To diagnose patients with cystic fibrosis, one or more of many available tests can be used. The most common tests are the ‘heel prick tests’, ‘sweat tests’ and ‘carrier testing’. The heel prick test is used to try to detects many various conditions with one of them being cystic fibrosis. This test has been made compulsory for all newborn babies since 1986. Although this is one of the most used methods to detect not only cystic fibrosis but also other conditions, it is not always able to detect everything. Because of this the sweat test has become the conclusive test for cystic fibrosis. High levels of salt in sweat is exceptionally common in those diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Carrier testing is also common as it is able to detect if partners
