Sweat testing for cystic fibrosis: standards of performance in Australasia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Accurate measurement of sweat chloride concentration is essential for the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF). We surveyed all laboratories enrolled in the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Program (QAP) for Sweat Electrolytes to determine how closely they comply with the Australian Guidelines for the performance of the sweat test for the diagnosis of CF. METHODS: A detailed questionnaire covering most aspects of sweat collection and analysis was sent to all participating laboratories in 2007. RESULTS: Twenty out of 38 laboratories completed the questionnaire. While adherence to accepted guidelines was noted in many areas, the following main variations ..