Comparison of absorptive capacities of original and modified Schirmer tear test strips in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To compare in vitro and in vivo absorptive capacities of modified Schirmer tear test strips with those of original strips, and to establish reference values for use with the modified strips.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
100 dogs.


METHODS
In vitro absorptive capacity was determined by immersing strips in an irrigating solution for 15 seconds and recording amount of wetting. In vivo absorptive capacity was determined by placing an original Schirmer tear test strip in 1 eye and a modified strip in the other eye of 50 dogs with normal or abnormal tear production. Time required to wet 10 mm of each strip was recorded. Measurements were repeated 30 minutes later after reversing which strip was placed in the left or right eye. Reference values (mean +/- SD) were determined by recording the time required to wet 10 mm of the modified strip in 50 healthy dogs.


RESULTS
Amount of wetting was significantly less and time required to wet 10 mm was significantly greater for the modified strip, compared with the original strip. Reference values determined for the modified strip were 32 +/- 11 seconds in the right eye, 33 +/- 11 seconds in the left eye, and 32 +/- 10 seconds in both eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
Absorptive capacities of the original and modified Schirmer tear test strips were significantly different. Reference values determined for 1 strip should not be used for the other strip.
van der Woerdt
A
A
Department of Medicine, Bobst Hospital of the Animal Medical Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Adamcak
A
A
D000042:Absorption; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D005123:Eye / Q000503:physiopathology; D007638:Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D011934:Reagent Strips / Q000592:standards*; D012016:Reference Values; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology
D011934:Reagent Strips