Sweat analysis is used in clinical medicine for the diagnosis of a genetic disease called Cystic fibrosis (CF). Sweat is collected from the flexor surface of forearms from infants who are more than two weeks old and weigh more than 3 kg.
Sweat is collected on pre-weighed sodium chloride free filter paper or Wescor disposable collectors. After collection all precautions must be taken to avoid evaporation of the sample. If the test could not be done immediately, the sample can be stored at 4{+0} C, but for not more than 72 hours.
For the diagnosis of Cystic fibrosis, concentration of chloride in the sweat is estimated by colorimetry. A Chloride concentration of more than 60 mmol/L supports the diagnosis of CF.
Courtesy : The Hindu
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