Sweat Chloride Test To Diagnose Cystic Fibrosis For Lungs & Digestion

The sweat chloride test is a simple and painless diagnostic test used to measure the amount of chloride in sweat, which can help diagnose cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system.

Sweat Chloride Test

Here are the basic details of the Sweat Chloride Test.

Also Known As	Sweat Test
Type	Diagnostic test
Purpose	Cystic fibrosis screening
Sample Type	Sweat
Preparation	No special preparation needed
Fasting	Not applicable
Gender	All
Age Group	All
Normal Value	Negative (<29 mmol/L)
Reporting Time	Few Days
Cost	100-200 INR*

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

Sweat Chloride Test Means

The Sweat Chloride Test is a diagnostic test used to assess the chloride levels in sweat.

It is primarily employed as a screening tool for cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder.
The test is simple and painless, involving the collection of sweat from the patient's skin.
In normal individuals, the chloride concentration in sweat is typically within a certain range.
The test is crucial for the early detection of cystic fibrosis in newborns and young children.

Sweat Chloride Test Purpose

The purpose of the Sweat Chloride Test is to:

Diagnose cystic fibrosis
Confirm cystic fibrosis in newborns
Assess cystic fibrosis treatment effectiveness

Sweat Chloride Test Price, Normal Range, Result, Purpose, Procedure Meaning and Interpretation - Drlogy Test

Sweat Chloride Test Preparation

Here is the basic preparation for the Sweat Chloride Test.

Before Test

Inform your doctor of any medications or supplements you're taking.
Avoid using creams, lotions, or powders on the areas to be tested.
Make sure you or your child are well-hydrated before the test to stimulate sweating.

During Test

You or your child's skin will be cleaned, and electrodes or a special coil will be applied to induce sweating.
Sit quietly while the sweat is collected, typically for about 30 minute.

After Test

Resume normal activities.
There are no specific restrictions or precautions after the test.

Sweat Chloride Test Procedure

Here is the basic Sweat Chloride Test Procedure.

A sweat chloride test is typically performed in a hospital or clinic by a trained technician.
The technician will clean and dry a small area of your skin, usually on your forearm, and place two electrodes on the skin.
A medication called pilocarpine is applied to the skin under one of the electrodes to stimulate sweat production.
A small electrical current is passed through the electrodes to help move the sweat to the surface of the skin.
After about 30 minutes, the sweat is collected on a piece of filter paper or in a special capsule.
The collected sweat is then sent to a laboratory for analysis to measure the chloride concentration.

Sweat Chloride Test Result

The sweat chloride test measures the chloride levels in sweat.
Normal results fall within a specific range, indicating no cystic fibrosis.
Elevated chloride levels may suggest cystic fibrosis, requiring further evaluation.

Sweat Chloride Test Normal Range

Here is the normal range of the Sweat Chloride Test.

Sweat Chloride Test	Normal Range
Normal Range	<29 mmol/L (Negative)

Sweat Chloride Test Interpretation

Here is the Interpretation of the Sweat Chloride Test.

Sweat Chloride Level	Interpretation
Less than or equal to 29 mmol/L	cystic fibrosis is unlikely (Negative).
Between 30 - 59 mmol/L	cystic fibrosis is possible; additional testing is needed. (Indeterminate).
Greater than or equal to 60 mmol/L	cystic fibrosis is likely (Positive).

Sweat Chloride Test Positive Result

A positive sweat chloride test result is typically indicative of cystic fibrosis (CF). Here are potential causes of positive sweat chloride results:

Potential Causes	Description
Cystic Fibrosis	Genetic disorder causing chloride buildup.
Dehydration	May cause false positives in infants.
Medications	Certain drugs can affect test results.

It's important to note that chloride test should be interpreted in the context of clinical symptoms, family history, and additional diagnostic tests to confirm the specific cause. CF is the most common cause of significantly elevated sweat chloride levels.

Sweat Chloride Test Negative Result

A negative sweat chloride test result can indicate relief for patients. Here are full info.

Potential Causes	Description
No Cystic Fibrosis	Absence of cystic fibrosis symptoms.
Improper Test Timing	Test not conducted during a sweat episode.
Technical Errors	Errors in the test procedure or equipment.

It's important to consider the clinical context and further diagnostic evaluation to accurately interpret sweat chloride test result and identify the underlying cause.

Specimen Requirements For Sweat Chloride Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the Sweat Chloride Test.

Specimen Type	Sweat
Volume	Sufficient sweat (usually ≥75 mg) is needed.
Container	Sterile plastic containers, filter paper, or specifically provided collection devices.
Collection	Sweat is collected by pilocarpine iontophoresis (sweat stimulation), direct sweat collection, or other approved methods.
Storage	Samples should be refrigerated and sent to the laboratory promptly.
Sample Stability	Best when analyzed within a short time after collection to prevent evaporation and ensure accuracy.
Causes for Rejection	Contaminated samples, insufficient volume, improper storage, or transport conditions.

Sweat Chloride Test is Safe?

The sweat chloride test is safe and well-tolerated.

It is a non-invasive test involving sweat collection.
Risks are minimal, with rare occurrences of skin irritation.

When Do You Get Sweat Chloride Test Results?

Sweat chloride test results are usually available within a few days.
The exact turnaround time may vary depending on the laboratory and specific circumstances.

Sweat Chloride Test Limitation

Here is the basic limitation of Sweat Chloride Test.

False positives/negatives possible in rare cases.
Not a definitive diagnostic tool for all cystic fibrosis cases.
Requires specialized equipment and expertise.

Sweat Chloride Test Risk Factors

Here are some of the risk factors of the Sweat Chloride Test.

Minor skin irritation at the electrode sites.
Mild discomfort during the test due to sweating.
Generally safe with minimal risks.

Doctor Recommendations After Sweat Chloride Test Result

Here are the Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the Sweat Chloride Test.

Sweat Chloride Test Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason
Positive	Pulmonologist or Pediatrician	Suspected cystic fibrosis.
Negative	No specific doctor	No signs of cystic fibrosis.

Sweat Chloride Test Price

Here are the estimated Sweat Chloride Test Prices in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	100-200
New Delhi	150-200
Bangalore	100-200
Hyderabad	150-200
Kolkata	100-200
Pune	150-200
Lucknow	100-200
Noida	150-200
Surat	150-200
Gurugram	100-200
Patna	150-200
Chennai	100-200
Jaipur	150-200
Ahmedabad	100-200

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, Sweat Chloride Test is of paramount importance in diagnosing cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder, enabling early intervention and management. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholars and medical students.

Reference

Sweat Chloride Test - Wikipedia [1].
Cystic Fibrosis Sweat Test - Health Encyclopedia - URMC [2].

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Sweat Chloride Test FAQ

What is a Sweat Chloride Test?

The Sweat Chloride Test is a diagnostic procedure used to measure the concentration of chloride ions in a person's sweat. It is primarily employed to diagnose cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that leads to the production of thick, sticky mucus in various organs. By analyzing chloride levels, healthcare professionals can make an accurate diagnosis.

Why is the Sweat Chloride Test done?

The test is performed to confirm or rule out cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis leads to abnormal chloride transport in sweat glands, resulting in increased chloride levels in sweat. This test helps detect elevated chloride levels, indicating the presence of the disease. It's an essential tool in diagnosing cystic fibrosis in infants and young children.

How is the Sweat Chloride Test performed?

The procedure involves collecting sweat, usually from the forearm, through a process called iontophoresis or pilocarpine iontophoresis. The collected sweat is then analyzed in a lab to determine chloride concentration. It's a safe and painless test, often performed in specialized cystic fibrosis centers.

Are there any limitations to the Sweat Chloride Test?

While it is a valuable tool in cystic fibrosis diagnosis, false-positive or false-negative results are possible. Other factors like medications, age, and test technique can influence the results. Clinicians consider various factors when interpreting the test outcome, and additional testing may be required in uncertain cases.