Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Evaluation of Fast Technology Analysis (FTA) Cards as an improved method for specimen collection and shipment targeting viruses associated with Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex.
- Journal:
- Journal of virological methods
- Year:
- 2014
- Authors:
- Liang, Xiao et al.
- Affiliation:
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System · United States
Plain-English summary
A study looked at a new way to collect and send samples from cattle to test for viruses that cause Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex, which can make cows very sick. Researchers used special filter paper called FTA Cards to stabilize the samples, allowing them to be sent without needing to keep them cold or use special liquids. They found that the test results from these samples were very similar to those taken using traditional methods that require ice, showing a high level of agreement. The samples remained stable even when stored at different temperatures for up to two weeks. Overall, using FTA Cards could make it easier and more reliable to collect and ship samples for testing, which may help improve how quickly and accurately these diseases are diagnosed in cattle.
Abstract
In order to improve the analytic quality of respiratory specimens collected from cattle for nucleic acid-based diagnosis, a study was undertaken to verify realtime PCR efficiency of specimens collected and stabilized on FTA Cards™, filter paper which is treated chemically. Nucleic acids collected using FTA Cards without the need for a cold-chain or special liquid media handling provided realtime PCR results consistent (96.8% agreement, kappa 0.923 [95% CI=0.89-0.96]) with the same specimens collected using traditional viral transport media and shipped on ice using the U.S. Department of Transportation mandated liquid handling requirements. Nucleic acid stabilization on FTA Cards was evaluated over a temperature range (-27 °C to +46 °C) for up to 14 days to mimic environmental conditions for diagnostic sample handling between collection and processing in a routine veterinary laboratory. No significant difference (P≥0.05) was observed in realtime PCR cycle threshold values over the temperature range and time storage conditions for Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus, Bovine Respiratory Syncytial virus, Bovine Coronavirus, and Bovine Herpesvirus I. The four viruses evaluated in the study are associated with Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex where improvements in ease and reliability of specimen collection and shipping would enhance the diagnostic quality of specimens collected in the field, and ultimately improve diagnostic efficiency.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24657552/