title: The Rivalta's test as a diagnostic variable in feline effusions--evaluation of optimum reaction and storage conditions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Rivalta's test is used to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats with effusion. Only little information on the influence of sample storage and reaction conditions on test results is available, and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity to diagnose FIP vary considerably between few available studies. This study determined the influence of storage of effusion, modifications on reaction conditions, and inter-observer variation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Rivalta's test was repeated up to 21 days after storage at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or freezer. The test was performed by two independent, blinded investigators. It was also performed using different volumes of acetic acid, different acids, and different kinds of water.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Even after storage for 21 days, test results were comparable. While inter-observer variation revealed substantial disagreement, different modifications in performance showed no major influence on test outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Rivalta's test seems to be a very robust test concerning storage conditions. Modifications in reaction condition also do not substantially influence outcome. However, the test is subjective and depends on the evaluating person.
authors.affiliation: Katrin Hartmann, Medizinische Kleintierklinik, der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Veterinärstraße 13, 80539 München, Germany, Email: hartmann@lmu.de.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fischer
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sauter-Louis
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hartmann
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D003080:Cold Temperature; D016766:Feline Infectious Peritonitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008828:Microbiological Techniques / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000662:veterinary* / Q000821:virology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*
keywords: Ascites; FIP; acetic acid; cat; inter-observer variability