[The clinical value of an oral test of pancreatic function with fluorescein dilaurate (author's transl)].

Exocrine insufficiency of the pancreas was identified by decreased splitting of the ester substrate and thus diminished excretion of fluorescein in the urine of persons with normal pancreatic function (test excretion). Unesterified fluorescein served to ascertain the standard excretion of fluorescein (= 100%). The relation of test excretion to standard excretion was expressed in %. Values of less than 20% in collected urine are pathologic. The range of 20-30% is questionable. Normal persons showed 30% or more. The method described is simple and without problems for the patient. The test was accurate in 93% of patients with a false negative in 1%. Practicability and results recommend the test as a screening method.