Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis In addition to a complete medical
history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for
cystic fibrosis may include the following: - Sweat (chloride)
test. A test to measure the amount of chloride in the sweat. The
test is performed by placing a solution on the forearm (or the
thigh if the child is too small) and attaching electrodes. The
skin is stimulated to sweat with a mild electric current, which
does not cause pain or harm your child. The sweat is collected
onto a gauze pad and analyzed. Higher than normal amounts of
chloride may suggest cystic fibrosis. The sweat test is not
painful and usually causes minor discomfort. - Genetic tests.
Blood or cheek scraping cells can be tested for mutations in the
CFTR gene. - Blood tests. Blood tests, including pancreatic
function tests, can assess infection, and involvement of certain
organs. - Chest X-rays. A diagnostic test which uses invisible
electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal
tissues, bones, and organs