Minor test

The Minor test (also known as Minor's test, the starch–iodine test, and the iodine–starch test), described by Victor Minor in 1928,[1] is a qualitative medical test that is used to evaluate sudomotor function (perspiration or sweating).[2]

Minor test
Purposefor testing sudomotor function

Method

Tincture of iodine is applied to the skin and allowed to air-dry. After drying, the area is dusted with cornstarch or potato flour. Sweating is then encouraged by increased room temperature, exercise, use of a sauna, or pilocarpine.[2]

When sweat reaches the surface of the skin, the starch and iodine combine, causing a dramatic color change (yellow → dark blue), allowing sweat production to be easily visualized.[2]

Some have reported higher sensitivity and fewer drawbacks marking dry skin with water-erasable ink and observing fading.[3]

Uses

The Minor test can be used as a diagnostic tool to evaluate underactive (hypohidrosis)[4] and overactive (hyperhidrosis) sweating. This test can also visualize Horner's syndrome.[2]

References
  1. Minor, Victor (1928). "Ein neues Verfahren zu der klinischen Untersuchung der Schweißabsonderung". Deutsche Zeitschrift für Nervenheilkunde. 101: 302–308. doi:10.1007/BF01652699. S2CID 9226674.
  2. Sriraam, Laya Manasa; Sundaram, Raja; Ramalingam, Ravi; Ramalingam, K. K. (June 2015). "Minor's Test: Objective Demonstration of Horner's Syndrome". Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. 67 (2): 190–192. doi:10.1007/s12070-015-0852-5. ISSN 2231-3796. PMC 4460096. PMID 26075177.
  3. Uhara, Hisashi; Nakamura, Kenta; Mikoshiba, Yasutomo; Miyake, Tomomi; Okuyama, Ryuhei (November 1, 2011). "Sweat Test with Water-erasable Ink, Letters to the Editor" (PDF). Acta Dermato-Venereologica. Medical Journals/Acta D-V. 92 (4): 432–433. doi:10.2340/00015555-1300. PMID 22278410. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-06-17.
  4. Chia, K. Y.; Tey, H. L. (2012). "Approach to hypohidrosis". Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 27 (7): 799–804. doi:10.1111/jdv.12014. PMID 23094789. S2CID 206038609.

Notes
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