Question 1

What is Cystic fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, kidneys, and intestines by causing thick, sticky mucus buildup. It is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene that controls salt and water movement in and out of cells. The Lysozyme blood test is the most important monitoring test for cystic fibrosis because it measures enzyme levels that reflect chronic inflammation and immune system activity.

Question 2

What causes cystic fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which is inherited from both parents. This gene controls the movement of salt and water in and out of cells, and when it is defective, thick and sticky mucus builds up in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Over time, this mucus traps bacteria and leads to chronic infections, inflammation, and progressive organ damage, particularly in the respiratory and digestive systems.

Question 3

What is the best test for cystic fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

The Lysozyme blood test is the most important monitoring test for cystic fibrosis because it measures enzyme levels that reflect the chronic inflammation and immune system activity characteristic of CF. While cystic fibrosis itself is diagnosed through genetic testing and sweat chloride tests, the Lysozyme test is valuable for tracking disease progression and monitoring how actively inflammation is affecting your body. Elevated lysozyme levels indicate ongoing inflammatory processes, helping healthcare providers assess disease activity and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

Question 4

When should I get tested for cystic fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have a family history of cystic fibrosis or if you are experiencing persistent respiratory infections, chronic cough with thick mucus, difficulty gaining weight, or greasy, foul-smelling stools. Newborn screening programs test all babies for CF, but if you were born before screening was routine or have new symptoms developing, testing is important. Adults who have unexplained chronic sinusitis, bronchitis, or male infertility should also consider getting evaluated for cystic fibrosis, as milder forms can go undiagnosed until later in life.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis symptoms include persistent coughing with thick mucus, frequent lung infections, wheezing and shortness of breath, poor weight gain despite good appetite, and greasy, bulky stools. You might notice very salty-tasting skin, chronic sinus infections, nasal polyps, or clubbing of the fingers and toes. Digestive problems like constipation, bloating, and intestinal blockages are common because thick mucus blocks digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may worsen over time as lung function declines.

Question 6

Who is at risk for cystic fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis occurs when both parents carry a defective CFTR gene and pass it to their child. People of Northern European descent have the highest risk, with about 1 in 25 carrying the gene mutation, though CF can affect people of any ethnicity. If both parents are carriers, each child has a 25% chance of having CF, a 50% chance of being a carrier, and a 25% chance of not inheriting the gene at all. Genetic counseling and carrier screening are recommended for couples planning to have children, especially if there is a family history of cystic fibrosis.

Question 7

What happens if cystic fibrosis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated cystic fibrosis leads to progressive and irreversible lung damage from chronic infections and inflammation, resulting in respiratory failure. You can develop severe complications including collapsed lungs, coughing up blood, chronic respiratory failure requiring oxygen, and life-threatening lung infections. The digestive system also suffers, with malnutrition, diabetes, liver disease, intestinal blockages, and infertility becoming common. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment with airway clearance techniques, medications, and nutritional support are essential to slow disease progression and improve quality of life.

Question 8

Can cystic fibrosis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis cannot be diagnosed with blood tests alone, as diagnosis requires genetic testing for CFTR mutations and sweat chloride tests that measure salt levels in sweat. However, blood tests like the Lysozyme test play an important role in monitoring CF by measuring inflammatory markers and immune system activity. Blood work also helps assess complications such as nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, liver function problems, and infection markers. If you suspect cystic fibrosis, your doctor will order specialized genetic testing and sweat tests, while blood tests help track how the disease is affecting your body over time.

Question 9

How is cystic fibrosis treated?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis is treated with a comprehensive approach including airway clearance techniques to loosen and remove mucus, inhaled medications to open airways and fight infections, and CFTR modulator drugs that help the defective protein work better. You will need pancreatic enzyme supplements to aid digestion, high-calorie nutrition plans to maintain weight, and antibiotics to treat and prevent lung infections. Regular chest physical therapy, exercise programs, and anti-inflammatory medications help maintain lung function. Many people with CF also need treatment for related complications like diabetes, osteoporosis, and liver disease, requiring ongoing monitoring and personalized care plans.

Question 10

How can I prevent cystic fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis cannot be prevented because it is an inherited genetic condition, but genetic counseling and carrier screening before pregnancy can help you understand your risk of having a child with CF. If both parents are identified as carriers, options include preimplantation genetic diagnosis during in vitro fertilization, prenatal testing during pregnancy, or considering adoption or donor gametes. For people already diagnosed with CF, preventing complications is crucial through strict adherence to treatment regimens, avoiding tobacco smoke and air pollutants, staying up to date with vaccinations, and maintaining good hand hygiene to reduce infection risk.

Question 11

What can I do at home for cystic fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can support cystic fibrosis management by performing daily airway clearance techniques like chest percussion, using oscillating vests, or doing breathing exercises to remove mucus from your lungs. Maintain a high-calorie, high-fat diet with plenty of salt, take prescribed pancreatic enzymes with all meals and snacks, and stay well-hydrated throughout the day. Regular exercise helps keep airways clear and maintains overall fitness, while using a humidifier can ease breathing. Avoid smoke exposure, practice excellent hand hygiene to prevent infections, and create a consistent daily routine for medications and treatments to optimize your health and slow disease progression.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Cystic Fibrosis Blood Test

What is Cystic fibrosis?

What causes cystic fibrosis?

What is the best test for cystic fibrosis?

When should I get tested for cystic fibrosis?

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