Health Information
Sweat Test
Results
A sweat test measures the amount of salt chemicals (sodium and chloride) in sweat. Generally, chloride (sweat chloride) is measured.
Results are usually available in 1 or 2 days. Normal results vary from lab to lab.
| Normal: |
Less than 40 Reference millimoles per liter (mmol/L) Opens New Window |
|---|---|
| Borderline: |
40–59 mmol/L |
| Abnormal: |
60 mmol/L or more |
| Normal: |
Less than 30 mmol/L |
|---|---|
| Borderline: |
30–59 mmol/L |
| Abnormal: |
60 mmol/L or more |
Many conditions can change sodium and chloride levels. Your doctor will discuss any significant abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and past health.
The test results do not show how severe the cystic fibrosis is. The test only shows if a person could have the disease.
Abnormal (high) values
High values:
- Usually mean a person has cystic fibrosis. Some people with cystic fibrosis have borderline or even normal sweat chloride levels.
- May be caused by other conditions. But the sweat test is
not used to diagnose these conditions, which include:
- Reference Adrenal gland Opens New Window problems, such as adrenal insufficiency or Reference Addison's disease Opens New Window.
- Reference Hypothyroidism Opens New Window.
- Reference Kidney failure Opens New Window.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference June 15, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Reference Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology |
|
© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
