Description
Instruction for use of Vet Expert Rapid Heartworm Ag Test Kit
PRINCIPLES
The Vet Expert Heartworm Ag is an immunochromatographic test for the qualitative detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigen in canine serum, plasma or whole blood. Letters T and C on the surface of the plate indicate test line (T) and control line (C). The control line (C) is used for procedural control and should always appear if the test procedure is being performed properly and the test reagents are working correctly. The test line (T) appears when there are D.immitis antigen in the sample.
Sensitivity: 99,9%
Specificity: 99,9%
MATERIALS PROVIDED (5,10 TESTS/KIT)
- 5/10 Vet Expert Heartworm Ag test plates
- 5/10 anticoagulant tubes
- 5/10 disposable pipettes
- Instruction for use
PRECAUTIONS:
- For veterinary diagnostics use only.
- For best results, strict adherence to the instructions is required.
- The test plate is sensitive to humidity and heat. Perform the test immediately after opening the pouch.
- The test components are single-use only.
- Do not touch the membrane in the result window.
- Do not use the test kit beyond the stated expiration date marked on the package label.
- Do not use the test kit if the pouch is damaged.
- Do not mix components from different lot numbers.
- Handle with the sample as potentially infectious.
- Decontaminate and dispose of all samples and materials in accordance with national and local regulations.
- Consider the test results as invalid after the specified read out time.
STORAGE OF THE TEST KIT
The test kit can be stored between 2-30°C. The test is stable within the expiration date. DO NOT FREEZE. Do not expose the test to direct sunlight.
SPECIMEN COLLECTION AND PREPARATION
Serum, plasma or whole blood are appropriate for this test. However, serum is the most advisable sample.
[Serum] Collect the whole blood into the collection tube (NOT containing anticoagulants), leave to settle for 30 minutes for blood coagulation and then centrifuge to get serum.
[Plasma] Collect the whole blood into the collection tube (containing anticoagulants) and then centrifuge to get plasma.
[Whole blood] Collect the whole blood into the anticoagulant tube (max. vol. 1.5 ml) If anticoagulated whole blood is not immediately tested, it should be refrigerated at 2~8°C and used within 24 hours.
Serum samples should be stored at 2~8°C. For longer storage, freeze the samples at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Samples containing precipitate may yield inconsistent test results. They must be clarified prior to assaying. Hemolyzed or contaminated samples may give erroneous results.
PROCEDURE OF THE TEST (LOOK AT THE TOP)
All reagents must reach room temperature (15~30°C) before use.
- Remove the test from the foil pouch and place it on a flat and dry surface
- Using a disposable pipette (included), add 2 drops of of serum/plasma/whole blood into the sample well.
- The sample will flow across the result window. If it does not appear after 1 min, add one more drop of the sample to the sample well. You can interpret test results after 10 min.
INTERPRETATION OF THE TEST (LOOK AT THE TOP)
- Negative result – only control line (C) appears in the result window.
- Positive result – both test (T) and control (C) lines appear in the result window – indicates the presence of target antigen. Even a fade line states a positive result.
- Invalid result – if the control line (C) does not appear, the result might be considered invalid. The sample should be retested.
LIMITATIONS OF THE TEST
Although the Vet Expert Heartworm Ag test is very accurate, a low incidence of false results can occur. In case of questionable results, other tests should be performed. Definitive clinical diagnosis should not be based on the results of a single test, but must be an effect of extended clinical and laboratory analysis.
