NEW CANINE TLI REFERENCE INTERVAL:
We recently constructed a new reference interval for our cTLI assay. The reference interval has increased slightly and is now 10.1 to >50.0 µg/L. The decision threshold cTLI concentrations have also increased. Please see our website for further details.
NEW FELINE PLI REFERENCE INTERVAL:
From time to time we evaluate all of our assays whether reference intervals and diagnostic thresholds are still current. One of our graduate students, Dr. Yu-An Wu, recently completed such a study looking at serum fPLI concentrations in 107 heathy cats. The results of his study have led to us adjusting the reference interval and decision threshold we recommend for the fPLI assay in order to optimize its diagnostic accuracy. The upper limit of the reference interval has been slightly increased to 4.4 μg/L and the decision threshold for the diagnosis of pancreatitis has also been slightly increased to 8.8 μg/L, leading to an expected specificity >99%.
This work will be presented as an abstract at the 2022 American College of Veterinary Pathology Conference in November and we are also preparing a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Also, for further information on the diagnosis and treatment of feline pancreatitis please see the following open access ACVIM consensus statement: Forman MA, Steiner JM, Armstrong PJ, Camus MS, Gaschen L, Hill SL, Mansfield CA, Steiger K. ACVIM consensus statement on pancreatitis in cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2021;35 (doi.org/10.1111.jvim.16053)
SHIPPING UPDATES:
Packages with the GROUND LIMITED QUANTITY mark are forbidden in the FedEx Express network, as they are forbidden for transport by air. Please completely obscure or remove the GROUND LIMITED QUANTITY mark to be in compliance with IATA and DOT regulations. The mark or any part of it must not be visible at all. Each of these shipments may result in a $75,000.00 fine from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS:
We cannot accept samples from exotic or agricultural species from outside the United States. This includes feline and canine exotic species. Additional information regarding international shipments is available under our sample requirements and histopathology pages, respectively. If you have specific questions, please contact us directly via email (gilab@cvm.tamu.edu) BEFORE shipping your samples.
News
Histopathology Service:
As many of you know, we have been building a specialty histopathology service focused on gastrointestinal, hepatic, and pancreatic pathology. We are happy to announce that we are now ready to accept submissions. More information is available here.
Our testing services may help in the management of pets with vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or poor body condition.
All samples must be submitted by a veterinarian. Veterinary specialists in Internal Medicine certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine are available for consultation to discuss the interpretation of test results with submitting veterinarians and their implications for patient management.
We cannot give advice directly to pet owners due to licensure issues.
We are not here to receive packages on the weekends and they will sit unattended if delivered on Saturday, Sunday, or on a holiday, even if shipped using FedEx or UPS. Shipping using USPS (US Mail) is never recommended due to delays that will affect your results. The university post office may be closed anytime the university is closed. Anytime we experience delays in receiving sample submissions, turnaround times may be extended. Click here for additional instructions.
Confused about Lipase Assays? Recently, questions have been asked regarding various lipase testing methods for pancreatitis. For more information please check out pancreatitis information.
