IDEXX gets USDA nod for BSE postmortem test

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to produce and sell the IDEXX HerdChek BSE Antigen Test Kit to USDA-approved laboratories. HerdChek, a rapid test for accurate postmortem detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), detects the presence of the abnormal proteins believed to cause BSE.The IDEXX HerdChek BSE Antigen Test Kit uses the same Seprion technology as the previously approved IDEXX HerdChek Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Antigen Test Kit. HerdChek simplifies testing procedures compared to existing products on the market by eliminating complex protein digestion steps in the sample preparation process. This saves technician time and effort and reduces the potential for error. IDEXX has also submitted this test to the European Union (EU) for validation and approval.Quentin Tonelli, Ph.D., vice president of IDEXX, says We are excited about the opportunity to offer our customers a more convenient and efficient method of BSE testing at a time when testing volumes are set to increase. This test, with simplified sample preparation, allows labs to choose either a manual version that requires little additional equipment or an automated version for high-volume applications. Our experience last fall in applying this technology, licensed from MicroSens Biotechnologies, has shown us that our customers appreciate having accurate results in an easier-to-use testing format.

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