Intermediate
Technical
IVT
sweat chloride test
Confirmatory diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis measuring chloride levels in sweat.
Full Definition
The sweat chloride test is the gold standard diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis, measuring the concentration of chloride in sweat collected using pilocarpine iontophoresis. The test takes advantage of the fact that individuals with cystic fibrosis have elevated chloride levels in their sweat due to defective chloride transport. This test is used to confirm or rule out cystic fibrosis following abnormal newborn screening results or clinical suspicion.
Usage
Usage note: Do not hyphenate 'sweat chloride' when used as a compound modifier.
In Context
- "The sweat chloride test confirmed the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis with a level of 75 mmol/L." — diagnostic report
- "Two separate sweat chloride tests are recommended to confirm cystic fibrosis diagnosis." — clinical guideline
Also known as
sweat test
pilocarpine iontophoresis test
Don't confuse with
sweat rate test
chloride test