my own little glossary in a post =).

Spirometry- This is the most common test for measuring breath. During this test the patient will take the deepest breath they can, and then exhale into the sensor as hard as possible, for as long as possible. After repeating the test a few times to insure consistency the test will show the amount and speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. This test is highly dependent on patient cooperation and effort and may be difficult for small children.  

Lung Volumes- This is a set of test where 1 of the 3 may be done or all 3 will be done in attempt to measure the amount of air.                                                                                                                                                                                                       1. Nitrogen Washout – done by normal breathing of pure oxygen while exhaled gas is collected and analyzed.                   

2. Body Box – Test done is while sitting in an enclosed chamber and asked to perform a series of very small panting breaths. This is the most accurate way to measure lung volumes.                                                                                             

3. Helium dilution – Normal breathing of gas mixture of helium and oxygen.

Blood Test                                                                                                                                                                                      Arterial Blood Gases- This test shows how well the lungs are getting oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out of the blood. For this test a sample of blood is drawn from your artery, from your wrist or elbow area.

Diffusing Capacity-This test measures how well gases such as oxygen move from the lungs into the blood. The most common way to do this test is the most common way is the ten second single breath-hold technique. This test will tell you about the amount of damage where the air and the blood meet.

Theses are just some of the many test A CF patient will do. The more I write about CF the more you should see how strong a CF patient must be. Between the treatments, feeling bad, hospital stays and test it leaves little time for personal or play time. Its time right now to find a cure! Thousands of precious people are depending on it and every second counts! Please visit www.cff.org today and find out how you can help.