To be in a cold sweat is never good. A flop sweat draws no compliments. And wearing sweats is not exactly the height of fashion.

But our often-maligned perspiration may soon get its day in the sun.

Scientists say sweat could hold the key to detecting all manner of diseases, drugs, toxic metals, you name it, and with nary a needle or urine collection cup in sight.

Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney in Australia report that sweat analysis is rapidly shifting from a lesser-known tool in forensic science to a more mainstream diagnostic method that could change health care.

Sweat patches are easy to use, would not typically require a trip to a doctor or a laboratory and are highly accurate. The salty liquid substance our bodies produce, often to our embarrassment, can be used to detect diseases like diabetes, Parkinson’s, cystic fibrosis and, in some cases, cancer.

Using sweat rather than blood for diagnosis would be a vast improvement for those with diabetes, who must prick themselves multiple times a day to monitor blood sugar.

Another group that would surely appreciate the change are those who fear needles. It’s estimated that trypanophobia [trih-pan-uh-fo-be-uh] affects up to one in four adults and may lead about 16% of those in the United States to skip vaccinations.

Of course, technology always poses challenges, and that is true for sweat patches. Sweat composition differs among humans, depending on factors like hydration, diet, exercise and what body part is being checked.

Still, the day may come when plentiful perspiration is something you wear as a badge of honor…and not just sweat stains.