Measuring total protein, to indirectly assess IgG status, is not as reliable as directly measuring IgG. Total protein results can be influenced by a number of factors unrelated to IgG status such as the accuracy of the individual refracometer, dehydration, infection, inflammation and even whether they have received maternal colostrum or a colostrum replacer¹. Furthermore, it is recognised that the correlation of total protein with IgG becomes far less relaible in calves over seven days of age and therefore it is recommended as a technique for measuring IgG in calves only less than a week of age.

The ImmunIGY Bovine IgG test has been validated in the field, against laboratory based methods. For further information please visit the section of our website dedicated to validation.

As part of the development process of this test, calf IgG status was determined using the ImmunIGY Bovine IgG test. Their subsequent daily liveweight gain and antibiotic usage data was then monitored. Animals of adequate IgG status demonstrated improved daily liveweight gains of up to 11% and up to a 46% reduction in antibiotic use (mg/PCU). This process demonstrated that calves of up to 42 days of age can be tested, to obtain insights into colostrum management and future productivity. For further information about interpretation of results, for different age groups, see guide to interpretation.

This may impact the result achieved- please re-run using a new test. The reason for this is that flooding will occur and the results obtained may not be reliable. In general, 2 drops should be sufficient- rarely a third drop may be required.

Once the capilary tube has been added to the buffer, and inverted to mix, the solution is stable for up to 1 week assuming it has not been exposed to temperatures below freezing or more than 25°C.

The test devices and cube reader should be stored between 4°C and 40°C and tests will be effective until the expiration stated on the label.

The product is humidity-sensitive and the LFD should be used soon after opening the foil package to ensure optimal performance of the test. Each foil pouch consists of a colour indicating silica gel, which should be orange in colour. If the silica gel sachet has turned to a green or blue colour the test from that pouch should be discarded.

This will depend on the quality of the batteries used and their handling at insertion. Poor quality, cheap batteries may perform poorly (as observed with many electronic devices). When we use Duracel batteries, we easily exceed 100 scans. The more frequently the cube is powered up, the more energy is used. It is also important to note that touching batteries with bare hands can short them and reduce their life significantly Therefore we recommend inserting batteries using gloves and plastic forceps. If practical, and near a power source, it is sensible to connect via USB to save battery life. Note- batteries must be inserted for the device to work, even when connected to power.

Yes- a flashing battery icon appears as a warning.

The test should be read at the 10 minute mark. Reading earlier or later than this time may result in an innacurate result being obtained.

The tube is best filled by applying one end to the flow of blood and then angling the other end downwards so that the far end of the tube is below the height of the point of collection. Should any bubbles be present, simply collect a new sample, with a new capilary tube. Note- the tube must be entirely filled by the blood sample.

Please contact Bimeda in the first instance for support.

The optimal puncture site is the very short hairy skin just caudal to the nasal planum and approximately midway between the nasal septum and the lateral aspect of the nostril. No special preparation is required ahead of puncture. The lancet should be cleaned using an alcohol soaked swab in between calves. The lancet can be used up to 50 times before it must be replaced.

The product is humidity-sensitive and the LFD should be used soon after opening the foil package to ensure optimal performance of the test. Each foil pouch consists of a colour indicating silica gel, which should be orange in colour. If the silica gel sachet has turned to a green or blue colour the test from that pouch should be discarded.

NaN is Not A Number. This happens with a value that is an extreme maximum or extreme minimum and so out of detection range.  It is easy to determine whether it is a minimum or maximum by visually inspecting the test line.  If the line is strong, the value is a low minimum; but if the test line is feint or non-existent, then your test value is a high maximum.

This can also happen for the following reasons:

• The 3 sample drops have been applied to the LFD to fast; you may notice smearing across the test strip when this has happened.
• The LFD has been inserted incorrectly. Ensure the LFD is the right way round within the cassette holder in accordance with the diagram embossed on the cassette.
• Always ensure the lot number on your calibration card is identical to the one on the packet of the LFD’s you are using.
• Apply no more or no less than 3 drops of sample to the test well.
• Be cautious to obtain a correct sample quantity, the capillary tube must be full and contain no gaps or air bubbles.