Qualitative medical test for evaluation of sweating function
Medical diagnostic method
Minor test
Purpose
for testing sudomotor function
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]
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 drastic color change (yellow to dark blue), allowing sweat production to be easily seen.[2]
Some have reported higher sensitivity and fewer drawbacks marking dry skin with water-erasable ink and observing fading.[3]
^Minor, Victor (1928). "Ein neues Verfahren zu der klinischen Untersuchung der Schweißabsonderung". Deutsche Zeitschrift für Nervenheilkunde. 101: 302–308. doi:10.1007/BF01652699. S2CID9226674.
^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. PMID23094789. S2CID206038609.
