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Sweat Test

Picture of the sweat test procedure

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 chloride in the sweat is measured.

Current as of: April 2, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
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