Sweat Testing Specialist

What is Sweat Testing?

If you exercise, you sweat. You sweat consists of water and electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium and Chloride). Everyone sweats differently when they exercise, so knowing how you sweat can help you hydrate better and perform better in your sport. Sweat testing is a non-invasive way to check the concentration of electrolytes in your sweat as well as your sweat rate.

During sweat testing, we collect your sweat along with other biometric data while you are exercising and send your sweat to a laboratory for analysis. After receiving your “sweat profile”, Dr. Ross will create a hydration program that suits your individual need.

Anyone can develop dehydration, muscle cramping, and fatigue during exercise. Sweat testing can help you break through the “wall” of endurance competition and help you to perform your best.

Why Do I need Sweat Testing?

Do you develop any of the following symptoms with exercise?

• Tightness or cramping in the limbs
• Excessive sweating more than other athletes
• Exhaustion or dehydration while exercising
• Burning or aching in the muscle
• Hitting the “wall” while training or competing

During exercise, your body loses both water and electrolytes including sodium, chloride and potassium. Each athlete sweats differently and general hydration guidelines don’t work for everyone. You have your own unique fluid and electrolyte needs. Your Sweat Profile is uniquely yours, and could differ dramatically from another (over a hundred fold), even if they have a similar diet, body type, size, etc.

Sweat testing will give you’re the information you need to hydrate appropriately for your own body’s needs. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms or if you are interested in learning about your sweat profile, you should contact Ross Medical Group for an evaluation.

What is sweat testing?

Your Sweat Test will quantify various measures such as sweat volume, your sweat rate and your sweat composition (including electrolyte concentrations). Both measurements are essential to understand how your body reacts to exercise and what specific replenishment you will need to maintain proper electrolyte balance under physical stress. Proper hydration will also help in preventing heat-related illness (cramping, heat exhaustion and heat stroke).

Electrolytes that will be measured in your sweat test include: Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Chloride (Cl-)

Based on your results, we determine the amount of electrolytes lost in sweat that need to be replenished, down to the milligram.

What happens after my Sweat Test?

Depending on the results of your test, Dr. Ross creates a treatment plan focused on replenishing your salt loss and fluid loss during your specific sport. He will give you a specific training and competition plan for hydration so that you can perform at your best.

For other sweat testing questions, call the sports medicine specialist at Ross Medical Group today or request an appointment online.