Catalogue Number: RAPG-RLX-001

TEST KIT DESCRIPTION
The Biopanda Dog Pregnancy Rapid Test qualitatively detects canine relaxin (RLN) from a dog’s serum or plasma specimen fifteen days after mating.This test is a screening method for early pregnancy detection in dogs.

SUMMARY
Relaxin is a peptide hormone synthesized and secreted by the corpus luteum and placenta during pregnancy. The secretion of relaxin in pregnancy increases gradually with the increase of gestation and decreases rapidly to undetectable levels after partum or spontaneous abortion. The serum relaxin level of pregnant dogs at 15 to 30 days is significantly higher than that of non-pregnant dogs, peaking at 35 days. Therefore, relaxin can be used as an early pregnancy marker in dogs.

PRINCIPLE
The Biopanda Dog Pregnancy Rapid Test is based on a sandwich lateral flow immunochromatographic assay. The test cassette has a testing window. The testing window has an invisible T (test) zone and C (control) zone. When the sample is applied to the sample well on the cassette, the sample will laterally flow along the surface of the test. If there is enough dog relaxin in the sample, a visible T line will appear. The C line should always appear after a sample is applied, indicating a valid result. By this means, the test cassette can accurately indicate the presence of dog relaxin in the sample.

KIT CONTENTS
 10 foil wrapped pouches containing a cassette and desiccant
 10 droppers
 10 extraction tubes and tips
 1 assay buffer tube
 1 workstation
 1 product insert

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Store the kit between 2-30°C and ensure the kits are not frozen or stored in direct sunlight. The test is valid until the expiration date printed on the foil wrapping.

PRECAUTIONS
Follow these instructions for the best results:
Ensure the test cassette and buffer are at room temperature before running the test.

• Keep the cassette inside the foil pouch until it is needed.
• Humidity and temperature can adversely affect results.
• Ensure each test is used only once.
• Test kits that have reached their expiry date should not be used.
• Only use reagents from this kit when performing the test to ensure
  quality controlled testing.
• Handle all specimens as if they contain infectious agents. Observe established precautions against microbiological hazards throughout
  the procedure and follow standard procedures for proper disposal of specimens and used tests.

TEST PROCEDURE
Allow the test cassette, specimen and buffer to equilibrate to room temperature (15-30°C) prior to testing.
1. Collect a dog’s fresh venous blood sample and centrifuge at 2000- 3000 rpm for 5-10 minutes to obtain a serum or plasma specimen.
Only use clear, non-haemolysed specimens. Do not leave the specimen at room temperature for prolonged periods. Serum and plasma specimens may be stored at 2-8°C for up to 3 days. For long term storage, specimens should be kept below -20°C.)
2. Dilute the serum or plasma specimen 1:1 with buffer provided: Add
3 drops of buffer to an extraction tube, then add 3 drops of serum or plasma specimen to the tube with the dropper provided. Gently squeeze the bottom of the extraction tube to mix the sample thoroughly. Fit an extraction tube tip onto the extraction tube and
place in the workstation.
4. Open the cassette from the foil pouch and position it on a flat, clean surface.
5. Invert the extraction tube and add 3 drops (approx. 120 µl) of the extracted specimen to the specimen well (S) on the test cassette. Avoid trapping air bubbles in the specimen well and do not drop any solution into the observation window.
6. Wait for the coloured line(s) to appear. Read the results at 5 minutes. Results read after 10 minutes are considered invalid.