The peritoneal equilibration test (PET) is the most widely used functional test for providing information on peritoneal membrane solute clearance and ultrafiltration behavior of important peritoneal membrane characteristics in peritoneal dialysis patients. When the PET is regularly performed and based on a standardized protocol it provides important information for the individual peritoneal dialysis regimen. The consensus PET protocol of our expert group integrates the advantages of using high concentration glucose solutions and carrying out a complete drain after 1 h including the sodium sieving test. The essential steps of preparation, execution and interpretation as well as sources of error are described. Practical advice for modification of the dialysis regimen is given with the aim of always achieving an efficient peritoneal dialysis with adequate dialysis dose and quality.