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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 Values- A sweat chloride test result less than or equal to 39 mEq/L in an infant over 6 months old probably means cystic fibrosis is not present.
- A result between 40 - 59 mEq/L does not give a clear diagnosis. Further testing is needed.
- If the result is 60 mEq/L or greater, cystic fibrosis is present.
Note: 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).
What else can I help you with?
How do you measure the Na concentration in human sweat?
One common way to measure Na concentration in human sweat is through a sweat test, where a sample of sweat is collected and analyzed for its sodium content using specialized equipment. This test is often used to diagnose conditions such as cystic fibrosis where sweat sodium levels are abnormally high.
What does U E mean in medical test?
Urea snd electrolytes test
Test used primarily in children to confirm cystic fibrosis?
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.
What does cue mean for blood test?
creatinine, urea, electrolytes it is a blood test to measure kidney function
What is a sweat test?
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
What is a sweat test used to diagnose?
cystic fibrosis
How can one identify electrolytes in a solution?
Electrolytes in a solution can be identified by conducting a simple conductivity test. When an electric current is passed through the solution, electrolytes will conduct electricity, causing the light bulb or conductivity meter to light up or show a reading. This indicates the presence of electrolytes in the solution.
What is a U and E create Blood test?
The U&E blood test stands for urea and electrolytes. The test measures levels of urea (a waste product produced by the liver) and various electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and chloride) in the blood. It helps assess kidney function and hydration status.
What causes abnormal electrolytes in blood test?
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.
Which tube would a phlebotomist use when a Doctor order a test for STAT electrolytes?
Gray tube
What does urea and electrolytes inc gfre test for?
A urea and electrolytes test (U&E) measures levels of urea, sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in the blood to assess kidney function, hydration, and electrolyte balance. This test is commonly used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as kidney disease, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
Do you have to fast for an Urea Electrolytes Creatinine blood test?
Most often, fasting is not required for an urea electrolytes creatinine (UEC) blood test. However, it is always best to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the testing facility to ensure accurate results.
