Sweat Test

[wingsofhope]

my son will be 4 soon and he had a sweat test done this morning and it came back a 50, so he had
to have a blood test which take's 2 to 3 week's to return. I don't understand all of this does this
mean that he may have cystic fibrosis or just a positive carrier of the gene?

 

[anonymous]

Below 40 on the sweat test means negative. Between 40-60 is borderline for cf. Above 60 is positive for cf. Those with borderline scores should have more testing. I have a few websites where you can find out more info on cf.

http://www3.nbnet.nb.ca/normap/CF.htm

http://www.cff.org/living_with_cf/patient_and_family_education/diagnosing_cf/sweattest/

http://www.cff.org/about_cf/what_is_cf/

Sweat test scores can vary. It is best to have the test done at a cystic fibrosis center where they are more experienced at performing the test. Also, some less common genes of cf can cause lower sweat test scores. Hope you find some answers soon. I know the 2 to 3 week wait is difficult.
Sharon, mom to Sophia, 3 and Jack, 13 months both with cf

 

[oliver68]

Hi,

the result of the sweat test does not reflect any severity of the disease, just keep this in mind ;-)
If your son turns to have 90, don't panic, it's just like 70 or 61.

 

[anonymous]

My son had a total of 4 sweat tests. The first one done at a hospital that wasn't a CF clinic and they ruled CF out. Not satisfied, I insisted on going to the U of Iowa, which has a CF clinic and they attempted the sweat test 3 more times, all of which he just didn't produce enough sweat for a result. So they ran the blood test and yes the wait is like no other, but that did confirm CF. So my experience showed the sweat test to be quite useless. At least the blood test will give you a definite answer. I hope the best for you.

 

[anonymous]

To the last poster, how do you like the clinic at U of Iowa? I have heard great things about it. We moved to from Iowa City to our current residence now. We're very happy with our cf clinic, but I just wanted your thought on the Uof I one. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> Thanks.

Carey

 

[anonymous]

The U of Iowa has been absolutely incredible. They are the first that took each and every one of my concerns serious and have explained everything to us. (We had been to two other hospitals for tests and concerns--I can't emphasize enough the importance of going to a CF Clinic) The CF staff is amazing. I can call or email the CF coordinator and if she can't help me, she will find someone who can. They get us in as soon as they possibly can when I call. They offer support like I've never seen from a medical staff. We are very fortunate to have them. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the minute we came in to have his symptoms diagnosed, they were up front and willing to help us in any way. I can't say enough about them.