Sweat Test

A sweat test measures the amount of salt (chloride) in your sweat to help diagnose cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition affecting the lungs and digestive system. During the test, a small area of skin is stimulated with a mild electrical current, causing sweating. The sweat is then collected using special collection sites and analyzed in a lab. Elevated salt levels suggest cystic fibrosis, while normal levels usually exclude the diagnosis. The sweat test is safe, non-invasive, and considered the most reliable way to confirm or rule out cystic fibrosis.