Tests
Tests to consider
starch-iodine test
Test
Reaction with sweat produces a purple sediment.
This is a qualitative test that indicates the extent of sweat activity. May be useful to map areas for local procedures, such as axillary sweat gland excision or onabotulinumtoxinA (botulinum toxin type A) injection.[16]
During the test, a 1% to 5% solution of iodine in alcohol is applied to the area in question and allowed to dry. Cornstarch is then applied to the area.
Result
purple sediment
gravimetry
Test
A quantitative test that involves the measurement of sweat accumulation by filter paper.[2][17]
Filter paper is weighed before and after contact with a sweaty body region and so provides a measure of the rate of sweat production in milligrams per minute.[12][17]
Result
axillary: males >20 mg/min; females >10 mg/min; palmar: 30-40 mg/min
thyroid function test
Test
Performed if thyrotoxicosis is suspected as the cause of secondary hyperhidrosis.
Result
may be normal or abnormal
metabolic panel
Test
Performed if endocrine disorders, diabetes, or glucagonoma are suspected as the cause of secondary hyperhidrosis.
Result
to exclude abnormal sodium, calcium, glucose levels
24-hour urine collection for catecholamines, metanephrines, normetanephrines
Test
Performed if pheochromocytoma is suspected as the cause of secondary hyperhidrosis.
Result
may be normal or high
serum free metanephrines, normetanephrines
Test
Performed if pheochromocytoma is suspected as the cause of secondary hyperhidrosis.
Result
may be normal or high
urine 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid
Test
To exclude or confirm carcinoid tumors that secrete serotonin if these are suspected as the cause of secondary hyperhidrosis.
Result
may be normal or high
chest x-ray
Test
May be used to rule out tuberculosis or a neoplastic cause if these are suspected as the cause of secondary hyperhidrosis.
Result
may be normal or abnormal
CT scans
Test
Performed if neoplastic disorders, pituitary tumors, or neurologic injury is suspected as the cause of secondary hyperhidrosis.
Result
may be normal or abnormal
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