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A Brief Comparison of
Antibody-Based Testing Versus DNA Testing
Traditional antibody tests work in
one of two ways. In the first, manufactured antibodies are used to
detect the organism of interest in the blood serum in order to
determine the amount of antigen present. The second determines the
amount of serum antibody against the organism by binding the
antibodies to manufactured organism antigens in a test well.
Antibody tests rely on antibody
sensitivity and specificity, and on the presence of significant
amounts of either the organism or the antibody. These factors
result in a wide variability of results between samples. Also,
vaccinated or previously exposed animals may give false positive
results because of existing antibodies.
The Solution:
DNA-based testing, which differs
from antibody testing in many respects:
- Direct detection of the
DNA sequences specific to the organism of interest.
This provides the specificity of the DNA test which is
unsurpassed by any other test.
- DNA tests are not
affected by the presence of antibodies in the serum.
In other words, you will know if a treatment protocol is
effective in clearing an organism.
- DNA tests, using PCR
amplification, are sensitive enough to detect a few individual
organisms.
In addition to detecing pathogens, DNA
tests can detect mutations in the DNA of an animal. Many
significant diseases in livestock, including PSS,
equine-HYPP and BLAD are caused
by genetic defects in the animal, and can be detected using DNA
tests. Carriers can be identified so that
breeding programs can be modified to control transmission of
mutations between generations.
At VITA-TECH Canada Inc. we are
committed to the future and are moving forward in the research,
development and implementation of new DNA-based testing
technologies. These new tests, some of which have been available
for more than a year now, complement our existing comprehensive
and dedicated veterinary diagnostic services. As Canada’s
largest privately owned veterinary diagnostic laboratory, we
assure the quality of all of our services and provide them at
highly competitive rates.
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