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Our FREE
online newsletter provides valuable ideas to help you make the most of
your system.
Why do we upgrade your IDEXX VetTest®
software?
Each quarter, we update our VetTest software to ensure that your
instrument will calibrate with the latest generation of VetTest
slides. Over the years, we have regularly calibrated new batches of
slides for you to ensure uncompromising accuracy and consistency in
the reference ranges you use with patient blood samples.
VetTest's
21 Chemistires and Single-Slide Testing: Flexibility for
Individualized Care
The middle-aged cocker spaniel in exam room 1 and the Siamese
kitten in exam room 2 obviously have different medical issues
requiring unique diagnostics.
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| That's why it's important to have a broad menu of
chemistries available that can be mixed and matched as needed. Along
with its standard panels—General Health Profile (GHP) and
Preanesthetic Panel (PAP)—the VetTest® analyzer
offers 21 single chemistries, as well as species-specific and
age-specific reference ranges, so you get the exact information you
need for each patient.
Case in Point: Canine Acute Pancreatitis
One example where testing flexibility makes all the difference is with
canine acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis, most common in
middle-aged and senior dogs, can become an emergency disease if sudden
onset occurs.
An immediate diagnosis is vital so you can minimize danger to the
patient.
The VetTest analyzer can run both amylase and lipase, which can
elevate independently of each other in pancreatitis. In some studies,
lipase is the recommended test of choice. Also, when a dog is
diagnosed with pancreatitis, the enzyme levels for amylase and lipase
are very high.  The VetTest reference ranges take this into
consideration. You can run dilutions on the VetTest analyzer and the
values are automatically calculated. Additionally, the VetTest's
dry-slide technology minimizes the effects of interferants, providing
greater accuracy.
To quickly test for pancreatitis, you can customize a GHP by using
lipase in place of another chemistry, or broaden your standard GHP by
running it along with lipase and then combining the results. Either
way, you'll have vital answers in just minutes, while the patient is
still in the clinic.
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Make a Note
Dilution may be the solution.
Occasionally, a test value may fall outside the analyzer's range
capability. For example, elevated results often occur with canine
pancreatitis. If an out-of-range result occurs and a value is
required, we recommend diluting the sample and repeating the test. Use
normal saline as a diluent, and work with dilutions as low as
possible:
1 part sample, 1 part diluent.
Dilution Steps for the VetTest®
- Choose New Sample or Current Sample
from the main menu.
- Press Dilution on the Species screen.
- A message screen asks: "How many parts diluent to each part
sample?" (Sample volume is always 1.)
- Enter your parts diluent. The Species screen reappears. Continue
your normal test sequence.
Important: You don't have to take extra time for
calculations because the VetTest automatically multiplies your results
by the applicable factor (one part sample plus "x" parts diluent).
Questions? Call us anytime at 1-800-248-2483
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Meet an IDEXX Support Team Member
 IDEXX has over 100 customer and technical support
representatives available to answer your call. Here is just one of our
friendly team members.
Bill Loeschwitz has focused his entire career on veterinary
medicine. Before joining IDEXX four-and-a-half years ago, he lived in
New Jersey, where he worked for the same veterinary clinic and
veterinarian for 17 years. "I had the incredible opportunity to start
helping in the clinic's kennel when I was 13 years old and discovered
a love for the veterinary field. I eventually was their head
technician and hospital manager." Bill was an IDEXX technical
consultant and is now a supervisor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to prepare samples for my VetTest®
analyzer?
 We provide your team with
specific instructions and tips for success in our Sample Selection
and Preparation guide. The latest version of this guide is
enclosed with this issue of IDEXX VetLab®notes in your software
update.
Please hang this guide in your lab, next to your VetTest®
analyzer, so you can refer to it whenever you and your team want to
confirm that you're all consistently following the correct methods for
best results.
If you ever have any problems or questions about sample
preparation, please contact our industry-leading support team at 1-800-248-2483
(select Technical Support).
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