IDEXX PRRS X3 Ab ELISA assay adapted for oral fluid testing
For several months, we compared two IDEXX ELISA kits for the detection of PRRS antibodies in oral fluids. The new OF kit detects a very large number of false positives, which has been reported to the manufacturer. [Read more]
Minimum load required for sequences analysis
In order to guarantee a result following a request for traditional Sanger sequencing, the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory of the Diagnostic Service has established minimum viral load chart. The following table presents the recommendations according to the fragment to be amplified then to be sequenced and of the laboratory which reported the presence of the pathogen by PCR. [Read more]
New pricing and specimen acceptance criteria for whole genome sequencing (WGS)
We wish to inform you that a new rate for whole genome sequencing (WGS) will be effective as of August 1, 2019. [Read more]
O Serotyping by whole genome sequencing (WGS)
We wish to inform you that as of September 1, 2019, the E. coli Laboratory will now use Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to obtain serotype O. This test, already available in the laboratory, was previously performed by slide agglutination. Due to the depletion of our stocks of antisera, the continuation of the agglutination test would have involved a major investment of time to renew our stocks, and subsequently a significant increase in price of the test. Hence, we have decided that it is timely to change to the WGS. [Read more]
Anti-F4 (K88) and anti-F5 (K99) production shutdown
We wish to inform you that as of fall 2019, the E. coli Laboratory will no longer offer anti-F4 (K88) and anti-F5 (K99) rabbit antisera. This discontinuation is explained by the depletion of our antisera stocks, the high cost of eventual new production and a limited number of staff. The sale of antiserum will be possible for the next few months within the limits of our remaining stock. [Read more]
New expert in parasitology
We are pleased to announce that a new parasitologist named Dr Pablo Godoy has recently joined the team of the Parasitology Laboratory of the Diagnostic Service. [Read more]
PRRSV-ELISA kit change for oral fluids
We would like to inform you that the Virology laboratory is currently changing its ELISA kit used for the detection of PRRSV antibodies in oral fluids which will, among other things, make it possible to release results more quickly. The reported specificity of this new kit is 98.7% and the sensitivity is 100%. Our comparison assays confirm these values. [Read more]
New dynamic search functions for labgenvet.ca
The Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics (Labgenvet) of the Diagnostic Services, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, is proud to announce new dynamic search functions for genetic diseases of the dog and cat on its web site www.labgenvet.ca. Now, searches of genetic diseases, in either English or French, can be performed by disease name, by breed of animal, or by medical system. [Read more]
Whole genome sequencing – E.coli
The E. coli Laboratory is proud to announce that it is now offering a Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) service for the genome of Escherichia coli isolates from all the different animal species. The information obtained by WGS of isolates allows their identification and characterization to a level of precision never equaled until now at the Laboratory. Thus, genus and species, pathotype, virotype (based on more than 300 factors), serotype O: H, phylogenetic group and ST (MLST) are obtained and included in a detailed report. [Read more]
Enzyme change for PRRSV detection test by PCR
We would like to inform you that the Molecular Diagnostic laboratory of the Diagnostic Service has recently changed the reagents used in the PRRSV testing by PCR. This change allows an increase of sensitivity of the test. The detection limit thus changed from 44 genome copies to about 3 genome copies. [Read more]
New diagnostic test for Haemonchus contortus
Parasitic problems are becoming more and more common in Quebec herds, especially in sheep grazing, which results in high economic losses due to a very marked reduction in animal welfare. Even more worrying, conventional approaches based on intensive use of anthelmintics are no longer appropriate, following the appearance and spread of resistance to molecules of the family of ivermectins and benzimidazoles. [Read more]
New test for the detection of Ureaplasma diversum
We are pleased to announce that the Molecular Diagnostic laboratory is now offering the Ureaplasma diversum real-time PCR assay. U.diversum infections are mainly found in the reproductive tract of dairy cows, with or without granular vulvitis, and in aborted bovine fetuses. [Read more]
Equine endogenous ACTH test now available at the DS
We are very pleased to announce that the Clinical Pathology Laboratory of the Diagnostic Service is now offering the equine endogenous ACTH test. The test is offered at a lower cost compared to the referred test and results are available more quickly. The sample to be submitted is EDTA plasma separated by centrifugation and then transferred and frozen immediately in plastic tubes. [Read more]
Serotyping of Haemophilus parasuis, by multiplex PCR analysis
The laboratory of swine bacterial serology, under the supervision of Dr. Marcelo Gottschalk, now offers the serotyping of Haemophilus parasuis, by multiplex PCR analysis. The method is based on the detection of capsular genes, and can be performed on pure bacterial strains. The direct use of this PCR on swabs from different organs, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid will be evaluated in the near future. [Read more]
DIFIL-SNAP test at the parasitology lab: 4Hearts program
Do you know the advantages of the DIFIL test? The DIFIL test, unique to the laboratory of parasitology of the Diagnostic Service, makes it possible to highlight the microfilariae. The parasite is thus detected at an earlier stage of the disease and allows a diagnostic that would otherwise be falsely negative with the SNAP test. The SNAP test, widely used in clinics, only allows the detection of antigens related to adult female worms. It does not detect the microfilariae. [Read more]
New tests available- Levetiracetam/Zonisamide
Levetiracetam is a drug that belongs to the Pyrrolidine family used for the treatment of epileptic crises in small animals. It can be given in combination with Zonisamide, a sulfonamide anticonvulsant. Measurement of residual serum concentration following the use of these drugs optimizes the therapeutic effect or prevents unwanted side effects by allowing dose adjustment when needed. It thus ensures better monitoring by establishing the kinetics of the drug over a period of time. [Read more]
New expert in parasitology
We are pleased to announce that a new parasitologist, Dr. Christopher Fernandez-Prada, joined our team last August. Originally from Spain, Dr. Fernandez-Prada has made his veterinary studies at the University of Leon and graduated in 2008. He then continued his training in Spain and earned in 2013 a Ph.D in Biomedical Sciences. [Read more]