Health Encyclopedia

Sweat Test

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.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology
Last Revised June 15, 2011

Last Revised: June 15, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology

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