[French guidelines for sweat test practice and interpretation for cystic fibrosis neonatal screening]

Abstract

These guidelines aim to standardize the standard operating procedures for the sweat test in newborn cystic fibrosis (CF) screening. They have been implemented by the national Neonatal Screening working group of the French Federation for Cystic Fibrosis. It is recommended that the sweat test be performed when the infant weighs more than 3 kg and is at least 3 weeks of age. Sweat gland secretion is stimulated by transdermal administration of pilocarpine by iontophoresis. Sweat is preferentially collected in a Macroduct coil. Diagnosis of CF is based on the sweat chloride level. A sweat chloride level below 30 mmol/l very probably rules out CF; 60 mmol/l or higher supports the diagnosis of CF. Values between 30 and 60 mmol/l are considered abnormal.