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Sweat electrolytes test - Results

Alternative Names

Sweat test; Sweat chloride; Iontophoretic sweat test

Normal Values:

  • A sweat chloride test result of less than or equal to 39 mEq/L in an infant over 6 months old probably means cystic fibrosis is not present.
  • A result between 40 - 59 mEq/L does not give a clear diagnosis. Further testing is needed.
  • If the result is 60 mEq/L or greater, cystic fibrosis is present.

Note: mEq/L = milliequivalent per liter

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

Some conditions, such as dehydration or swelling (edema) can affect the test results.

What abnormal results mean:

An abnormal test may mean that the child has cystic fibrosis.

  • Reviewed last on: 5/1/2011
  • 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.

References

Borowitz D, Robinson KA, Rosenfeld M, et al. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation evidence-based guidelines for management of infants with cystic fibrosis. J Pediatr. 2009;155(6 Suppl):S73-S93.

Boat TF, Acton JD. Cystic fibrosis. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 400.

Farrell PM, Rosenstein BJ, White TB, et al. Guidelines for diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in newborns through older adults: Cystic fibrosis consensus report. Journal of Pediatrics. Aug 2008;153(2).

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