NBS – Cystic Fibrosis Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About NBS – Cystic Fibrosis Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | NBS-CF, Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screen, CF Neonatal Screening, IRT Test, Newborn Bloodspot Screening for CF |
| Sample Type | Dried blood spot (capillary blood from heel prick on a Guthrie card) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Newborn babies, typically within the first 2 to 3 days of life |
| Price | Starting at ₹700 |
What is an NBS – Cystic Fibrosis Test?
The NBS – Cystic Fibrosis test is a newborn screening that detects early signs of cystic fibrosis (CF) in babies. It measures a substance called 'immunoreactive trypsinogen' (IRT), a pancreatic marker that is often elevated in babies with CF. The test is also called the IRT test or neonatal cystic fibrosis screening. A tiny blood sample is collected from the baby's heel and placed on a special card for laboratory analysis. Doctors recommend this screening shortly after birth so that, if needed, follow-up testing can begin promptly.
What Does an NBS – Cystic Fibrosis Test Measure?
The NBS – Cystic Fibrosis test analyses specific markers in a dried blood spot to identify babies who may be at risk of CF. Below is what the test looks at and why it matters. The two key components are listed below.
| Parameter | What It Looks For |
|---|---|
| Immunoreactive Trypsinogen (IRT) | A pancreatic chemical that is raised in newborns who may have CF |
| CFTR Gene Mutations (second-tier) | Changes in the CFTR gene, checked when IRT is elevated, to narrow down the risk of CF |
If the IRT level is high, the same blood spot sample may also be used to check for changes in the CFTR gene, which is the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis.
Why is an NBS – Cystic Fibrosis Test Done?
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. Early detection through the NBS – Cystic Fibrosis test gives families and doctors the best opportunity to plan care before symptoms develop.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
If newborn screening is missed, the following signs may prompt a doctor to order CF testing later. These are listed below:
- Failure to pass the first stool (a condition called meconium ileus, where thick stool blocks the bowel at birth)
- Persistent cough that does not resolve
- Frequent lung infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Poor growth or difficulty gaining weight
- Frequent greasy or bulky stools
- Salty-tasting skin
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The NBS-CF screening can help identify the following conditions.
- Cystic fibrosis: An inherited disorder causing the body to produce abnormally thick mucus, affecting the lungs, digestive system and other organs
- CF-Screening Positive Inconclusive Diagnosis (CF-SPID): Where test results are unclear, and the baby needs further monitoring
- CF carrier status: Babies who carry one CFTR gene change but are not affected, though they may pass the gene to their own children in future
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The NBS – Cystic Fibrosis test procedure is simple and quick. The steps below explain what parents and healthcare providers should know before and during sample collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is needed. The test is performed on newborn babies and requires no dietary preparation.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following tips help ensure that the sample is collected smoothly and accurately.
- Schedule the test within the first 2 to 3 days of the baby's life, as IRT levels change with age.
- Ensure the baby is warm and well-fed before collection, as this helps blood flow to the heel.
- Inform the healthcare provider if the baby was born prematurely, as this can influence IRT levels.
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your baby's birth details, any symptoms, previous test results and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Provide accurate contact details so that results and any follow-up instructions can be communicated promptly.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The NBS – Cystic Fibrosis test procedure follows a straightforward sequence from blood collection to result.
- A trained healthcare professional gently cleans the baby's heel with an antiseptic wipe.
- A small sterile lancet (a tiny needle) is used to make a tiny prick on the heel. The baby may feel brief, mild discomfort.
- A few drops of blood are collected and placed onto a Guthrie card, a special absorbent paper card designed for dried blood spot testing.
- The card is labelled with the baby's details and allowed to dry at room temperature.
- The dried blood spot card is sent to the laboratory, where the sample is tested using spectrophotometry and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) methods.
- If IRT is elevated, the same sample may be used for DNA analysis to assess CFTR gene mutations. Results are typically ready within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence IRT levels and the reliability of the result.
- Premature birth or neonatal stress, which can raise IRT levels independent of CF
- Being a CF gene carrier (without having CF) can also elevate IRT
- Low Apgar scores, respiratory distress or low blood sugar in the newborn
- Contamination of the heel prick site with meconium
- Age at the time of sample collection (IRT levels fall as the baby gets older)
- Congenital infections or serious birth abnormalities
Understanding Your NBS – Cystic Fibrosis Test Results
Results should always be reviewed by a qualified doctor alongside the baby's full clinical picture. The table below provides general guidance on interpreting IRT values.
| Parameter | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| IRT (Immunoreactive Trypsinogen) | Below 57 ng/mL | Normal; low risk of CF |
| IRT (elevated) | 57 ng/mL or above | Triggers second-tier DNA mutation analysis |
| Sweat Chloride (confirmatory test) | Below 29 mmol/L | Normal |
| Sweat Chloride (confirmatory test) | 30 to 59 mmol/L | Borderline: further assessment needed |
| Sweat Chloride (confirmatory test) | 60 mmol/L or above | Consistent with a diagnosis of CF |
If the newborn IRT screening DNA mutation analysis yields a positive result, the baby must undergo a confirmatory sweat chloride test.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your baby's age, health history and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain circumstances in a newborn's early life can affect IRT levels and must be considered when interpreting results.
- Premature birth: Preterm babies often have higher IRT levels, which can increase the chance of a raised result that is not related to CF.
- Meconium ileus: This condition may cause a false-normal IRT result, meaning some babies with CF may not be identified through IRT alone. Up to 10% of CF newborns may have normal IRT values at first testing.
- Neonatal stress: Low Apgar scores, respiratory difficulties and low blood sugar can all temporarily raise IRT, leading to results that require careful interpretation.
- Race and ethnicity: Higher IRT values are observed in some ethnic groups, and laboratories may adjust cut-off values accordingly.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition, so there are no lifestyle changes that can prevent it. However, the following steps are helpful for families.
- If there is a family history of cystic fibrosis, speak with a genetic counsellor before or during pregnancy.
- Ensure the NBS – Cystic Fibrosis test procedure is completed within the recommended window after birth, as early detection allows care to begin sooner.
- If CF is diagnosed early, starting care promptly can significantly support the baby's lung and digestive health.
- Regular follow-up with a specialist ensures that any ongoing monitoring is appropriate for the baby's needs.
- Ensure good nutrition and breastfeeding where possible, as these support overall infant health and immunity.
Lupin Diagnostics NBS – Cystic Fibrosis Test Price and Home Collection
The NBS – Cystic Fibrosis test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹700. Home collection is available, making it convenient for families to arrange the test without visiting a centre.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 700 |
| CHENNAI | 700 |
| HYDERABAD | 700 |
| KOLKATA | 700 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 700 |
| PUNE | 700 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book the NBS – Cystic Fibrosis test online with Lupin Diagnostics.
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
NBS – Cystic Fibrosis test home collection is available across cities, allowing a trained phlebotomist to collect the sample at your home. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, ensuring quality and reliability. Digital reports are shared conveniently via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NBS – Cystic Fibrosis test is a newborn screening test that measures immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) in a dried blood spot taken from a baby's heel. It is designed to identify babies who may have cystic fibrosis so that further testing and care can be arranged early. The test is typically done within the first 2 to 3 days of life.
The test is ideally performed within the first 2 to 3 days after birth. A few drops of blood are collected from the baby's heel and placed on a Guthrie card. Collecting the sample within this window ensures the most accurate IRT reading.
No. A raised IRT result on the NBS-CF screen means further testing is needed, not that CF is confirmed. Most babies with an elevated IRT do not have CF. A sweat chloride test is the standard confirmatory step and must be arranged as soon as possible after a positive screen.
If IRT is elevated, the laboratory may use the same dried blood spot sample to look for changes in the CFTR gene. If that analysis also raises concern, a sweat chloride test will be recommended. Your doctor will guide you through each step of this process.
The heel prick causes brief, mild discomfort and is over within seconds. Healthcare providers are trained to make the process as gentle as possible. Warming and feeding the baby beforehand can help the collection go smoothly.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition caused by changes in the CFTR gene. It causes the body to produce abnormally thick and sticky mucus, which builds up in the lungs and digestive system. This can lead to breathing difficulties, repeated chest infections and problems absorbing nutrients.
Identifying CF early allows healthcare providers to start supportive care before serious complications develop. Early diagnosis also gives families the information they need to plan ahead and access specialist services, which can make a meaningful difference to a child's long-term health.
Yes, NBS – Cystic Fibrosis test home collection is available at Lupin Diagnostics. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home to collect the heel-prick blood spot sample. All samples are processed in accredited laboratories, and results are shared digitally.
NBS – Cystic Fibrosis Test: Booking, Price, and Results
