The overall performance of the IR-based test was similar to that of the colorimetric assay and was superior and more economic than other available tests.

The overall performance of the IR-based test was similar to that of the colorimetric assay and was superior and more economic than other available tests.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

A number of reagent-free infrared spectroscopic diagnostic and analytical methods have been established previously making use of dry biofluid films. For example, this approach has successfully measured high concentration analytes of serum and urine. However, a number of low concentration diagnostically relevant analytes presently elude detection by infrared spectroscopy. This is due in part to their relatively low concentration and in part to spectral interference by other strongly absorbing constituents. The applicability of the technique would be broadened substantially if it were possible to concentrate and separate lower concentration analytes, e. g., serum creatinine and urine proteins, from the obscuring presence of relatively high concentration compounds. One possible means to achieve this is through microfluidic sample preconditioning based on laminar fluid diffusion interfaces. The objective of this study was therefore to qualitatively assess the performance of this technology in preferentially separating certain serum and urine analytes of clinical interest that presently lie just below the threshold of detection by infrared spectroscopy. Observations from simulated and genuine urine and serum samples strongly suggest that this process should improve existing accuracy and extend the range of detectable analytes.

This preliminary study demonstrates that infrared spectra of dam serum have the potential to provide the basis for a new periparturient screening method for a subpopulation of mares at risk of having a foal susceptible to FPT. Further development may provide an economic and rapid technique for the pre-parturient assessment of mares.