sweat test questions

[anonymous]

Hi,

My son had a sweat test last week that was borderline (not done at a cf clinic) and I called the cf clinic and they said that their sweat test is more accurate. What does that mean? Do different places have different methods, scales, etc? Is there different criteria? Does anyone know of someone who has had a sweat test at a non-cf facility and had different results at a cf clinic?

Thanks, Laura

 

[anonymous]

Hi,

My son had a sweat test last week that was borderline (not done at a cf clinic) and I called the cf clinic and they said that their sweat test is more accurate. What does that mean? Do different places have different methods, scales, etc? Is there different criteria? Does anyone know of someone who has had a sweat test at a non-cf facility and had different results at a cf clinic?

Thanks, Laura

 

[JazzysMom]

It is highly recommended that any CF testing (sweat test or genetic blood work) be done at an accredited CF center. There is less likely to be an error anywhere along the process resulting in a false negative result. Basically because they specialize in CF, they know the ins/outs of the testing to assure the highest accuracy!

 

[JazzysMom]

It is highly recommended that any CF testing (sweat test or genetic blood work) be done at an accredited CF center. There is less likely to be an error anywhere along the process resulting in a false negative result. Basically because they specialize in CF, they know the ins/outs of the testing to assure the highest accuracy!

 

[julie]

Laura, I kind of look at it like this. Would you go to an optometrist if you had a Urinary Tract infection? Probably not. Although they are doctors and might be able to look up some literature of how to treat it you would rather deal with a family practice doctor or if you had chronic urinary tract infections, you would see a urologist.

That's kind of how the CF accredited facilities work. It's not that other doctors don't mean well, but they don't do sweat tests in an out every day, numerous times a day. If a sweat test is borderline the CF accredited facilities know EXACTLY what the next step to take is and will usually give the child meds as if they DO have CF to be proactive, until proven clearly that the child either does or does not have CF. There is harm done to a child when they have CF and they aren't properly treated for it ASAP because tests are inconclusive. There is NO harm done to a child who is treated as if they have CF (enzymes, antibiotics...) and later diagnosed as not having CF. I'd rather be safe than sorry if I were you.

Hope this helps! Let us know if you have any more questions.

 

[julie]

Laura, I kind of look at it like this. Would you go to an optometrist if you had a Urinary Tract infection? Probably not. Although they are doctors and might be able to look up some literature of how to treat it you would rather deal with a family practice doctor or if you had chronic urinary tract infections, you would see a urologist.

That's kind of how the CF accredited facilities work. It's not that other doctors don't mean well, but they don't do sweat tests in an out every day, numerous times a day. If a sweat test is borderline the CF accredited facilities know EXACTLY what the next step to take is and will usually give the child meds as if they DO have CF to be proactive, until proven clearly that the child either does or does not have CF. There is harm done to a child when they have CF and they aren't properly treated for it ASAP because tests are inconclusive. There is NO harm done to a child who is treated as if they have CF (enzymes, antibiotics...) and later diagnosed as not having CF. I'd rather be safe than sorry if I were you.

Hope this helps! Let us know if you have any more questions.

 

[EmilysMom]

Julie,
That is one of the best analogies I have ever heard for it. We always tell the new people to be sure to go to an accredited CF center, but the way you explained it is REALLY GOOD!
<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

 

[EmilysMom]

Julie,
That is one of the best analogies I have ever heard for it. We always tell the new people to be sure to go to an accredited CF center, but the way you explained it is REALLY GOOD!
<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">

 

[julie]

lol, glad you like it! I always hate it when people tell me to do something or not do it, but they really can't tell me WHY or give a good explanation-even if they can't help it, it's frustrating. It's not always possible to give an explanation (both on the delivery and recieving end) but when I can I like to. I hope it gives people more of an understanding of WHY....

 

[julie]

lol, glad you like it! I always hate it when people tell me to do something or not do it, but they really can't tell me WHY or give a good explanation-even if they can't help it, it's frustrating. It's not always possible to give an explanation (both on the delivery and recieving end) but when I can I like to. I hope it gives people more of an understanding of WHY....