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.
Last Updated:
June 23, 2009
Author:
Debby Golonka, MPH
Medical Review:
Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics & Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology
