Sweat Test

Cystic Fibrosis Sweat Test, Iontophoresis Test (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.

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