ePS01.6 Biological variability of the sweat chloride in diagnostic sweat tests: a retrospective analysis

Real life practice of sweat testing in Europe

Evidence based guidelines exist for sweat testing, which remains a key component of a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF), especially following newborn bloodspot screening (NBS). There are emerging challenges with respect to maintaining a valid sweat test service, notably a smaller number of sweat tests ordered in regions with established NBS programmes where Pediatricians refer less children for sweat testing, younger patients and equipment becoming obsolete. The ECFS Diagnostic Network Working Group has undertaken a comprehensive survey to better define sweat test practice across Europe. The survey was completed by 136 European respondents representing a CF center or laboratory providing a sweat test service (65% from regions with NBS for CF). There was considerable variance in practice, often not consistent with guidelines. In particular collection of sweat from two sites was rarely reported in European centres in contrast to US guidelines. There was a range of different references quoted for cut-off for both a positive and intermediate test. Most responses suggest cost is becoming an increasing issue and is not sufficiently reimbursed. This work will inform best practice guidelines and resources to sustain and improve sweat testing in Europe.

Advanced Materials for Health Monitoring with Skin-Based Wearable Devices

Skin-based wearable devices have a great potential that could result in a revolutionary approach to health monitoring and diagnosing disease. With continued innovation and intensive attention to the materials and fabrication technologies, development of these healthcare devices is progressively encouraged. This article gives a concise, although admittedly non-exhaustive, didactic review of some of the main concepts and approaches related to recent advances and developments in the scope of skin-based wearable devices (e.g. temperature, strain, biomarker-analysis werable devices, etc.), with an emphasis on emerging materials and fabrication techniques in the relevant fields. To give a comprehensive statement, part of the review presents and discusses different aspects of these advanced materials, such as the sensitivity, biocompatibility and durability as well as the major approaches proposed for enhancing their chemical and physical properties. A complementary section of the review linking these advanced materials with wearable device technologies is particularly specified. Some of the strong and weak points in development of each wearable material/device are highlighted and criticized. Several ideas regarding further improvement of skin-based wearable devices are also discussed.