Finding Better Ways to Detect Lung Infections in Cystic Fibrosis

The SEND-CF study is looking for better ways to detect lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis. Right now, doctors mainly test sputum (mucus you cough up) to find infections, but many CF patients taking newer CF medications produce less sputum, making infections harder to catch. This study collects various samples—including sputum, saliva, blood, urine, and potentially breath—to help researchers develop new diagnostic methods that can spot harmful bacteria in the lungs more reliably.

People with cystic fibrosis often develop serious lung infections that can damage their lungs over time. Although newer CF medications are helping patients, they also reduce the amount of sputum patients can produce, making it harder to diagnose infections using current methods. This trial exists to find alternative ways to detect these infections so doctors can treat them earlier and more effectively.