EquiChek™-SAA is a simple stall-side test that provides veterinarians, trainers or breeders with the opportunity to test for any inflammatory condition, including infections, where it matters, beside the horse. Blood can be analyzed without the need to send samples to a lab. In just two simple steps, you can tell if the horse has an active inflammatory condition.
What does EquiChek™-SAA Detect?
The EquiChek™-SAA test detects a protein called Serum Amyloid A (SAA) which circulates in the blood. In a healthy horse SAA is generally very low, but the level of SAA rises significantly when the horse experiences a challenge that causes inflammation such as infection or damage to muscle. In many cases there may be no obvious signs, but a problem may be brewing, in medical terms referred to as subclinical.
Not only does SAA increase when there is a problem, it also falls very quickly if the problem is resolved. EquiChek™-SAA will tell you if the inflammation is under control, so if the horse is treated with antibiotics, and they work, EquiChek™-SAA can help to monitor recovery.
Where to use EquiChek™-SAA
- EquiChek™-SAA can be used anywhere. In the field, stable side or stall side
- No lab is required
- No sample dilution or processing is necessary, just add blood directly to the test
- So whether you are at the stall, in the field, or have transported the horse over a long distance, EquiChek™-SAA can travel with you
Why use EquiChek™-SAA?
Symptoms are unreliable
Because symptoms are an unreliable indicator of health status, Vets and Trainers should test horses periodically.
Given the ease and affordability of the EquiChek™-SAA test, testing all horses on a regular schedule is a practical option for early detection of an inflammatory condition such as infection
EquiChek™-SAA is an important part in a veterinarian’s health screening for any horse
How to use EquiChek™-SAA
EquiChek™-SAA is a veterinary point-of-care test and easy to use. It requires three simple steps once the test is opened, with results available in less than 10 minutes. Results can be observed in as little as 2-3 minutes after the addition of the sample.
Test Procedure
Before starting the test remove the test cassette from the foil pouch. Only open the pouch just before adding the sample.
Step 1
Remove cap from blood tube and insert sample applicator. Just touch sample applicator to surface of the blood. DO NOT IMMERSE SAMPLE APPLICATOR IN BLOOD TUBE.
DO NOT SQUEEZE the sample applicator, blood will be drawn up automatically up to the black line on the sample applicator.
Step 2
Apply sample to the sample port on the test strip. Touch sample applicator to the sample port and gently squeeze to expel blood into the test window.
Step 3
Add 3 drops of liquid from the dropper bottle into the sample port.
It is recommended that the test is read at 10 minutes after starting. However, a normal result can be seen within 2-3 minutes, i.e. 4 lines will be visible.
Understanding the Results
The EquiChek™-SAA test has 4 visible lines which appear when a blood sample has levels of SAA that are considered normal. Three of the lines are “Test Lines” and may or may not appear depending on the how severe the inflammation or infection is. The fourth line is a control or “procedural” line that should always appear regardless of the presence or absence of inflammation.
The test lines will appear graduated in intensity. The intensity of the colour on each line may vary depending on the level of SAA in the blood sample. e.g. where the inflammation is progressing from mild to severe, test lines will begin to fade but may still be visible.
In general most samples are either normal (4 lines) or are from horses with an active inflammatory condition such as infection (1 line). However low grade inflammation may occur from time to time, or the horse maybe at an early stage of infection, so that intermediate number of lines 2 or 3 depending on the levels of inflammation or infection.
Normal
4 clearly visible lines. No active or significant inflammatory condition.
Mild Inflamation
3 visible lines, with 4th test line either weak or absent.
Mild to Moderate Inflammation
Two lines visible (one test line and the control line). The intensity of the test line will vary depending level of inflammation
Clinically Significant Inflammation
Only 1 line visible.
Invalid Test
No lines observed. This may be due to failure to add at least 2 drops to the sample port, or test strip was exposed to air for too long before running the test. Contact supplier.
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