In vitro Validation Assessment of a Fecal Occult Blood Protein Test for Horses.
Abstract: A commercially available equine fecal blood test (FBT) claims to be able to detect the presence of blood proteins (albumin and hemoglobin) in manure. The purpose of this study was to determine the FBT test sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV), lower threshold of detection, time to obtain a visual positive result, effect of temperature and result stability in lab and field conditions. The FBT was assessed for its sensitivity and specificity for detecting pure albumin and hemoglobin at two temperatures over a range of concentrations. Time to result was measured for up to 60 minutes. PPV and NPV were assessed by measuring albumin and hemoglobin in manure from 13 pleasure horses over 25 days. Laboratory tests of hemoglobin alone, albumin alone, and hemoglobin and albumin combined were tested over a range of concentrations from 0.0125 ppm to 50 ppm. In the field study, fresh (within 30 minutes) manure was sampled and tested for proteins using the FBT. The FBT was both sensitive and specific to hemoglobin and albumin. The effect of cold temperature on time to a positive result at 15 minutes was not significant. Results were stable for up to 60 minutes. The field study showed evidence that the appearance of blood proteins in manure was intermittent, and that three tests on consecutive days provided a much better PPV and NPV. It is concluded that this FBT had high specificity, sensitivity, PPV, NPV, was equally functional at low and moderate temperatures, provided a rapid (within 15 minutes) and stable (for up to 60 minutes) reading. Its use in the field is simple and effective.
Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2021-06-25 PubMed ID: 34416989DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103695Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The abstract is about a study validating a commercially available equine fecal blood test (FBT), which aims to detect blood proteins in horse manure. The researchers tested several aspects of the FBT, such as sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, test timing, temperature influence and results stability both in the lab and under field conditions.
Objectives of the Study
- The study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and reliability of an equine fecal blood test (FBT) which is designed to detect the presence of blood proteins, specifically albumin and hemoglobin, in horse manure.
- The goal of this test is to facilitate quick and accurate veterinary diagnoses, supporting health management.
Methods Used
- To validate the FBT, the researchers tested it with a wide range of concentrations, at two different temperatures, isolated and combined forms of albumin and hemoglobin. The time taken for a visible positive result was recorded up to 60 minutes.
- Additionally, they also examined the manure from 13 pleasure horses over a period of 25 days to evaluate the test’s positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).
- There was also a field study where fresh manure was sampled within 30 minutes and tested for proteins using the FBT.
Results
- The FBT demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity to albumin and hemoglobin. These proteins are crucial to detect, as their presence can imply internal bleeding or other health issues.
- Cold temperature didn’t significantly impact the time to obtain a positive result, which is crucial in field conditions where temperature control might not be possible.
- The readings were steady and reliable for up to 60 minutes.
- Field study showed that blood proteins in manure were not consistently present, hence multiple tests taken consecutively over a few days brought out more accurate results when determining PPV and NPV.
Conclusion
- Overall, the study concludes that the FBT is a trustworthy and efficient diagnostic tool for detecting blood proteins in horse manure, providing quick results in both lab and field environments.
- This FBT can be relied upon for identifying pathology in horses, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
Cite This Article
APA
Rebalka IA, Lindinger MI.
(2021).
In vitro Validation Assessment of a Fecal Occult Blood Protein Test for Horses.
J Equine Vet Sci, 104, 103695.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103695 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- The Nutraceutical Alliance Inc., Burlington, ON, Canada.
- The Nutraceutical Alliance Inc., Burlington, ON, Canada. Electronic address: michael@nutraceuticalalliance.ca.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Feces / chemistry
- Hemoglobins / analysis
- Horses
- Occult Blood
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Sensitivity and Specificity
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Silva CJFL, Trindade KLG, Cruz RKS, Manso HECCC, Coelho CS, Filho JDR, Nogueira CEW, Aragona F, Fazio F, Manso Filho HC. Effects of the Ingestion of Ripe Mangoes on the Squamous Gastric Region in the Horse. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 9;12(22).
- Frippiat T, Bonhomme M, Dyson S, Votion DM. Evaluation of Owner-Reported Clinical Signs and Fecal Occult Blood Tests as Predictors of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome in Competition Dressage Horses. J Vet Intern Med 2025 Nov-Dec;39(6):e70248.
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