EQUINE ACTH TESTING — BRING ENDOCRINE TESTING CLOSER TO THE HORSE

Quantitative equine ACTH testing using the BIODX HV-FIA 3000 Veterinary Immunofluorescence Analyser.

ACTH testing is an important component of the diagnostic investigation of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) in horses.

With the BIODX HV-FIA 3000, veterinary practices can perform the ACTH assay using a compact point-of-care immunofluorescence platform, helping bring relevant endocrine testing into the veterinary workflow.

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• Equine • Quantitative Immunoassay • Point of Care • Australian Veterinary Support

What is Equine ACTH?

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays an important role in regulating adrenal function.

In horses, measurement of endogenous ACTH is commonly used as part of the diagnostic investigation of PPID, particularly in older horses or horses showing compatible clinical signs.

UC Davis notes that a baseline ACTH test can help detect moderate to more advanced PPID, while early disease can be more challenging to detect.

WHY IN-HOUSE ACTH TESTING?

PRACTICAL

Testing can be incorporated into the veterinary workflow

QUANTITATIVE

The assay provides a numerical result

MULTI-TEST PLATFORM

The same FIA 3000 can also support other equine assays including SAA, Foal IgG, insulin and progesterone

When Might an ACTH Test Be Considered?

Abnormal or delayed shedding

Muscle loss

Excessive sweating

Increased drinking or urination

Lethargy

Recurrent infections

Laminitis or increased laminitis risk

Other clinical signs that prompt investigation of PPID

How Equine ACTH Testing Works

COLLECT

Collect the appropriate specimen according to the current ACTH assay instructions.

PREPARE

Prepare the sample according to the assay instructions.

TEST

Apply the specified sample volume to the ACTH test cartridge.

ANALYSE

Insert the cartridge into the HV-FIA 3000.

RESULT

The analyser processes the assay and displays the result.

Sample & Testing Information

ACTH Sample Handling Matters

• Appropriate sample type

• Blood collection

• Sample handling

• Processing

• Storage

• Transport

• Timing

ACTH Testing in the PPID Work-Up

• Clinical signs

• Physical examination

• ACTH testing

• Seasonally appropriate reference interval

• Additional endocrine testing where appropriate

• Clinical interpretation

WHO IS THIS TEST FOR?

Equine Veterinarians

For practices regularly investigating endocrine disease.

Equine Hospitals

For hospitals managing complex or referral cases.

Mixed Practices

For practices treating both horses and companion animals.

Performance Horse Practices

For veterinarians managing older and performance horses where endocrine assessment forms part of the clinical work-up.

Horse Studs & Breeders

For operations wanting broader access to veterinary diagnostic technology, with ACTH testing performed and interpreted within appropriate veterinary care.

QUICK BENEFITS

01

QUANTITATIVE

Obtain a numerical ACTH result from the assay.

02

POINT OF CARE

Bring selected endocrine testing closer to the patient.

03

COMPACT

The HV-FIA 3000 is a compact 2.5 kg analyser.

04

FAST WORKFLOW

The manufacturer specifies assay-dependent testing times within approximately 3–15 minutes.

ONE ANALYSER. MORE EQUINE QUESTIONS

eSAA

Inflammation

Support inflammatory assessment and ongoing treatment monitoring.

Foal IgG

Passive Transfer

Rapid assessment of passive transfer in newborn foals.

eINS

Insulin

Support investigation of insulin dysregulation and metabolic disease.

eProg

Reproduction

Accurate progesterone testing to support reproductive management.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Test	Equine ACTH
Species	Equine
Test principle	Fluorescence immunoassay
Platform	HV-FIA 3000
Result	Quantitative
Test time	Assay-specific; manufacturer platform range approximately 3–15 minutes
Sample	Follow current ACTH IFU
Sample volume	Follow current ACTH IFU
Storage	Follow current assay instructions
Interpretation	Use appropriate reference interval and clinical context

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ACTH test used for in horses? +

ACTH testing is commonly used as part of the diagnostic investigation of PPID and other endocrine questions.

Does ACTH diagnose PPID? +

ACTH is an important diagnostic test for PPID, but results should be interpreted together with clinical findings and appropriate reference intervals rather than in isolation.

Does ACTH change with the seasons? +

Yes. Seasonal variation is an important consideration when interpreting equine ACTH results.

Does the horse need to fast? +

Baseline ACTH testing generally does not require fasting according to UC Davis, but feed and other factors can affect interpretation; follow the current testing protocol used by your laboratory/assay.

How quickly can the FIA 3000 provide an ACTH result? +

The HV-FIA 3000 BIODX states that test times vary by assay, with platform testing generally taking approximately 3–15 minutes. The exact ACTH assay time should be confirmed from current Australian product documentation.

Can I also test SAA on the same analyser? +

Yes. The published BIODX menu includes equine SAA as well as ACTH, Foal IgG, insulin and progesterone.

Can a mixed practice use the FIA 3000? +

Yes. The platform is designed around a broad veterinary menu including equine, canine and feline applications.

Can ACTH testing replace a reference laboratory? +

Do not position it that way. The appropriate testing method depends on the clinical question, assay validation, sample requirements and the veterinarian's diagnostic workflow.

Ready to implement Equine ACTH?

Talk to our team about adding this test to your in-house diagnostic workflow.

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