Background: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disease characterised by recurrent respiratory infections and subfertility due to dysfunction of cilia (brushes) of the lining cells. Undiagnosed and untreated it can result in an irreversible crippling chronic lung disease. The diagnosis of PCD is a difficult one and involves the complex assessment of ciliary structure and function. Thus, PCD is under diagnosed and appropriate preventative and symptomatic treatment may be denied in many patients. In addition, the gene responsible for PCD is at present unknown, thus preventing pre-natal diagnosis and genetic counseling.