How should preconceptional cystic fibrosis carrier screening be provided?
GROUND: Since the identification of the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene, large-scale CF carrier screening has become possible. One possible target group is couples planning a pregnancy (preconceptional screening), providing a maximum number of reproductive options and a minimum of time constraints. OBJECTIVES: To identify obstacles in the implementation of a preconceptional CF carrier screening programme, to find out how potential providers and the target population think the screening should be implemented, and to determine whether potential providers think they are able to provide the screening programme. METHODS: A survey was conducted among 200 general practitioners (GPs), 134 Municipal Health Service (MHS) workers and 303 recently married couples. RESULTS: 52% (102/197) of the eligible GPs participated, 84% (113/134) of the MHS workers and 70% (380/544) of the individuals planning a pregnancy. In general, potential providers and the target population had a positive attitude towards CF s
