Cystic fibrosis: a new perspective in genetic counseling

Recent developments in DNA technology mean that all individuals can be tested to identify whether they carry one of the known mutations for cystic fibrosis. This testing will allow people to know whether they are at risk to have a child with cystic fibrosis. However, this knowledge has the potential to create harm if the testing programs are not managed carefully. Implications of this new technology for nurses and the general public are discussed.