Iontophoresis is primarily used in the diagnosis of which disease?

Iontophoresis is a diagnostic procedure primarily used for the detection of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive systems. The technique involves applying a small electrical current to the skin, which facilitates the delivery of a medication containing pilocarpine, a sweat-inducing agent. This causes the sweat glands to produce sweat, which is then collected for further analysis.

The sweat that is collected is analyzed for its sodium and chloride concentrations, which are typically elevated in individuals with cystic fibrosis. A sweat chloride level greater than 60 mmol/L is indicative of the condition. Therefore, iontophoresis serves as a critical tool in the early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, particularly in infants and children, guiding appropriate treatment strategies.

The other diseases listed do not utilize iontophoresis as a primary diagnostic method. Diabetes mellitus is primarily diagnosed through blood glucose tests. Hemophilia is typically diagnosed through clotting factor assays, and anemia is evaluated via complete blood counts and specific tests for iron levels, among other methods. Each of these conditions has its distinct set of diagnostic criteria that do not involve the use of iontophoresis.