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).

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH Ralph Poore	Last Updated: August 20, 2007
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.