Sweat Chloride Test
Explanation | About cystic fibrosis | Procedure | Preparation | Additional Information
What is a sweat chloride test?
A sweat chloride test, also called a sweat test, is a test done to find out if a child has cystic fibrosis (CF). Your child is having this test done because of symptoms that are sometimes seen in children who have cystic fibrosis.
About Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a chronic condition of children and adults. About one out of every 3,000 people has CF. It most often affects the lungs and digestive system. Children with CF may have chronic lung infections or problems digesting their food.
Symptoms
It is important to know that many children have some of these symptoms but they do not have CF.
- Chronic cough
- Frequent lung infections
- Poor weight gain
- Nasal polyps
- Wheezing
- Salty skin
- Frequent, bulky bowel movements
Procedure
The sweat test is a simple test that takes about one hour. It is done by placing a solution on the forearm and stimulating the skin to sweat with a small electrical current. The sweat is then collected on a small piece of filter paper. Your child may feel a tingling in the arm but this test is not painful.
Preparation
You should take the following steps to help your child produce enough sweat at the time of the test.
- Make sure that your child drinks lots of fluids the night before the test
- Bring a jacket, sweater, or blanket for your child to wear during the test
- Do not use soap or lotion on your child's arms on the morning of the test
- If your child is a baby, you may offer him/her a bottle while the sweat is being collected
- If your child is older and has the test done at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, there is a play area where your child may play while sweat is collected
Additional Information
Sweat test results are available late in the afternoon on the day of the test. To get results, contact the ordering doctor / practitioner.
For more information about CF, go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation web site or contact the CF Center at Cincinnati Children's, 513-636-6771.
Patient Education Program III 3039
Rev. 12/06
