Gamma-Check-E (Canada)

WHEN TO TEST:

Foals ingesting good quality colostrum usually have > 800 mg IgG/dl by 4-8 hr old. Early testing allows oral supplementation with colostrum or plasma. After 16-24 hr of age immunoglobulin supplementation must occur parenterally.

DIRECTIONS:

A. WHOLE BLOOD

1. Add 1.5 ml to fill red line on GAMMA-CHECK tube (fresh or EDTA blood).

2. Swirl tube to ensure mixing & note time.

3. Tilt tube at 2 and 5 min - when blood no longer flows invert tube and gently tap - clot should remain firmly in place.

4. END POINT IS FORMATION OF A FIRM CLOT - IF THIS OCCURS IN LESS THAN 5 MIN THE IgG IS ABOVE 800 MG/DL

A jelly like clot that slips down the side is usually positive but should be retested using serum or a different type of test such as the Equine RID.

Sick foals (with elevated fibrinogen), dehydrated foals or hemolyzed samples may give false positive results. In these cases the Gamma-Check test should be run using serum or another test type.

B. SERUM

1. Collect blood into a red top tube, allow to clot (30 min), then centrifuge to remove serum.

2. Repeat steps A 1-4 using serum.

On occasion a false negative can occur - we recommend retesting the foal with an other test, such as the Equine RID prior to a plasma transfusion.

CAUTION:

The glutaraldehyde reagent is caustic, if skin or eye contact occurs wash with copious amount of water & consult physician.

DO NOT LEAVE TUBES LYING IN HOT SUN

Store at 4°C to prolong shelf life

References

1. Beetson, SA et al. The use of glutaraldehyde coagulation test for the detection of hypogammaglobulinemia in neonatal foals. Aust Vet J 62: 279-281, 1985.

2. Clabough DL et al. Comparison of four screening techniques for the diagnosis of equine neonatal hypogammaglobulinemia. JAVMA 194: 1717-1720, 1989.

3. Massey RE et al. Colostrum feeding of foals and colostrum banking. AAEP Proceedings 37: 1-15, 1991.

PLASSVACC^®, 1535 Templeton Road, Templeton, CA 93465

800-654-9743

www.plasvaccusa.com

Distributed by: Centaur V.A.

Presentation: 10 and 25 tests per kit.

CPN: 12530032