PRENATAL SCREENING FOR CYSTIC-FIBROSIS CARRIERS - DOES THE METHOD OF TESTING AFFECT THE LONGER-TERM UNDERSTANDING AND REPRODUCTIVE-BEHAVIOROF WOMEN

A comparative study of women who underwent prenatal cystic fibrosis (C F) carrier screening by either the 'two-step method' or the 'couple me thod' was carried out 2-4 years after testing. Recall of the screening test and test result, understanding of the implications of the test r esult, and reproductive intentions and behaviour were compared. Women screened by the two-step method were significantly better informed on the genetic implications of the test result and the significance of be ing a single gene carrier than their couple screen counterparts. Regar dless of the method of screening, a majority of those who had received a negative test result erroneously believed that they were definitely not a carrier. However, women who intended having further children we re significantly more likely to understand correctly that a negative t est result meant that they were unlikely to be a CF carrier. The metho d of testing had no influence on reproductive intentions or behaviour. Differences in emphasis, content and presentation of pre-screening in formation and counselling between the two methods of screening are ide ntified. Reasons for variation in the long-term understanding between women screened by the two methods are discussed. (C) 1997 by John Wile y & Sons, Ltd.