Pediatric Sweat Test
Your child is 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?
A sweat test is done to test for cystic fibrosis. During the sweat test, a small amount of sweat is collected from the forearms. The amount of salt (chloride) in the sweat is measured. A sweat test is done when a patient has symptoms of cystic fibrosis (CF), a family history of CF, or when a newborn has a positive screening test. If the sweat test is being done after a newborn screening, you will meet with a genetic counselor during this visit.
How is a sweat test done?
Two electrodes are placed on your child's forearm for five minutes. These cause the sweat glands to produce sweat. This produces a mild tingling feeling, but is not painful. A pad is placed on the arm to collect the sweat. Once the sweat is on the pad, it is taken to the lab for testing.
Will it matter what my child has to eat or drink before the test?
No, diet will not affect the sweat test results.
What if my child is taking antibiotics or other medicines?
Your child should keep taking medicines as prescribed.
Will I stay with my child during the test?
Yes, parents stay with the child. This test is not painful. It will help if children have something to keep them busy (such as a pacifier, bottle, special toy, or book) during the test. There is a play area in the waiting room for toddlers.
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 are ready about one hour after the sweat test. Test results are sent to your doctor. You may wait for the results if you wish.
Who can I call if I have questions?
For scheduling questions, call
Pediatric Pulmonary Office/Cystic Fibrosis Center at (608) 263-8555.
For questions about newborn screening, call a
Genetic Counselor at (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 Spanish version of this HFFY is #5894
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#5634
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