Automated reading of the hemagglutination process prevents bias from user associated with manually read systems and gives the user an unambiguous answer

The QuickVet® Specialty Analyzer™ determines if a canine blood sample is DEA 1.1 positive or negative using disposable single-use QuickVet®/RapidVet® DEA 1.1™ Cartridges. Each cartridge contains all of the reagents necessary for the test.

The test uses 100 micro liter diluted sample that when added to the cartridge well is automatically drawn into the cartridge where it initially splits into two separate channels leading to the two identical measuring zones. One measuring zone contains the antibodies that makes DEA 1.1 positive blood agglutinate and the other measuring zone functions as a control to detect auto agglutination and thereby avoid false positive results.

If the sample is DEA 1.1 positive, agglutination will start to occur in 20 - 30 seconds. As the test has been configured with blood passing continually through the measuring chamber, this will be recorded as a rise in signal as the zones with plasma (due to agglutination) will reduce the effect of blood blocking the transmission of light emitted from the LED’s. This is recorded as t2.

When the signal drops back to h0 the measurement is completed (t2)and different parameters like peak height (h1) and area (A) is calculated. Based on these parameters multinomial logistic regression analysis is applied to the data to determine if the sample is DEA 1.1 positive or negative.

In order to increase the quality of the result, an inconclusive zone has been introduced between clearly positive and clearly negative results. Approximately 4% of the tested samples will fall into this category, to ensure that borderline results are not reported in correctly.

When the test is completed after less than 5 min., the analyzer emits one or more audible beeps, indicating the end of the test and displays the result on the screen. The user then has the possibility to ask for diagnostic advice if the blood is going to be used for a transfusion or to print a blood typing certificate.

The test results remain on the display as long as the cartridge remains in the analyzer. Once the cartridge is removed and discarded, the test results can always be retrieved from the analyzer history page which holds the last 1.000 tests.