Comparison of Avian Biochemical Test Results With Abaxis VetScan and Hitachi 911 Analyzers

Abstract

To compare results of clinical biochemical analysis using an Abaxis VetScan bench-top analyzer with reagents specifically marketed for avian use and a Hitachi 911 analyzer, plasma (both methods) and whole blood (VetScan method) samples from 20 clinically healthy Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) were analyzed. Correlation between methods was very high (r = 0.9-1.0) for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), calcium, glucose, and uric acid; high (r = 0.7-0.89) for creatine kinase (CK), phosphorus, potassium, and total protein; moderate (r = 0.5-0.69) for globulin; and low (r = 0.3-0.49) for albumin and sodium. VetScan analyzer results for globulin, sodium, and uric acid had a constant negative bias (values below those from the Hitachi method). Based on difference plot analysis, results for AST, calcium, CK, and glucose are comparable. Because 16 of 20 values fell below the lower detection limit of the VetScan analyzer, bile acid data were excluded from analysis. By using a relatively small sample size (0.1 ml whole blood or plasma), the VetScan analyzer offers rapid in-house results, compact size, and ease of operation. For 4 of the most clinically relevant biochemical analytes used in avian medicine (AST, calcium, CK, glucose), it offers reliable values. For an additional 4 analytes (phosphorous, potassium, total protein, uric acid), establishing analyzer-specific reference intervals is recommended. Neither the VetScan nor the Hitachi method is recommended to assess albumin and globulin concentrations.

Evaluation of a Portable Automated Serum Chemistry Analyzer for Field Assessment of Harlequin Ducks,Histrionicus histrionicus

“…Although relatively few duplicate samples were run, the precision of the VetScan data appeared to be similar to the precision of the data generated by the Monarch reference methods (data not shown). These results are compatible with those of studies comparing the VetScan with larger automated systems for assessment of serum chemistry values of parrots in clinical settings [6]. …”

Evaluating the Stress Response as a Bioindicator of Sub-Lethal Effects of Crude Oil Exposure in Wild House Sparrows (Passer domesticus)

“…Petroleum ingestion has often been associated with changes in liver function and blood biochemistry [36], [37], which can be assessed using relevant biochemical analytes [38]. Blood chemistry parameters have also been found to track the physiological effects of chronic stress on wild birds [39].…”

Comparison of chemistry analytes between 2 portable, commercially available analyzers and a conventional laboratory analyzer in reptiles

“…The VetScan Classic Analyzer (Abaxis, Union City, CA, USA) and the iSTAT (formerly available from Heska, now available through Abaxis under the VetScan brand) are 2 portable analyzers marketed for use in reptiles. Variable correlations have been obtained in comparing results from these instruments with those from large reference analyzers in mammalian and nonmammalian species, including a study of 22 captive sea turtles 1–6 . To our knowledge, evaluation of these instruments in other reptilian species has not been performed.…”