Micro-flowcell conductometric sweat analysis for cystic fibrosis diagnosis

This paper describes a device specifically designed to facilitate neonatal sweat testing. The components are sized appropriately for attachment to the limbs of newborns. Iontophoretic electrodes, with pilocarpine gel inserts, are latched into small holders attached by straps to the limb. The holder at the anodic site remains in place to receive and align the sensor cell, w hich uses a conical collecting surface to channel the sweat directly and an aerobically from the sweat ducts to the continuous flow-through conductivit y cell within its body. A crib-side analysis unit incorporates an iontophor etic power supply and displays a continuous readout of sweat electrical con ductivity. The average conductivity during a specific time interval and the initial sweating rate are automatically displayed. The method, which simpl ifies sweat tests, is currently being assessed in three neonatal clinical t rials to test its ability to reduce test failures in the newborn due to ins ufficient sweat.