[Reliability of the glutaraldehyde test to measure gamma-globulin levels in foals and the use of this test to check colostrum intake of foals].
The glutaraldehyde coagulation test is a semi-quantitative test used to determine the gammaglobulin concentration in serum. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of the different modifications of this test by determining the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and the prevalence of hypogammaglobulinemia in foals. The results of the glutaraldehyde coagulation test were compared with the serum gammaglobulin concentration as a reference value, determined by measuring total serum protein and the serum protein spectrum. It was concluded that the glutaraldehyde coagulation test is a suitable test to use in the field for determining the serum gammaglobulin concentration in foals. The test has good sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value when using a 5% glutaraldehyde solution and when results are evaluated at 30 minutes for a serum concentration of 8 g/l and at 50 minutes for a serum concentration of 5.5 g/l, a concentration below which therapy is recommended.
Faculteit der Diergeneeskunde, Hoofdafdeling Gezondheidszorg Paard, Yalelaan 12, 3508 TD Utrecht.
C M
CM
de Bruijn
Th
T
Wensing
R A
RA
van Nieuwstadt
D000361:Agammaglobulinemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D000833:Animals, Suckling; D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D003126:Colostrum; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D005976:Glutaral; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006736:Horses; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D005719:gamma-Globulins / Q000032:analysis*
D001798:Blood Proteins; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D005719:gamma-Globulins; D005976:Glutaral