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Sweat Chloride Test

Also known as: Sweat test; iontophoretic sweat test
Related tests: Immunoreactive trypsin (IRT); CF gene mutation

Common Questions

1.  If one of my children has CF and a positive sweat chloride test, should my other children be tested?

Yes, if they are symptomatic. If not and/or if the genetic mutations causing your child’s CF are known, your doctor may prefer to test the brothers or sisters (siblings) for these specific mutations. This will let them know if your children have CF or are just carriers. Carriers are not ill and do not need treatment, but they may want to consider genetic counselling before they decide to have children themselves. Some doctors do not recommend testing on siblings unless they are symptomatic; testing and counselling for reproductive choices can be done later.

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2.  What other tests may my doctor recommend if my child has CF?

Your doctor may do other tests, such as chest X-rays as well as lung function and pancreas function testing, to find out how severe your child’s CF is and to guide them in recommending a treatment plan and/or a referral to a special CF centre where your child can get expert help, advice, and monitoring.

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