CF Factoid #6

Sweat chloride tests are used to help determine whether or not a person has CF.  A special solution is spread on the arms, and small electrodes are placed on the arms to help create heat and generate sweat.  The sweat is collected, and the amount of salt is measured.  The guidelines are slightly different for babies 6 months and younger vs. those used for older babies, children, and adults.

For babies 6 months and younger:
- any number at or above 60 mmol/L means the person has CF
- any number between 30 and 59 mmol/L is borderline and further testing/examination should be done on a case-by-case basis
- any number below 30 means the person does not have CF

For anyone over the age of 6 months:
- anything 60 or above means the person has CF
- anything between 40 and 59 is borderline
- anything below 40 is negative