Latest Addition to Vcheck Diagnostic Line Allows Quick Detection of Early Heart Disease in Minutes
BIG LAKE, MINN. (July 31, 2020) – Bionote USA has added the first and only in-clinic, in vitro diagnostic test kit for the quantitative measurement of NT-proBNP concentration in canine serum, to its Vcheck product line. The Vcheck diagnostics line includes immunoassay analyzers and tests for the veterinary marketplace.
The canine test kit (cNT-proBNP) precisely quantifies the degree of elevation of NT-proBNP levels in dogs within minutes, allowing veterinarians to quickly prescribe decisive treatment plans related to cardiac issues without the need for an outside reference lab. Vcheck previously added a cardiac biomarker diagnostic test kit for felines (fNT-proBNP).
Analysis of cNT-proBNP on Bionote’s Vcheck V200 or V2400 analyzers for veterinary fluorescence immunoassay can help with point-of-care testing for the cardiac biomarker. Both analyzers provide quick quantitative measurement of the pro-hormone (proBNP) in canine serum – in the form of a precise numerical result, avoiding ambiguous estimates or ranges.
“Vcheck has proven to be reliable with our line of in-clinic biomarker tests and analyzers, providing precise results rapidly. Earlier detection of canine heart disease uncovered by the specificity of this new Vcheck in-clinic test allows for faster prescription of treatment, better quality of life and overall outcomes for canine patients,” said Randy Knick, Senior Vice President of Operations and Sales at Bionote USA.
In dogs, NT‐proBNP is correlated with heart size and systolic function. The Vcheck cNT-proBNP test allows veterinarians to diagnose early heart disease in dogs based on the level of pro-hormone (proBNP). Pro-hormone is produced by cardiac muscle cells and increases due to increased myocardial wall stress. Upon release into the blood, it is cleaved into BNP and NT-proBNP. Due to its longer half-life and stability, NT-proBNP is better suited as a diagnostic biomarker for the diagnosis of heart disease in dogs.
Based on NT-proBNP concentration results, veterinarians can distinguish cardiac from respiratory disease in dogs presenting with dyspnea requiring emergency care, as well as differentiate cardiac and respiratory causes of respiratory signs.
With the in-clinic cardiac biomarker test kit, veterinarians can quickly identify dogs at high risk of congestive heart failure, allowing them to differentiate whether their canine patients are experiencing Myxomatous Mitral Valve Degeneration (MMVD) with, or without, congestive heart failure. Staging and ongoing monitoring of patients with MMVD can also be conducted with the test; and in large canine breeds, the cNT-proBNP test is highly sensitive and specific for detecting occult Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM).
“The numerical result Vcheck tests and analyzers provide - rather than a positive, negative or estimate - is precisely the key to really dialing in the health status of a patient,” said Knick. “Veterinarians can see precisely where an animal is clinically and make sound decisions right away, based on that precise result.”
It is important to note that for best practices, cNT-proBNP should be interpreted with other diagnostic techniques, such as echocardiography, thoracic radiography, history and clinical signs to improve the accuracy of diagnosis.
All Vcheck tests, and both the V200 and V2400 analyzers, for small and large veterinary facilities respectively, can be used as a complement to your point-of-care lab for time-saving diagnosis and faster initiation of treatment plans, along with significant cost savings per test.
Bionote’s line of quantitative diagnostic products are currently available in the U.S. and Canada through distributors. To learn more about Bionote USA and the Vcheck line of analyzers and tests or to place an order, visit www.bionote.com.