Clinical trials

The overarching hypothesis is that CF carriers are at increased risk for developing most of the extrapulmonary conditions associated with CF compared to the general population. Specifically, it is hypothesized that this pilot data will detect subclinical evidence of pancreatic and kidney disorders among CF carriers. This will be determined by bringing CF carriers and controls to the CRU for one visit where they will answer survey questions and undergo laboratory testing. Additionally, they will collect urine and stool samples at home that will be sent to outside laboratories for testing.

A research team member will brush the inferior surface of the subjects' middle turbinate (nasal cavity) using a cytology brush to obtain the cells needed to perform our functional respiratory assays. An individual trained in phlebotomy will draw one 3 ml lavender top tube of blood to test c-reactive protein, calprotectin, and lactoferrin. They will also draw a 5 ml gold top serum separator tube of blood to test fibroblast growth factor-19. The participant will answer questions from the baseline survey and report their current medications interview-style with the research team member.