Canine Heartworm Ag Rapid Test

📊 The Critical Importance of Heartworm Testing

Canine heartworm disease, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, is a serious and potentially fatal condition transmitted by mosquitoes. Adult worms reside in the heart and pulmonary arteries, causing severe damage. Early detection is crucial because once clinical signs appear, the disease is often advanced, and treatment becomes riskier and more complex. Annual testing is a cornerstone of responsible pet care and preventive medicine.

Why This Test is a Vital Tool:
✅ Supports Preventive Care: Enables early detection before the onset of severe clinical symptoms, allowing for timely intervention.
✅ Guides Safe Prevention: Testing is recommended before starting or restarting heartworm preventive medication to avoid complications.
✅ Aids in Diagnosis: Provides a rapid initial result to support the clinical diagnosis of suspected heartworm infection.
✅ Monitoring Tool: Can be used to monitor dogs in endemic areas or those with a history of infection.

🧪 How It Works: Detection Principle

This test is a sandwich lateral flow immunochromatographic assay. The test strip contains specific antibodies. When a sample is applied, it migrates across the strip. If Dirofilaria immitis antigen (CHW Ag) is present in the sample, it binds to the antibodies, forming a visible colored line at the Test (T) region. The appearance of a Control (C) line confirms the test has functioned correctly.

📦 Kit Specifications & Contents

• Target Pathogen: Dirofilaria immitis (Heartworm) Antigen

• Sample Types: Serum, Plasma, or Whole Blood (EDTA)

• Time to Result: 10-20 minutes

• Kit Contents: Foil-packed test cassettes, assay buffer tubes, pipettes, manual

• Packaging Options: Available in various sizes (e.g., 1, 5, 10, 25 tests/kit)

• Storage & Stability: Store at room temperature (2-30°C). 24-month shelf life.

🧾 Simple Testing Procedure

1. Prepare: Bring the test cassette, buffer, and sample to room temperature (15-25°C).

2. Apply Sample: Place the cassette horizontally. Using the pipette, add 1 drop (approx. 10 µL) of sample directly into the sample hole (S).

3. Add Buffer: Immediately add 4 drops (approx. 120 µL) of the provided assay buffer into the same sample hole (S).

4. Wait for Result: Allow the test to develop for 5-10 minutes.

5. Read Result: Interpret the result within the timeframe by observing the Control (C) and Test (T) lines.

📌 Interpreting the Results

⚠️ Important Notes for Use

1. In-Vitro Diagnostic Use: For veterinary professional use only. Results should be interpreted by a veterinarian in conjunction with clinical signs, patient history, and other diagnostic findings.

2. Confirmatory Testing: A positive result should be considered presumptive. Confirmatory testing using alternative methods (e.g., PCR, microfilaria test, radiography) is strongly recommended, especially before initiating treatment.

3. Sample Handling: Use fresh samples or samples stored correctly at 2-8°C for less than 3 days for optimal accuracy.

4. Test Limitations: The test detects antigen from adult female worms. It may not detect early infections (pre-patent period, typically 5-7 months post-infection) or single-sex (all-male) infections.

🧰 Our Commitment to Animal Health

We are dedicated to providing high-quality diagnostic tools that support veterinarians in delivering the best possible care, promoting early detection and effective management of serious conditions like heartworm disease.

🌐 Learn More & Order

Contact us for detailed product information, technical specifications, or to place an order.

Empower your practice with rapid, reliable diagnostics for comprehensive canine healthcare.