VMRD’s Q Fever FA Substrate Slide Now Available

Pullman, WA, November 05, 2014 --(PR.com)-- VMRD announced today the availability of a substrate slide that can be used for the detection of antibody to Coxiella burnetii (Q fever). The slides are of twelve-well, Teflon-masked format. Each well contains two separate Teflon rings delineating phase I and phase II of the bacterium. Within each ring, phase-specific C. burnetii organisms are embedded in a pre-counterstained yolk substrate yielding sparkling green fluorescence with positive samples and a faint orange or red background with negative samples that helps to confirm that the observation is taking place in the correct focal plane.

“With our new Q Fever IFA offering we’ve made a number of usability enhancements over alternative IFA products on the market while maintaining a reasonable price point,” said Ethan Adams, Vice President of VMRD. “I believe our slides are the best value among the several options presently available to the veterinary diagnostic lab community.”

VMRD’s FA substrate slide is designed for use as an antibody detection tool and can be used both qualitatively (positive or negative result) and semi-quantitatively (antibody titration). This tool has potential value for screening and surveillance and can also be used to evaluate the antibody levels of infected populations of cows, goats, and sheep. Positive and negative controls are also available.

Coxiella burnetii is an intracellular bacterium that is the causative agent for Q fever and was first described in 1937. It has been found worldwide with cattle, sheep and goats as the primary reservoirs, though it may infect many other species. The organism can survive for long periods of time in the environment as it is resistant to heat, drying, and many common disinfectants. Serologic testing can evaluate presence of antibodies to both phase I (chronic stage) and phase II (acute stage) of C. burnetii. Other testing methods include PCR, culture isolation, and immunohistochemistry.

For more information, contact VMRD at 509-334-5815 or visit www.vmrd.com.

About VMRD: VMRD was founded in 1981 by D. Scott Adams, DVM, PhD, and currently employs approximately 50 researchers, lab technicians and support personnel. From its site in Pullman, WA VMRD develops and manufactures diagnostic test kits and related reagents for distribution in more than 55 countries. As a rapidly growing company VMRD strives to preserve its family focused culture and core values of integrity and quality. Its mission to provide high quality products, services and support for customers and a harmonious and rewarding work environment for employees reflects and enforces the company’s market reputation for delivering best in class products with a uniquely personal touch. As a result of this clear focus VMRD has a global impact on improvements in animal welfare through the diagnostic laboratories, animal producers, government agencies and veterinarians who use its products.