CF Newborn Screening

As you may already know, the Minnesota Department of Health recently added cystic fibrosis (CF) to the list of disorders tested for in its newborn screening program. We are proud to have been involved in the effort to have CF added to newborn screening. We believe there is already strong and compelling evidence that demonstrates the great benefit that children with CF and their families get from early diagnosis and treatment.

For 45 years the Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis Center at University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview has been providing leading cystic fibrosis (CF) care to patients from Minnesota, across the nation and around the world. 

Accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and recognized nationally and internationally as a top CF site for excellence and leadership in CF care, the Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis Center is the only fully accredited CF Center in Minnesota.

The recent addition of CF to the panel of diseases screened for through the Newborn Screening Program of the Minnesota Department of Health provides a unique opportunity for early disease detection and intervention. However, the screening strategy currently available for CF should be seen as a first step in the detection of infants possibly affected since the test is not diagnostic.  Thus, infants identified as possibly affected by CF should undergo definitive diagnostic testing at accredited CF Centers according to the recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

 The Minnesota CF Center, building on its longstanding tradition of excellence in CF care, has developed a comprehensive program for the diagnostic evaluation of infants identified through newborn screening. This program also includes a comprehensive therapeutic program for those infants that are ultimately diagnosed with the disease. In addition, since most of the infants that are found not to be affected are likely to be carriers of the disease our program also includes genetic counseling services to help their families understand the implications of this finding.

Our ultimate goal is to be a resource for comprehensive care for those affected infants and their families as well as to be a resource for carrier families and the community at large. This could not be accomplished without including you, the primary care provider, in a tightly coordinated effort.

CF Newborn Screening Program

Our Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening Program provides:

• A CF Newborn Screening Program dedicated phone line for information, referrals, and patient appointments for referring physicians: 612-889-MNCF (889-6623)
• Accredited on-site sweat chloride testing laboratory with the use of standardized Gibson-Cooke Sweat Test methodology
• Clinic appointments for diagnostic evaluation within 24 hours of diagnosis
• A dedicated CF newborn screening coordinator
• A dedicated cystic fibrosis genetic counselor and counseling services
• Team of professionals with special interest and expertise in the care of newborns with CF working together to provide ongoing education and support for newly diagnosed patients and their families
• Close coordination with primary care providers for appointments, diagnostic evaluation results discussion and follow up questions.

Multi-Specialty Care

 CF often affects many of the body’s organs and functions, and related complications can vary by patient age. Our integrated, collaborative, multi-specialty team approach ensures that the most comprehensive care is provided to each patient.   CF experts, specialists, psychologists, social workers, genetic counselors and families work together to provide the very best in CF care.

Recognized nationally and internationally as a top CF site for excellence and leadership in CF care, the Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis Center is one of only 18 Therapeutic Development Network Centers in the United States – a distinction of our expertise and leadership in CF research.

Leading CF Care

Our innovative approaches and affiliation with the University of Minnesota have produced outstanding results and worldwide recognition.

• One of the first CF Foundation accredited centers in the United States.
• First CF Center in the United Statesto successfully apply the concept of preventive care to CF, which has resulted in one of the highest survival rates in the country.
• Developed and implemented one of the first comprehensive, multi-disciplinary education and care management programs for newly diagnosed patients and families.
• Developed high frequency chest compression (known as the “vest”) for airway clearance
• Established pulmonary function testing for newborns and toddlers to detect early changes and monitor responses to effective therapy

Discover what we can do for your patient!

For more information about the Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis Center at University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview or to schedule an appointment:

     Referring Physicians call  612-889-MNCF (889-6623)

     Patients call  612-625-5995

The Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis Center
Newborn Screening Program
University of Minnesota Children's Hospital, Fairview 
Pediatric Specialty Clinic
Phillips-Wangensteen Building
Clinic 4A; 4th floor
516 Delaware St. SE
Minneapolis, MN  55455

Meet our CF Newborn Screening Program Team

Warren Regelmann, M.D.
Co-Director, The Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis Center
Director, CF Pediatric Program
Pediatric Residency:  University of Minnesota
Fellowships:  Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine and Infectious Disease, University of Minnesota
Clinical Interests: Cystic fibrosis, genetic modifiers, lung response to infection and remodeling of lung tissue.   
Director of the Pediatric Pulmonary Fellowship Training Program and director the CLIA approved Host Defense Laboratory for the clinical evaluation of phagocyte function.

Warren Warwick, M.D.
Co-director, Pediatric Pulmonary Function LaboratoryPediatric Residency: University of Minnesota
Advanced Training:  Pulmonary Physiology; College Hospital, London and Midhurst Medical Research Institute, Sussex, UK.
Clinical Interests:  Development of tools to aid in the diagnosis and management of patients with chronic lung disease.  Inventor of high frequency chest compression (“the Vest”).
Recipient of multiple awards for lifetime achievements in cystic fibrosis. 

James Phillips, M.D.
Pediatric Residency: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesot
Fellowships:  Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine and Infectious Disease, University of Minnesota
Clinical Interests:  Chronic lung disease, airway inflammation, cystic fibrosis, microbiology and clinical care of patients with lung disease.

Sarah Jane Schwarzenberg, M.D.
Director, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
Pediatric Residency:  LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee
Fellowship: Cystic Fibrosis and Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota
Clinical Interests:  Chair of Institutional review Board, University of Minnesota.  Gastrointestinal, nutritional and liver disease in cystic fibrosis.   Early risk reduction and obesity in children.

Amy Powers, CGC
CF Genetics Counselor
Clinical Interests:  Pediatric genetics,  including cystic fibrosis, metabolic and infertility genetic counseling

Karen Reigstad, RN, BSN
CF Nurse Coordinator
Clinical Interests:Cystic fibrosis, supportive care for the newly diagnosed families, education, coordination of patient and family advisory council for CF Care.  

Jacquelyn M. Zirbes, R.N., M.A., C.P.N.P
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Interests: clinical management of chronic lung disorders, cystic fibrosis, infant pulmonary function testing, CF research through the national therapeutic development network, newborn screening program for cystic fibrosis and lung transplantation.

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