CF Carrier testing in a high risk population: Anxiety, risk perceptions, and reproductive plans of carrier by 'non-carrier' couples

Purpose: The risk perceptions, psychological status and reproductive plans of 52 carrier by "noncarrier" (mutation screen negative) couples is the sub ject of this report. Methods: Cystic fibrosis (CF) carrier testing was offe red to relatives of individuals with CF. Results: In this population testin g was not associated with any significant adverse psychological effects, re productive uncertainty, or inaccurate risk perceptions. Conclusions: The re sults of this study have important implications in light of the recent NIH CF Consensus Panel recommendations that CF carrier testing be offered to al l high risk adults and ail couples planning a pregnancy or seeking prenatal testing.