Elimination of spurious absent sweat response in QSWEAT recordings

Abstract Introduction Forearm QSWEAT recordings are occasionally absent in females, likely due to high skin resistance. Methods We identified consecutive subjects with no sudomotor abnormalities but absent/markedly reduced QSWEAT forearm volume, and repeated QSWEAT at the same site after gentle abrasion. Results QSWEAT volumes were absent for 4 subjects and markedly reduced for the other 4 (median 0.01, IQR 0–0.03). After gentle skin abrasion, repeat volumes were significantly higher for all subjects and became normal in 7 of 8 subjects. Discussion Skin abrasion restores QSWEAT volumes in previously absent/markedly reduced site suggesting that skin preparation using abrasion is more effective.