NC Healthcare Coverage Blog » Cystic fibrosis http://nchealthcarecoverage.com/blog Health, Wellness, & Healthcare Coverage Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:13:51 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 N.C. newborns now being screened for cystic fibrosis http://nchealthcarecoverage.com/blog/2009/04/15/nc-newborns-now-being-screened-for-cystic-fibrosis/ http://nchealthcarecoverage.com/blog/2009/04/15/nc-newborns-now-being-screened-for-cystic-fibrosis/#comments Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:16:33 +0000 Jana http://1-800newhealth.com/blog/?p=487 Infants in North Carolina are required to be screened for more than 30 disorders. Cystic Fibrosis was recently added to that screening list. Cystic Fibrosis can cause a child to have poor growth, weight loss, abdominal pain and additional problems. 

Last year, legislators decided to add this disease to the list of required screenings. To perform the entire group of tests, only a few drops of blood are needed from a heel prick performed on the infant before they are discharged from the hospital. The blood is then sent to the State Laboratory of Public Health.

Cystic fibrosis can produce a heavy buildup of mucous that can cause recurring lung infections and airway blockages. It can also block the pancreas and inhibit the organ’s capability to break down food and take in nutrients.

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