Single-slide solution for patients suspected of pancreatitis

New Africa / stock.adobe.com

IDEXX Laboratories Inc has expanded its test menu for the Catalyst platform with the launch of the Catalyst Pancreatic Lipase Test, a single-slide solution for canine and feline patients suspected of pancreatitis. According to a company release,¹ the test can run effortlessly alongside chemistry profiles, which can help lead to quicker diagnoses and enhanced patient outcomes. IDEXX plans to make the Catalyst Pancreatic Lipase Test available in the US and Canada September 2024, with a global rollout to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024.

“The Catalyst Pancreatic Lipase Test marks the tenth menu addition launched for the Catalyst platform since 2012, reinforcing our commitment to extend the clinical value and diagnostic capabilities of our technologies,” Jay Mazelsky, president and CEO of IDEXX, said in the release.¹ “We are pleased to deliver a highly requested test, which will streamline the diagnostic workflow and equip veterinarians with the necessary clinical insights for prompt action.”

The Catalyst Pancreatic Lipase Test, along with VetConnect PLUS software, offers an essential tool for managing pancreatitis over time. VetConnect PLUS seamlessly integrates past data and test results, making it easy to evaluate patient progress and treatment effectiveness.¹

"The Catalyst Pancreatic Lipase Test is the first test to use dry chemistry slide technology that specifically measures pancreatic lipase and correlates with the IDEXX Reference Laboratories Spec cPL and Spec fPL tests to provide the most accurate, quantitative results patient-side for dogs and cats,” Jörg M. Steiner, DrMedVet, PhD, DACVIM-SA, DECVIM-CA, AGAF, told IDEXX.¹

Pancreatitis is a common disease among dogs and cats and can be treated if caught early. During a previous dvm360 interview with Steiner, he explained that more than 90% of pancreatitis in dogs and cats is idiopathic. However, Steiner stated, “there's a variety of things that are considered risk factors: hypertriglyceridemia, high-fat diets, hypercalcemia, car accidents, surgical trauma, hypovolemia, etc.”²

Oftentimes nothing pathognomonic that may be noted during a physical examination; however dehydration, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may present in patients with pancreatitis. This can also be challenging, however, because these clinical signs may mimic those of many other conditions.³ With the launch of the Catalyst Pancreatic Lipase Test, more patients could potentially receive an early diagnosis, aiding in a quicker treatment strategy and recovery. According to IDEXX, the new test can give quantitative results in under 10 minutes.¹

IDEXX also plans to release the Catalyst SmartQC Control, a quality control testing system that is 90% faster than current methods.¹ Coming in the fourth quarter of 2024, the Catalyst SmartQC Control loads in under 15 minutes, improving time efficiency for veterinary staff.

References

1. IDEXX expands test menu for the Catalyst platform to support veterinarians globally in giagnosing pancreatitis. News release. IDEXX Laboratories Inc. June 4, 2024. Accessed June 5, 2024. https://www.idexx.com/en/about-idexx/news/idexx-expands-test-menu-catalyst-platform-pancreatitis/
2. Yankowicz S. Quick tips on understanding and treating pancreatitis. dvm360. January 16, 2024. Accessed June 5, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/quick-tips-on-understanding-and-treating-pancreatitis
3. Ward E, Panning A. Pancreatitis in dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed December 21, 2022. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pancreatitis-in-dogs