INTENDED USE

Qualitative detection of rabies virus antigen in secretions collected from veterinary patients, for veterinary point-of-care use. It aids in the rapid field or clinic screening of suspect rabies cases, commonly in post-mortem or high-suspicion situations. Because rapid antigen tests can miss infected animals, any result must be confirmed by a reference method such as the direct fluorescent antibody test (FAT) before a negative conclusion is drawn. Results must be interpreted together with the animal’s history, clinical signs, and other diagnostics.

PRINCIPLE

The Rabies Ag Rapid Test is a lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay based on colloidal gold labeling. The test cassette contains a nitrocellulose membrane with a test (T) line pre-coated with capture antibody and a control (C) line. When the processed secretion is added to the sample well, it migrates by capillary action. If rabies virus antigen is present, it binds the gold-conjugated antibody and is captured at the T line, forming a visible colored band. The C line should always appear, confirming the assay ran correctly. Results are read visually by the naked eye within the stated time; no instrument is required.

SPECIMEN

Use a fresh secretion sample (e.g., oral/salivary or other collected secretion) from the suspect animal. Collect promptly and handle as a potential biohazard. Mix the sample well with the provided buffer according to the kit procedure and test without prolonged delay. Avoid contaminating or drying out the sample, as this may affect performance.

REFERENCES

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7281917/
• https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/publications/evaluation-of-an-immunochromatographic-assay-as-a-canine-rabies-s
• https://mobile.labmedica.com/technology/articles/294764934/hematology