Sweat electrolytes is a test that measures the level of chloride in sweat. Although genetic tests have become important methods for determining whether a child has cystic fibrosis, the sweat chloride test remains important.
Alternative NamesSweat test; Sweat chloride; Iontophoretic sweat test
How the test is performedIn the first part of the test, a colorless, odorless chemical that causes sweating is applied to a small area on an arm or leg. An electrode is then attached to the arm or leg, which allows the technician to apply a weak electrical current to the area to stimulate sweating.
People may feel a tingling sensation in the area, or a feeling of warmth. This part of the procedure lasts approximately 5 minutes.
The next part of the test involves cleaning the stimulated area and collecting the sweat on a piece of filter paper or gauze, or in a plastic coil. After 30 minutes, the collected sweat is sent to a hospital laboratory for analysis. The entire collection procedure takes about 1 hour.
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is necessary. Make sure the center where the test is being performed is a cystic fibrosis testing center.
How the test will feelThough the test is not painful, some people describe a tingling sensation at the site of the electrode. In smaller children or infants, the sensation can cause irritability or discomfort.
Why the test is performedSweat testing is the standard method for diagnosing cystic fibrosis. People with cystic fibrosis have higher amounts of sodium and chloride in their sweat, which the test can detect.
Some people are referred for testing because of symptoms such as poor growth, many respiratory infections, or foul-smelling stools. In some states, newborn screening programs test for cystic fibrosis, and the sweat test is used to confirm these results.
Normal ValuesNote: mEq/L = milliequivalent per liter
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanAn abnormal test may indicate the presence of cystic fibrosis.
ReferencesBoat TF, Acton JD. Cystic fibrosis. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 400.
Farrell PM, Rosenstein BJ, White TB, et al. Guidelines for diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in newborns through older adults: Cystic fibrosis consensus report. Journal of Pediatrics. Aug 2008;153(2).
Sweat electrolytes is a test that measures the level of chloride in sweat. Although genetic tests have become important methods for diagnosing cystic fibrosis in children, the sweat chloride test is still the standard.
Alternative NamesSweat test; Sweat chloride; Iontophoretic sweat test
How the test is performedIn the first part of the test, a colorless, odorless chemical that causes sweating is applied to a small area on an arm or leg. An electrode is then attached to the arm or leg. A weak electrical current is sent to the area to stimulate sweating.
People may feel a tingling in the area, or a feeling of warmth. This part of the procedure lasts for about 5 minutes.
The next part of the test involves cleaning the stimulated area and collecting the sweat on a piece of filter paper or gauze, or in a plastic coil. After 30 minutes, the collected sweat is sent to a hospital laboratory to be tested. The entire collection procedure takes about 1 hour.
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is needed. Make sure the test is performed at a cystic fibrosis testing center.
How the test will feelThough the test is not painful, some people describe a tingling sensation at the site of the electrode. In smaller children or infants, the sensation can cause irritability or discomfort.
Why the test is performedSweat testing is the standard method for diagnosing cystic fibrosis. People with cystic fibrosis have higher amounts of sodium and chloride in their sweat, which the test can detect.
Some people are tested because of symptoms such as poor nutrition, repeated sinus or respiratory infections, foul-smelling stools, or infertility (in men). In the U.S., newborn screening programs test for cystic fibrosis, and the sweat test is used to confirm these results.
Normal ValuesNote: mEq/L = milliequivalent per liter
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
Some conditions, such as dehydration or swelling (edema) can affect the test results.
What abnormal results meanAn abnormal test may mean that the child has cystic fibrosis.
ReferencesBorowitz D, Robinson KA, Rosenfeld M, et al. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation evidence-based guidelines for management of infants with cystic fibrosis. J Pediatr. 2009;155(6 Suppl):S73-S93.
Boat TF, Acton JD. Cystic fibrosis. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 400.
Farrell PM, Rosenstein BJ, White TB, et al. Guidelines for diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in newborns through older adults: Cystic fibrosis consensus report. Journal of Pediatrics. Aug 2008;153(2).
Reviewed ByReview Date: 05/01/2011
Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Urea snd electrolytes test
sweat glands, unfortunately i found that out after my integumentary system test in biology.
lavender
creatinine, urea, electrolytes it is a blood test to measure kidney function
The sweat test is both the easiest and most accurate test for CF. In this test, a small amount of the drug pilocarpine is placed on the skin.
This is a very vague question to ask. What electrolytes are you looking at specifically? Your doctor will run a series of tests known as urea, electrolytes and creatinine that is drawn from blood from a vein. It is a very common test that shows many things, including kidney function and the state of some of the processes going on in your body.
cystic fibrosis
Gray tube
when they put on a little magnet electrode to test you sweat cells. For a child, when having this done you may feel pain, mild or major discomfert, tired, fatigue, and a tingling feeling on the arms and legs. Hope your sweat tests go well
Can you answer what the following bloodtests are for? bone profile urea and electrolytes haemolysis check thanks