1. What is an IRT Test?
The IRT Test measures the amount of immuno reactive trypsinogen in a newborn’s blood. High levels may indicate cystic fibrosis, prompting further testing. It is typically part of routine newborn screenings and is essential for early detection of certain genetic and digestive disorders.
2. Why is an IRT Test?
This test helps identify cystic fibrosis early, often before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis can greatly improve a child’s growth, lung function, and overall quality of life. The IRT Test allows doctors to begin timely care and guide parents with an appropriate care plan.
3. How is the IRT Test?
The IRT Test is done using a small blood sample collected from a newborn’s heel (heel-prick test). The dried blood is sent to a lab to measure immunoreactive trypsinogen levels. If levels are elevated, additional confirmatory tests like sweat chloride tests are recommended.
4. Who Should Get an IRT Test?
All newborns are typically screened with an IRT Test as part of their routine checkup. It is especially important in families with a history of cystic fibrosis or other inherited conditions. Early detection helps manage the condition before symptoms become severe.
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5. Why is the IRT Test done?
The IRT Test screens newborns for cystic fibrosis, allowing for early detection and intervention. Early treatment significantly improves health outcomes, respiratory function, and life expectancy in affected infants.
6. How is the IRT Test done?
A tiny blood sample is collected from a newborn’s heel, placed on special filter paper, and sent to a certified lab for analysis of immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) levels linked to cystic fibrosis risk.
7. For Whom Should the IRT Test Be Considered?
All newborns should undergo IRT testing as part of routine screening, especially if there’s a family history of cystic fibrosis or visible signs like respiratory distress or poor weight gain at birth.
8. Which symptoms or conditions require for monitoring?
Symptoms like frequent lung infections, poor growth, difficulty breathing, or salty skin may indicate cystic fibrosis. If these arise and screening wasn’t done at birth, an IRT Test becomes essential for diagnosis.
Need for the IRT Test
Early IRT screening in newborns allows early detection of cystic fibrosis and related disorders, enabling proactive care and reducing serious complications.
1. Early Detection of Cystic Fibrosis :- The test helps diagnose cystic fibrosis before symptoms emerge, allowing immediate intervention and improving growth, lung function, and overall life expectancy in affected infants.
2. Part of Routine Newborn Screening :- This test is included in newborn screening panels in many countries, helping healthcare providers catch genetic disorders early with just a simple blood sample.
3. Supports Genetic Counseling :- If results are positive, parents may undergo genetic counseling to understand their child’s condition better and discuss options for further testing or future planning.
4. Enables Prompt Follow-Up Tests :- High IRT levels indicate the need for follow-up tests like sweat chloride analysis, helping confirm diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatments faster.
5. Improves Prognosis Through Early Care :- When cystic fibrosis is detected early, children can start treatments that reduce complications, prevent infections, and promote healthier development from infancy onward.
Why Choose mediSuggest?
Advanced newborn screening solutions you can trust with accurate results and compassionate care from collection to diagnosis
1. Trusted Pediatric Testing Network :- We collaborate with certified pediatric labs specializing in newborn screening to deliver accurate, timely, and safe testing ensuring your baby’s health is monitored with precision and giving you peace of mind.
2. Easy Booking and Fast Reports :- Schedule your IRT Test online in minutes. Our seamless system ensures quick sample collection and delivers clear, medically reviewed reports within a short timeframe, so you can act swiftly and confidently.
3. Parent-Friendly Care Approach :- We prioritize your baby’s safety. Sample collection is done by trained professionals using gentle techniques. Post-test, our team explains results in simple language, ensuring clarity and comfort for concerned parents.
4. Affordable and Transparent Pricing :- Our pricing is upfront and fair, with no hidden charges. You pay for accurate testing, reliable labs, and professional care all tailored to ensure quality outcomes for your newborn.
5. Expert Pediatric Panel Support :- If your test results raise concerns, our experienced pediatric consultants step in with personalized advice, helping you understand the findings and plan further care with confidence and compassion.
Advantages of Choosing mediSuggest
Comprehensive newborn screening made simple, accurate, and accessible ensuring early detection and peace of mind for every parent, everywhere.
1. Expert-Backed Screening :- Our newborn screening tests are guided by pediatric and genetic experts to ensure medically accurate results. This ensures early detection of conditions, promoting timely intervention and better health outcomes for your baby.
2. Quick Diagnosis Pathway :- We deliver results promptly, helping parents gain quick clarity about their newborn’s health. If further testing is needed, our team coordinates the next steps without delay to ensure a smooth diagnostic journey.
3. Family Support Services :- We go beyond testing with genetic counseling, pediatric consultations, and emotional support services. Our goal is to help families understand results clearly and plan the best care path for their child’s health.
4. ISO-Certified Labs :- We work exclusively with ISO-certified laboratories that maintain strict quality controls and international testing protocols, ensuring highly accurate, dependable results for newborn screening and reducing the risk of errors or missed diagnoses.
5. Transparent Process :- From booking to results, we maintain clear communication at every step. You’ll receive easy instructions, know what to expect, and always stay informed about your baby’s testing process and next steps.
6. Wide Coverage :- Our newborn screening services are available across cities in India, offering lab visits or convenient doorstep sample collection to make access easier for every family, regardless of their location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the IRT level is high?
If the result is abnormal, additional testing such as a sweat chloride test or genetic testing is recommended to confirm cystic fibrosis.
How is the sample collected?
A few drops of blood are taken from the baby's heel using a small lancet and applied to filter paper for analysis.
When is the IRT Test done?
It is typically done within the first few days of life, often before the baby is discharged from the hospital.
Is the IRT Test mandatory?
While it may vary by region, the IRT Test is part of standard newborn screening programs in many countries to detect genetic conditions early.
What does the IRT Test detect?
It screens for cystic fibrosis in newborns by detecting high levels of immunoreactive trypsinogen, an enzyme that can be elevated in affected infants.