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Reproducibility of the fluorescein dilaurate pancreatic function test.
Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation
|November 1, 1985
Summary
The fluorescein dilaurate test measures pancreatic function by tracking fluorescein excretion. While results correlated with other studies, its high variability makes it unsuitable for quantitative or screening use without further research.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pancreatic Physiology
- Diagnostic Testing
Background:
- Pancreatic exocrine function is crucial for digestion.
- Accurate and reliable diagnostic tests are needed for pancreatic insufficiency.
- The fluorescein dilaurate test is an indirect method assessing pancreatic enzyme activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability and potential use of the fluorescein dilaurate test.
- To assess the test's performance in healthy volunteers through repeated measurements.
Main Methods:
- The fluorescein dilaurate test was performed twice on nine healthy volunteers.
- Fluorescein excretion was measured after ingesting fluorescein ester (test) and fluorescein sodium (control).
- Results were expressed as the test/control (T/C) ratio.
Main Results:
- Mean excreted fluorescein values showed good correlation with previously reported data.
- The coefficient of variation for repeated tests was 35%, indicating significant variability.
- Similar variability was observed across individual participants.
Conclusions:
- The fluorescein dilaurate test demonstrated high variability, limiting its quantitative accuracy.
- Further investigation is required before the test can be recommended.
- Its utility as a screening tool for pancreatic function is questionable.