The VetScan 2 (Abaxis, Inc.) is an automated blood analysis system that is commonly used in veterinary clinics. It would be useful if the VetScan 2 could be used in veterinary and diagnostic labs that support the catfish aquaculture community. In this study, we compared the results from the VetScan 2 to results from bench analyses.
The VetScan 2 will perform different analyses depending on which rotor (single-use insert) is used. We selected the Comprehensive Diagnostic Profile rotor which provides 14 blood chemistries. The results from the VetScan 2 were compared to results from spectrophotometric assays run using commercially available kits. Full standard curves were developed for each spectrophotometric assay, and percent recoveries of standard additions were also determined.
Forty channel catfish (433 + 30.8 mm, mean + SD) were captured by angling, bled, and the serum stored at -80 o C until analysis. Serum from each fish was run through both the VetScan 2 and the spectrophotometric assays.
Mean concentrations and activities of glucose, phosphorous, calcium, sodium, total protein, potassium, and bilirubin as measured by the VetScan 2 were 93%, 103%, 105%, 93%, 102%, 94%, and 107%, respectively, of the means from the spectrophotometric methods. Amylase and urea nitrogen levels were below detectable limits of the VetScan 2. Results relative to alanine aminotransferase, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, and globulin will be reported during the presentation.
Initial results indicate that the VetScan 2 provides results similar to those from spectrophotometric assays.