Implementation of the first worldwide quality assurance program for cystic fibrosis multiple mutation detection in population-based screening.

Background: CDC's Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program collaborated with several U.S. Cystic Fibrosis Care Centers to collect specimens for development of a molecular CFTR proficiency testing program using dried-blood spots for newborn screening laboratories.

Assessment of DNA contamination from dried blood spots and determination of DNA yield and function using archival newborn dried blood spots.

Background: Residual dried blood spots (DBS) from newborn screening programs are often stored for years and are sometimes used for epidemiological studies. Because there is potential for DNA cross-contamination from specimen-to-specimen contact, we determined contamination levels following intentional contact and assessed archival DBS DNA degradation after storage in an uncontrolled environment.

Methods: DBS from healthy adult females were rubbed with DBS from healthy or cystic fibrosis (CF)-affected adult males.