title: Audit of sweat testing: a first report from Italian Cystic Fibrosis Centres.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis is confirmed using sweat test. The aim of our study was to evaluate current techniques and methodologies in use at Italian CF Care Centres.
  
  
  METHODS
  A series of questions related to the performance of the sweat test was collected by all CF Care Centres in Italy. Answers were compared with UK and NCCLS guidelines.
  
  
  RESULTS
  39/41 Centres replied to the questionnaire. A good adherence to guidelines was registered for storing samples before analysis in 90.9%, while performing CF diagnosis by at least two sweat tests, and chloride analysis were reported respectively in 100% and 75.7% of Centres. Some inconsistencies were registered for minimum acceptable sweat quantity and time to collect sweat inadequate in respectively 42.5% and 24.2% of Centres, while performing quality control procedures and referring to an external quality assessment scheme were found inadequate in respectively 54.6% and 100%. 57.6% didn't provide any appropriate analytical ranges and only 15.1% of Centres offered proper information to patients/parents. A report form, including sweat quantity, reference ranges and interpretation, was adequate only for 9.4 up to 41.4% of CF Centres.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study showed areas of inconsistencies in sweat testing current practices in Italy and highlights the need for evidence based national guidelines to improve practice and management strategies.
authors.affiliation: Regional Cystic Fibrosis Center, Department of Pediatrics, Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Presidio Ospedaliero G. Salesi, Via Corridoni 11, 60123 Ancona, Italy.
authors.forename: Natalia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Cirilli
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Padoan
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Raia
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013542:Sweat / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator