Adult Sweat Test
To _______________________________________________
You have been scheduled for a sweat test
On ___________________________________ at ________________________
Please arrive 15 minutes before your clinic visit and stop at the pediatric registration desk when you arrive. The sweat test is done in the Pediatric Specialty Clinic at American Family Children’s Hospital. If you need to reschedule the test, please call the Pediatric Pulmonary Office.
What is a sweat test?
Sweat tests are done to test for cystic fibrosis. During the sweat test, we will collect a small amount of sweat from the forearms. The amount of chloride (salt) in the sweat will be measured. Sweat tests are done when a patient has symptoms or a family history of cystic fibrosis.
How is a sweat test done?
Two electrodes will be placed on your forearm for five minutes. These excite the sweat glands. You will notice a mild tingling feeling, but is not painful. A pad is then placed on the same spot to collect the sweat. Once the sweat has collected on the pad, it will be taken to the lab for testing.
Will it matter what I have to eat or drink before the test?
No, diet will not affect the sweat test results.
What if I’m taking antibiotics or other medicines?
You should keep taking any medicines as usual.
How long will the test take?
It takes about one hour to complete the sweat test. You can expect the visit to take 2 to 3 hours total if you wait for results.
When will the results be ready?
Results will be ready one hour after the test is done. Test results will be sent to your doctor. You have the option of staying and waiting for the results.
Who can I call if I have questions?
For schedule questions:
Pediatric Pulmonary Office/Cystic Fibrosis Center - (608) 263-8555
For questions about newborn screening:
Genetic counselor - (608) 262-6228
How do I get to American Family Children's Hospital?
If you’re coming from the south of Madison on highways 12/18 (Beltline Highway) take Midvale Boulevard north to University Ave and turn right. If you are coming from the west, find your way to University Ave and go east on University Ave. Take University Ave. to University Bay Drive (traffic lights). Turn left (north) onto University Bay Drive. Watch for signs indicating patient and visitor parking at the main entrance of the American Family Children's Hospital.
If you are coming from the east, find your way to University Ave. Stay on University Ave until it merges with Campus Drive. When University Ave splits off to the left you should keep to the right and merge onto Campus Drive. Then, turn right onto University Bay Drive and watch for patient and visitor parking signs at the main entrance of the American Family Children's Hospital.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 02/01/2013
Copyright © 02/01/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5920
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