Gamma-Check-C

Manufacturer: Plasvacc

Gamma-Check-C Indications

The product is used for the semi-quantitative estimation of gammaglobulin levels in equine colostrum.

Test Principle

The test is based on the principal that glutaraldehyde reacts with gammaglobulin to form a solid gel. The time taken for the gel to form is inversely proportional to the concentration of these proteins. There have been reports on the application of this reaction as a means of detecting gammaglobulin levels in foals, calves, puppies and nondomestic neonatal ruminants.^1-7 Many of these papers have reported excellent results when using serum. The GAMMA-CHECK-C™ test is available as a means of semi-quantitatively measuring gammaglobulin in colostrum.⁸

Through new production methods, the glutaraldehyde used in the test is available in a pure, stable form. This allows a long shelf life and avoids some of the pitfalls experienced by earlier researchers.⁹ Because glutaraldehyde is potentially toxic, it has been sealed into a tube so that operator exposure does not occur.

Test Procedure

When to Test: GAMMA-CHECK-C™ can be used to assess the quality of colostrum either just prior to, or just after foaling but before the foal nurses. If the mare drips colostrum prior to foaling, the test will show if adequate gammaglobulin remains. The colostrum quality can also be evaluated prior to freezing. The test will also work on thawed colostrum.

A means of measuring a 1.5 mL liquid is needed, such as a 3 mL syringe.

1. Gently clean the mare's udder with warm water and collect a small quantity (1 teaspoon) of the colostrum into a cup or in the syringe case cap.

2. Draw 0.5 mL of the colostrum into the plastic disposable pipette provided (the 0.5 mL mark is half-way up the stem). Remove the stopper from one (1) of the red top tubes and add the colostrum to the diluent and mix.

3. Draw up 1.5 mL of the diluted colostrum into a 3 mL syringe and add it to the GAMMA-CHECK tube using a hypodermic needle. Do not remove the stopper from the tube. This should fill the GAMMA-CHECK tube to the red line. As soon as the sample is added, note the time. By gently tilting the tube every minute or so, determine the time for a solid gel to appear.

If the solid gel forms in less than 10 minutes, the IgG level is above 4,000 mg/dl.

A solid clot formation in less than three (3) minutes indicates a level of >6,000 mg/dl.

Research indicates that a foal requires 1-1.25 g IgG per kilogram orally to achieve a circulating level of >800 mg/dl.¹⁰ This translates to the average foal requiring 50-60 g IgG, or 1 to 1 1/2 L of colostrum with an IgG of >4,000 mg/dl.

Precaution(s)

The kit should be kept in the refrigerator at 4°C.

Gamma-Check-C Caution(s)

Glutaraldehyde can be irritating to the skin and eyes. If a tube breaks and the enclosed liquid contacts the skin, wash with copious quantities of cold water, etc.

References

Available upon request.

Presentation

10 tests per kit.

Nac No.

11280042