Sweat Test

Picture of the sweat test procedure

A sweat test is used to diagnose cystic fibrosis. During the test, medicine that causes sweating is applied with a gauze pad to either the arm or the thigh. A mild electrical current pushes the medicine into the skin to cause the child to sweat. The sweat is collected, and then the salt content of the sweat (sodium and/or chloride) is measured.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerJohn Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical ReviewerSusanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology
Last RevisedJune 15, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: June 15, 2011
Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology

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