IDEXX Laboratories Announces Two New Innovative Tests to Aid Veterinarians in the Diagnosis and Management of Itchy Pets
The IDEXX Sarcoptes Antibody ELISA and IDEXX Ringworm RealPCR™ Panel give veterinarians more information about the potential causes of itch
WESTBROOK, Maine, September 08, 2014 — IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDXX) continues to demonstrate its commitment to helping veterinarians provide advanced medical care with two new tests for itchy pets.
Itch can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, parasites and infections. In fact, allergy and infection are among the top reasons for veterinary visits.1 The IDEXX Sarcoptes Antibody ELISA and IDEXX Ringworm RealPCR™ Panel give veterinarians two new tools to assist in the workups of their itchy pets.
“Identifying the cause of itch can be challenging and time-consuming for veterinarians and frustrating for pet owners who want to know that their pet is healthy and comfortable,” said Mike Lane, vice president, IDEXX Reference Laboratories. “Getting to a diagnosis sooner goes a long way toward providing much needed relief to itchy pets, and that strengthens relationships between pet owners and their veterinarians.”
Veterinarians are now able to submit specimens to IDEXX Reference Laboratories for the Sarcoptes Antibody ELISA and the Ringworm RealPCR Panel.
- The Sarcoptes Antibody ELISA is used to confirm or rule out a suspicion of sarcoptic mange in dogs based on clinical signs. The condition is currently diagnosed by skin scraping but most often confirmed through response to treatment.
- The Ringworm RealPCR Panel uses real-time PCR technology to accurately detect dermatophytosis in cats and dogs faster, providing reliable results in 1–3 working days versus weeks using traditional methods, such as the dermatophyte test media (DTM) plate or fungal culture.
These tests expand and complement a comprehensive portfolio of products from IDEXX that facilitate the diagnosis and management of itch. For patients diagnosed with allergies, IDEXX offers a low-cost test to identify what allergen groups are causing a pet’s reaction and to confirm if a pet is a good candidate for immunotherapy using the Aller-g-complete® system.
About IDEXX Laboratories
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a member of the S&P 500® Index and is a leader in pet healthcare innovation, serving practicing veterinarians around the world with a broad range of diagnostic and information technology-based products and services. IDEXX products enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide advanced medical care, improve staff efficiency, and build more economically successful practices. IDEXX is also a worldwide leader in providing livestock and poultry diagnostic tests and tests for the quality and safety of water and milk. Headquartered in Maine, IDEXX employs more than 7,000 people and offers products to customers in over 175 countries. For more information about IDEXX, visit: www.idexx.com
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “expects,” “may,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “would,” “will,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “should,” and similar words and expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements because actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied. The reports filed by the Company pursuant to United States securities laws contain discussions of these risks and uncertainties. The Company assumes no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are advised to review the Company’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (which are available from the SEC’s EDGAR database at sec.gov
, at various SEC reference facilities in the United States and via the Company’s website at idexx.com
).
Contact
IDEXX Laboratories
Jason Lee
Marketing Manager
1-207-556-3690
Reference
1. Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (VPI). Top 10 reasons pets visit vets. www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-articles/pet-health/Top-10-Reasons-Pets-Visit-Vets.aspx. Accessed June 25, 2014