Sweat test

The sweat electrolyte test is performed to determine the amount of chloride that is excreted in sweat from the body during a certain period of time. The test may be performed on infants to determine if cystic fibrosis is present. Children with cystic fibrosis have increased sodium and chloride concentrations in their sweat.

Review Date: 05/01/2011
Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.