Comparison of four screening techniques for the diagnosis of equine neonatal hypogammaglobulinemia
Clabough, D.L.; Conboy, H.S.; Roberts, M.C.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 194(12): 1717-1720
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 2502511 Document Number: 338749
Using radial immunodiffusion as a standard, 4 screening techniques for detection of failure of passive transfer in equine neonates were compared for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, efficiency, and cost. The techniques compared were latex agglutination test, membrane filter ELISA, dipstick ELISA, and glutaraldehyde coagulation (GC) test. Test results of 50 serum samples from foals 24 to 60 hours old revealed consistently highest accuracy in the GC test at IgG concentrations of 400 and 800 mg/dl, and lowest cost per test, using the GC test. Two hundred fifty-three serum samples from foals 24 to 60 hours old were evaluated for comparison of results of GC and radial immunodiffusion tests. Overall efficiency was 92 and 91% at serum IgG concentrations of 400 and 800 mg/dl, respectively. Under most field circumstances, the GC test would be the preferred screening test for detection of failure of passive transfer in equine neonates.