False negative meconium test results in screening for cystic fibrosis.

The value of the Boehringer-Mannheim (B-M) meconium test for routine screening for 
cystic fibrosis has been questioned recently because of the high proportion 
of false negative results. This report presents our observations on the 
validity of the B-M meconium test. Our findings show that the 
B-M meconium test may contribute to false negative results even when 
the exocrine pancreatic function of a newborn infant with CF is 
abnormal. Our observation supports the doubts expressed recently in regard to 
the validity of the B-M meconium test in screening neonates for 
cystic fibrosis. 