8. Equine Fibrinogen Test
consideration when evaluating the fibrinogen level [
14
]. Newborn foals normally have
40 %
less plasma fibrinogen reaching normal level 4 to 7 days after birth meaning that
normal fibrinogen range in newborn foals is expected to be lower compared to older foals
and adult horses [15–17].
Detection of low levels of fibrinogen can indicate a systemic activation of the clotting
system, with consumption of clotting factors faster than synthesis. Excessive clotting
factor consumption is known as Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). In the
context of acute critical illness such as sepsis or trauma, DIC can be difficult to diagnose,
but a strong clue is detection of low fibrinogen and concomitant observation of prolonged
clotting time (PT and aPTT). Liver problems can also result in decreased levels of
fibrinogen.
8.2. Test Specifications
An overview of the Heska Element COAG
™
Fibrinogen test specifications is given in
Table 8.1
. The test has been validated for use with diluted equine (horse) plasma
extracted from citrate-stabilized whole blood. Under normal operating conditions, test
results have a precision of 0.3 g/L or better.
A Fibrinogen test takes approximately 10 minutes to perform. The actual time depends
on the blood sample and test environment. At room temperature, it takes about 5 minutes
for the Analyzer to warm up the test cartridge to
99 °F
(
37
◦
C
). Lower and higher ambient
temperatures may change the warm up time. Once the procedure of the assay begins,
the result is reported within approximately 10 minutes.
Each test cartridge is individually packed in a sealed pouch with a desiccant bag and a
disposable pipette tip. The pouch should be kept at refrigerated temperatures (
36 °F
to
46 °F
/
2
◦
C
to
8
◦
C
). Remove the pouch from the refrigerator and allow the cartridge to
reach room temperature prior to running the test. Once the pouch has been warmed to
room temperature, the cartridge should be used within the same day. After opening the
foil package, the cartridge must be used within 10 minutes. Do not return the cartridge
to the refrigerator once warmed to room temperature. If stored in accordance with these
guidelines, the test cartridges are stable until the expiration date printed on the pouch
label. One pre-filled tube with diluent should be used with each test. Dispose of the
diluent tube after running a test.
The test cartridge can be used only once and only in combination with the Heska
Element COAG
™
Analyzer. Once used, the cartridge, pipette tip, diluent tube, and
sample collection tube should be considered as potentially infectious. Dispose of them
properly in accordance with the policies and regulations at the place of operation.
!
Always strictly adhere to all biohazard safety guidelines pertaining to handling
and disposing of animal blood samples.
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