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).

Minor test
Medical diagnostics
Purposetest 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.

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.

Some have reported higher sensitivity and fewer drawbacks marking dry skin with water-erasable ink and observing fading.[2]

Uses

The Minor test can be used as a diagnostic tool to evaluate underactive (hypohidrosis)[3] and overactive (hyperhidrosis) sweating. Can visualize Horner's syndrome.

References
  1. Minor, Victor. "Ein neues Verfahren zu der klinischen Untersuchung der Schweissabsonderung", Dtsch Z Nervenheilkd, 1928;101302-7.
  2. Sweat Test with Water-erasable Ink, Letters to the Editor, Acta Dermato-Venereologica, accepted November 1, 2011. https://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/download/10.2340/00015555-1300/
  3. 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.

Notes
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