How to Use Secretion-Based Diagnostic Test Kits

In the ever-evolving field of pet healthcare, early detection and diagnosis are key to effective treatment and recovery. One of the most convenient tools in veterinary diagnostics is the use of test kits, which allow for the rapid identification of various diseases using small samples. These diagnostic test kits which were developed and produced by Antigenne can use a range of sample types including secretions, feces, whole blood/serum/plasma and cloaca. For example, Canine Distemper Virus Antigen Rapid Test is a valuable diagnostic tool for early detection of the CDV Ag by using secretions as examples.

1. Sample Types Used in Diagnostic Test kits

Diagnostic test kits are designed to detect specific diseases in animals quickly and efficiently, using minimally invasive samples. The most commonly used sample types include:

• Secretions:These include nasal, eye, and genital secretions, and are commonly used to detect respiratory infections, viral or bacterial diseases, and other localized infections.
• Whole blood/serum/plasma:Used in many diagnostic test kits for detecting pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and parasites, or measuring antibodies and hormones.
• Feces: Often used to test for gastrointestinal parasites and infections.

Among these, secretion-based test kits are particularly effective for diagnosing respiratory and eye infections, where sample collection is both easy and non-invasive for the animal. Now, let’s look at the diseases that can be detected through secretions.

2. Diseases Detectable with Secretion-Based Test kits

Test kits that utilize secretions as the sample type can be applied to diagnose a range of diseases, especially in pets like dogs and cats. Some of the key diseases that can be detected through nasal, ocular, or genital secretions include:

• Canine DistemperVirus (CDV): A highly contagious viral disease affecting dogs, especially puppies and unvaccinated adults.
• Feline Herpesvirus (FHV): A common cause of upper respiratory infections in cats, often presenting as nasal discharge and eye infections.
• Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPIV): Another respiratory infection causing symptoms such as nasal discharge and coughing.
• Bordetella bronchiseptica: A bacterial infection in dogs and cats, which can also cause respiratory problems, often resulting in nasal discharge.

Today, we will take Canine Distemper Virus Antigen Rapid Test (CDV Ag) developed and produced by Antigenne testing that use secretions as a sample type as a example, taking a deeper look at the process of using these kits. Let’s first understand the disease, its causes, and its symptoms.

3. CDV (Canine Distemper Virus) and Its Symptoms

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is a serious and often fatal disease caused by a virus that primarily affects domestic dogs, as well as other wild animals like foxes, wolves, and raccoons. The virus spreads through the air or direct contact with infected bodily fluids, including nasal and eye secretions. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are most vulnerable to this disease.

Causes of CDV:

• The virus is mainly transmitted through airborne exposure (e.g., from coughing or sneezing by infected dogs).
• Contact with contaminated surfaces, food bowls, or direct contact with an infected animal.

Symptoms of CDV:

• Early signs include fever, nasal discharge, eye discharge, coughing, and lethargy.
• As the disease progresses, dogs may develop gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
• In more severe cases, the virus affects the central nervous system, causing seizures, tremors, or paralysis.

How to test for distemper in dogs? Canine Distemper Test Kit is a valuable diagnostic tool for early detection of the virus, enabling quick intervention and increasing the chances of recovery. Next, we will outline how to use the CDV Ag Rapid Test.

4. CDV Ag test kit instructions

Using the CDV Ag test kit involves three simple steps. These test kits are designed to be user-friendly and require minimal handling to provide accurate results.

Step 1: Check the Kit Contents Before Use

• Check the product contents and make sure the test operation is under the room temperature (15–30 ℃) before testing.
• The kit contents include a test device, a swab, a extraction tube with buffer, a package insert and a workstation.

Step 2: Test Procedure

• Unseal the extraction tube containing the buffer.
• Place the extraction tube in the workstation.
• Use the swab to collect secretions specimen from canine/feline eye, nasal fluid, or saliva.Then, put the swab into the buffer.
• Rotate the swab more than 10 times.
• Close the cap of the buffer tube.
• Take the test device out of the aluminum foil bag, and place it on a clean and flat table. Add three drops (about 90 μl) of specimen(mixed sample) vertically into the  specimen well (S) of the test device.

Step 3: Interpretation of Test Result

• Read the result at 5-10 minutes. The result is invalid after 15 minutes.
• Positive (+): The presence of both C line and T line, regardless of T line being strong or faint.
• Negative (-): Only clear C line appears.
• Invalid: No colored line appears in C region, regardless of T line’s appearance.

5. Warnings, Precautions and Safety

• The test device is used for canine only.
• The results may be influenced by Humidity and Temperature.
• Make sure that the foil pouch containing the test is not damaged before open. Perform the test immediately when the pouch package is opened.
• Do not reuse the test components.
• Do not use after the expiry date.
• Do not mix product components in different lot numbers

6. Limitations of the Test Kits

While the CDV Ag test kit is highly useful for quick, in-office testing, there are certain limitations to be aware of:

Although the CDV Ag Rapid Test is very accurate in detecting Canine Distemper Virus Antigen, a low incidence of false results may be occurred. Other clinically or laboratory tests might be required if questionable results are obtained. As other diagnostic tests, a definitive clinical diagnosis should not be based on the result of a single test, but should be diagnosed by the veterinarian after all clinical and laboratory findings have been evaluated.

Conclusion

Secretion-based diagnostic test kits, such as the Canine Distemper Virus Antigen Rapid Test (CDV Ag), are powerful tools in veterinary medicine, offering a quick and reliable at home distemper test method for detecting diseases. However, understanding the limitations of these kits is equally important, and complementary tests may be necessary for a thorough diagnosis. By adhering to these guidelines, pet owners and veterinarians can ensure timely intervention and improve the prognosis for affected animals.

Antigenne is committed to helping pet health management through innovative technology, and the rapid detection kit for Canine Distemper Virus Antigen is an outstanding product of the company in the field of rapid diagnosis of canine intestinal diseases. For more information on purchasing the Canine Distemper Virus Antigen Rapid Test (CDV Ag), visit our website or contact our customer service team. Ensure your pet’s health with Antigenne’s advanced diagnostic solutions.