Canine T4 Now Complements TSH on IMMULITE®

Canine T4 testing is now available on the IMMULITE continuous random-access, chemiluminescent immunoassay system. IMMULITE Canine T4 joins IMMULITE Canine TSH; both automated tests can now be run in the veterinary laboratory on one system. This test combination can help in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism and in differentiating it from nonthyroidal disease.

Hypothyroidism is usually suspected in dogs that have the typical history and clinical signs that accompany low serum total T4 concentrations. Subnormal serum T4 levels, however, are often observed in euthyroid dogs in various conditions: nonthyroidal diseases, catabolic states, and concomitantly with administration of certain pharmacologic agents.

Diagnostic specificity is improved if basal canine TSH concentrations are interpreted in tandem with basal T4 concentrations and the response of total T4 to thyrotropin-releasing hormone.¹

Hypothyroidism, considered to be the most common endocrine disorder in dogs, can now be diagnosed more conveniently with the availability of an automated test for canine T4 on the IMMULITE® system.

Most commercially available T4 assays have been designed for measurements in human serum. The reference range for dogs is much lower (approximately 1.3 to 2.9 microgram/dL, or 17 to 37 nmol/L). The IMMULITE Canine T4 assay has a calibration range of 0.5 to 15 microgram/dL (6.4 to 193 nmol/L). It is available in kit sizes of 100 and 500 tests.

The IMMULITE system uses state-of-the-art technology on a platform that is easy to use and maintain. Performing the IMMULITE Canine TSH and Canine T4 assays on the IMMULITE immunoassay analyzer improves reliability and turnaround time. For further information on the assay or the IMMULITE system, contact your local DPC representative or your National Distributor.

Reference

1. Ramsey I, Herrtage M. Distinguishing normal, sick, and hypothyroid dogs using total thyroxine and thyrotropin concentrations. Canine Practice 1997;22(1):43-4.