IDEXX expanding menu of laboratory testing services

Credit: IDEXX Laboratories Inc.

IDEXX Laboratories has announced new reference laboratory tests and services that will be offered starting in September 2022. The expanded reference laboratory menu is designed to help veterinarians gain insights during wellness screenings, develop treatment plans for cats with chronic kidney disease, and access fast, definitive answers for the most critical cases, according to the pet health care diagnostics and software company.

IDEXX customers in North America will have access to the following new tests and services:

• Fecal Dx antigen testing will include the detection of flea tapeworm, joining current tests for hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm. Flea tapeworm is a common intestinal parasite that is transmitted anywhere fleas are found, and it may often remain undetected by testing methods like fecal flotation or other instrument-based optical methods that rely on the presence of eggs. Fecal Dx antigen testing detects up to 5 times more of these common intestinal parasites, and earlier, than fecal flotation alone, according to data on file at IDEXX.
• FGF-23, a kidney disease management biomarker, is the first of its kind in North America, according to IDEXX. This test provides quantifiable, evidence-based insights for veterinarians caring for cats with early chronic kidney disease (CKD), enabling more confident treatment recommendations, such as dietary change.
• PCR Direct testing, a new service available through the opening of a state-of-the-art PCR laboratory. At no extra charge, IDEXX Reference Laboratories customers in the continental United States will have access to next-day PCR results, Monday through Friday, for their critical cases, including suspected zoonotic infections.

According to IDEXX, annual wellness screens allow veterinarians to have more confident conversations with pet owners around treatment and prevention, and they support better patient outcomes. Additionally, with earlier access to diagnostic information, veterinary professionals can start treatment for the most critical cases sooner, which can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Reference

IDEXX empowers veterinarians with new testing insights that support earlier diagnosis and intervention for preventive care and critical cases. News release. June 21, 2022. Accessed June 21, 2022. https://www.idexx.com/en/about-idexx/news/idexx-empowers-veterinarians-new-testing-insights/