IDEXX Reference Laboratories Announces RealPCR™ Canine and Feline Diarrhea Panels [Trade]

WESTBROOK, Maine, January 16, 2009—IDEXX Reference Laboratories announces the availability of new fecal diagnostic tests, including Real PCR™ Canine Diarrhea and Feline Diarrhea Panels. These panels detect several organisms that cause a group of common related illnesses. The new tests were developed by the IDEXX Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory team, directed by Christian Leutenegger, DrVetMed, PhD, FVH, and are based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology.

Until now, accurately diagnosing the cause of diarrhea in dogs and cats, as well as treating the causative infectious agents, required multiple tests with varying levels of reliability. The IDEXX diarrhea panels pinpoint the cause with just one sample and can detect the most common organisms that cause diarrhea, including Giardia sp., Cryptosporidium sp., Salmonella sp. and Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin A gene. In addition, the IDEXX RealPCR Canine Diarrhea Panel detects canine enteric coronavirus, canine parvovirus 2 and canine distemper virus; the IDEXX RealPCR Feline Diarrhea Panel also identifies Tritrichomonas foetus, Toxoplasma gondii, feline coronavirus (FeCoV) and feline panleukopenia virus. The answers provided by these comprehensive panels assist in effective management and treatment of patients, and in preventing spread of infection—both of which lead to improved prognoses and faster recoveries.

“IDEXX RealPCR tests deliver unprecedented accuracy because PCR technology indicates the presence of a virus, bacterium or parasite by amplifying and measuring the DNA or RNA of the target organism,” explained Dr. Leutenegger. “Real-time PCR, the latest innovation in PCR technology, is a closed-tube system—making the PCR process virtually free of contamination with the highest sensitivity and specificity. Combined with seven associated controls, a state-of-the-art facility and constant QA/QC protocols, these may be the most trusted PCR results out there.”

With a turnaround of just one to three days for IDEXX RealPCR results, practices can work through their list of differential diagnoses faster, provide answers to their clients and begin treatment in a more timely manner. These tests cost about the same as other tests offered by IDEXX Reference Laboratories, so practices can now conveniently and affordably integrate the accuracy of real-time PCR diagnostics into their standard testing protocols. The RealPCR fecal profiles and tests listed below can be added to routine laboratory test orders with IDEXX Reference Laboratories—separately or in chemistry/CBC panels. The 2009 Directory of PCR Services (321 KB) continues to grow. IDEXX will announce additional tests as they become available. 

 

Test Code

RealPCR™ Test Name/Contents

2625	Canine Diarrhea Panel Giardia sp., Cryptosporidium sp., Salmonella sp., Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin A gene, canine enteric coronavirus, canine parvovirus 2, canine distemper virus

2630	Cryptosporidium sp.

2626	Feline Diarrhea Panel–Standard Tritrichomonas foetus, Giardia sp., Cryptosporidium sp.

2627	Feline Diarrhea Panel–Comprehensive Tritrichomonas foetus, Giardia sp., Cryptosporidium sp., Toxoplasma gondii, Salmonella sp., Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin A gene, feline coronavirus (FeCov), feline panleukopenia virus

2631	Giardia sp.

2629	Tritrichomonas foetus

2646	Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin

2647	Salmonella sp.

2648	Canine Enteric Coronavirus (CECoV)

2649	Canine Parvovirus

2654	Toxoplasma gondii

2655	Feline Panleukopenia Virus

 

For more information about IDEXX RealPCR panels and standalone tests, call the IDEXX Reference Laboratories’ Internal Medicine Consulting Team at 1-888-433-9987 (option 4, option 2), or visit www.idexx.com/realpcr.

About IDEXX Reference Laboratories and IDEXX Laboratories

IDEXX Reference Laboratories is a worldwide network of laboratories trusted for providing a comprehensive testing menu and consistently delivering accurate diagnostic results to the veterinary industry. IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., the parent company of IDEXX Reference Laboratories, is a leader in pet healthcare innovation, serving practicing veterinarians around the world with a broad range of diagnostic and information technology-based products and services. IDEXX products enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide advanced medical care, to improve staff efficiency and to build more economically successful practices. IDEXX is also a worldwide leader in providing diagnostic tests and information for the production animal industry and tests for the quality and safety of water and milk. Headquartered in Maine, IDEXX Laboratories employs more than 4,500 people and offers products to customers in over 100 countries.