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Objective-To assess the delivery and acceptability of antenatal couple screening for cystic fibrosis. Carrier status was notified only when both members of a partnership had cystic fibrosis alleles and therefore a one in four risk ofhaving an affected child.Design-Mouthwash samples were tested when both partners participated. Results were returned only to positive couples.Setting-Two large maternity hospitals in Edinburgh.Subjects-Screening was offered to all couples who booked at one ofthe two hospitals.Main outcome measures-(a) The take up of screening, carriers and carrier couples identified, take up of prenatal diagnosis, and numbers of affected fetuses detected; (b) questionnaire measures ofpatient satisfaction and stress.Results-Screening was offered to 8536 couples.714 (8-4'V/o) were regarded as ineligible, usually because oflate booking or absence of a partner. 1900

This study aimed to assess the psychological impact of screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) carrier status in a population of pregnant women.