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sweat test
- Question
- Hello,
If the value of the sweat test is 55mmol/L- 57mmol/L, is it possible that the child is a CF carrier without developing the disease?
- Answer
- Hello,
According to guidelines, a sweat test value < 40mmol/L is negative and >60mmol/L is positive. Between 40mmol/L and 60mmol/L the result is equivocal. Is recommended to repeat the sweat test, undergo extensive CFTR mutation analysis (genetic test), if there is clinical suspicion of CF.
If you have an equivocal result, like in your case, doesn’t mean that you are a carrier. The values of the sweat test are not correlated with the disease severity. In general, so-called "healthy carriers" of only one CF-causing mutation who do not develop the disease have normal sweat test results. If the value is in the intermediate range between 40-60 mmol/l chloride concentration of the sweat, the situation should be furhter clarified in order to rule out a mild form of CF or a so-called CFTR-realted disorder.
Maybe in your case the test was indicated because your doctor had a clinical suspicion (like chronic cough, chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive). Other factors may influence the results (if the patient received some medication or health status).
In this situation we recommend you to repeat the sweat test in an experienced center, as your doctor who is familiar with the case, recommended.
Please write us if you have further questions.
Best wishes
Dr. Ioana Ciuca
- 06.11.2013
