Abaxis, Inc., a medical products company manufacturing point of care instruments and consumables to the medical, research, and veterinary markets, and reference laboratory services to the veterinary and research markets, announced today the launch of the VetScan Canine Lyme Rapid Test for the detection of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in canine blood samples. The test was launched at the Western Veterinary Conference being held in Las Vegas, Nevada February 19-22, 2012. The Canine Lyme Rapid Test is the only single assay rapid test on the market, allowing the veterinarian to offer accurate, flexible and cost-effective Lyme testing options to their clients.
The new Canine Lyme test can be used in conjunction with the quantitative Lyme assay offered at Abaxis Veterinary Reference Laboratories in Olathe, Kansas. If Canine Heartworm testing is also indicated, the Lyme rapid test can be used alongside the VetScan Canine Heartworm Rapid Test or the Canine Wellness Profile that includes a heartworm test, processed by the VetScan VS2 analyzer.
Michael Solomon, Director of Business Development of Abaxis commented "The Abaxis VetScan Lyme Rapid Test is a very sensitive and highly specific lateral flow assay, with positive results often in a matter of minutes, and definitive negative results in only eight minutes."
"The addition of the VetScan Canine Lyme Rapid Test represents an important addition to our rapid test product line. By offering a complete line of accurate, easy to use, flexible, and cost effective products, the veterinarian is able to offer comprehensive and medically appropriate diagnostic services to their clients in clinic. Abaxis will continue to develop and provide these types of diagnostic solutions for the veterinary market." added Martin Mulroy, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for North American Animal Health of Abaxis.