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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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QUANTITATIVE PILOCARPINE IONTOPHORESIS

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2969    Geisinger Epic ID:  33396

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Sweat (or fluid)


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

15 µL sweat


Special notes: 

Test must be scheduled via Pulmonary Medicine Department. Call 1-800-275-6401 x 16266 or dial direct 570-271-6266. Testing is performed at GMC Monday-Friday at 9:00am and 10:00am only. No weekends or holidays.


Patient preparation: 

Patient in stable health and hydrated. Test coils used to collect sweat from both left and right limbs of child.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Room temperature. Transport immediately.


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: 72 hours.


Rejection criteria: 

Stability limits exceeded.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

<30 mmol/L


Interpretation guide: 

<30 mmol/L: CF unlikely
30 - 59 mmol/L : Intermediate 
>=60 mmol/L: Indicative of CF


Additional information: 

For early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF).


CPT code(s):  89230, 82438 also billed if specimen sufficient
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Sweat chloride.


Methodology: 
Coulometric Titration
Iontophoresis
Synonyms: 

Sweat chloride, sweat test, SWCLB, SWCLB1, SWCLB2,, Cystic fibrosis, SweatCl, Sweat test evaluation


Clinical significance: 

Elevated chloride in sweat specimens induced by iontophoresis indicates the likelihood of cystic fibrosis. Sweat specimens (Sweat Test 1 and Sweat Test 2) are taken from both arms (or legs) of patients.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Hoi-Ying Elsie Yu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
Sheng-Ying (Margaret) Lo, PhD, DABCC
Benjamin Andress, PhD, DABCC
Review Date:  12/30/2024

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