Description
Usage Instructions for Vet Expert Rapid CaniVec-4 (Leish) Test
Basic Principles
The Vet Expert CaniVec-4 (Leish) test is a chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigens and antibodies against Ehrlichia canis, Leishmania infantum, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys in canine whole blood, serum, or plasma. The letters T and C on the test plate represent the test line (T) and the control line (C). The control line (C) should always appear if the test procedure has been performed correctly and the test reagents are functioning properly. A colored test line (T) will appear in the results window if antigens and/or antibodies are present in the sample.
- Sensitivity: Dirofilaria/Ehrlichia/Leishmania/Anaplasma: 99.9% / 98.2% / 97.2% / 96.1%
- Specificity: Dirofilaria/Ehrlichia/Leishmania/Anaplasma: 99.9% / 99.9% / 99.8% / 99.3%
Materials Provided (5/20 Tests per Kit)
- 5/20 Vet Expert CaniVec-4 (Leishmania) test plates
- 1/2 vials of diluent
- 5/20 anticoagulant vials
- 5/20 pipettes (20 μl)
- Instructions for use
Precautions
- Diagnostic test for veterinary use only.
- Follow instructions strictly for accurate results.
- The test plate is sensitive to moisture and heat; conduct the test immediately after opening the pouch.
- Test materials are single-use only.
- Avoid touching the membrane in the result window.
- Do not use the test after the expiration date on the packaging.
- Discard and disinfect all samples and materials according to local regulations.
- Consider test results invalid after the specified reading time.
Storage
Store the test at 2 ~ 30 °C. DO NOT FREEZE. Avoid direct sunlight.
Sample Collection and Preparation
The test can be performed with serum, plasma, or whole blood, with serum as the preferred sample.
- Serum: Collect whole blood without anticoagulant and allow it to clot for 30 minutes. Centrifuge to obtain serum.
- Plasma: Collect whole blood in an anticoagulant collection tube, then centrifuge to obtain plasma.
- Whole Blood: Collect whole blood in an anticoagulant tube (max 1.5 ml). If not tested immediately, store refrigerated at 2~8°C and use within 24 hours.
Store serum samples at 2~8°C or freeze at -20°C or lower for longer storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Samples with sediment should be clarified before use. Hemolyzed or contaminated samples may yield unreliable results.
Test Procedure
- Ensure all reagents are at room temperature (15~30°C).
- Remove the test from the foil pouch and place it on a flat, dry surface.
- Using the pipette provided, add 20 μl of whole blood to each sample well or 10 μl of serum/plasma with a micropipette.
- Add 3 drops of the diluent to each sample well. The sample will move through the results window. If not visible after 1 minute, add one more drop of diluent.
- Read the result after 15 minutes.
Interpretation of Results
- Negative Result – Only the control line (C) appears in the result window.
- Positive Result – Both the test line (T) and control line (C) appear, indicating the presence of antigen/antibodies. Even a faint line is considered positive.
Note: The Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys test line cannot distinguish between the two species. A positive result indicates antibodies against either or both.
- Invalid Result – If the control line (C) does not appear, the result is invalid. Retest with a new sample.
Test Limitations
Although the Vet Expert CaniVec-4 (Leish) test is highly accurate, a small rate of incorrect results may occur. Further clinical testing is recommended if results are inconclusive. As with all diagnostic tests, a final diagnosis should consider all clinical and laboratory findings.
