Sweat Test

Cystic Fibrosis Sweat Test

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• A baby's age. Babies younger than 4 weeks may not produce enough sweat to give reliable test results and may have lower sweat chloride levels than older babies and children. A minimum amount of sweat is needed for accurate test results regardless of the child's age.
• A skin rash or sore on the area of the skin where the gauze pads are attached.
• Acute or severe illness.
• Dehydration or heavy sweating.
• Decreased sweating.
• Normal fluctuations in sodium and chloride during puberty.
• A decrease in the hormone aldosterone.
• Steroid medicines, such as fludrocortisone (Florinef).

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: June 26, 2007
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology
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