Product Features Advanced Sensitivity
ZoetisTM, formerly the animal health business unit of Pfizer Inc., today
announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a
newly-enhanced version of the WITNESS® HW Heartworm Antigen Test kit for
dogs and cats. Launched today, the enhanced WITNESS HW test kit is now
available to veterinarians nationwide.
Enhancements to the biologics, including test antibodies, improvements
to the buffer and sample pad and improve the signal strength at the
control line for better confidence in the results, translates to
improved sensitivity in the convenient, affordable and versatile test.
“Veterinarians have depended on WITNESS HW since its introduction in
1997,” said J. Michael McFarland, DVM, DABVP and group director of
Companion Animal Veterinary Operations for Zoetis. “The enhanced version
of this trusted product provides veterinarians with accurate, easy to
interpret results in approximately ten minutes so they can begin
heartworm preventative treatment for their patients right away.”
In a recent study, WITNESS HW outperformed other Point of Care (PoC)
tests on sensitivity [1]* by up to 13 percent. WITNESS HW has a
twelve-month shelf-life and requires no refrigeration. Its unique
immunochromatography RIM™ (Rapid Immuno Migration) technology is a
streamlined process so no waiting to snap. Additionally, it is flexible
because only one drop of sample, either anticoagulated whole blood,
serum or plasma, is needed for testing.
“A reliable, affordable, fast-acting heartworm antigen test is an
important tool for our clinic,” said Christopher Alvey, BS, DVM, of
Bridge Mill Animal Hospital in Canton, Ga. “When clients can receive the
results of their pets’ test while still in our clinic, it makes it
easier for us to dispense a heartworm preventative or to begin treatment
for affected animals. We have used WITNESS HW for many years and are
pleased that the company has made it even more reliable.”
For more information on the enhanced WITNESS HW test, veterinarians may
consult http://www.zoetis.com/products-services/diagnostics
or contact their Zoetis representative.
About Heartworm Disease
According to the American Heartworm Society (AHS), cases of heartworm
have been diagnosed in all 50 states and changes to the environment and
natural climate conditions, as well as animal movement, have increased
the potential for heartworm infection in more areas around the country.
Improved heartworm testing is considered one of the reasons why cases
that may have gone undiagnosed in the past are now being found and
treated.
The American Heartworm Society also recommends that, “Before starting a
preventive program, all dogs should be tested for heartworms. Giving
preventives to dogs that have adult heartworm infection can be harmful
or even fatal to the pet.”[2]
About WITNESS HW
WITNESS® HW detects the presence of adult Dirofilaria immitis antigens
in dog or cat blood. The WITNESS® format is referred to as Rapid Immuno
Migration (RIM™). This technology is also sometimes referred to as
lateral flow or rapid immunochromatography. WITNESS® tests perform well
without refrigeration using an antigen-specific antibody labeled with
colloidal gold. After the sample and buffer are added to the sample well
any antigens in the sample migrate across a nitrocellulose membrane
along with the gold-labeled antibody (conjugate) and form an
antigen/antibody gold complex. A second antibody specific to the antigen
binds the antigen/antibody gold complex at the test line. In a positive
sample, this generates a pink to purple colored reaction line in the
result window. Excess colloidal gold-labeled antibody migrates across to
the control line, where an antibody directed to the gold-labeled
antibody binds to it. This causes formation of the colored control line.
A test result should always be interpreted in the context of all
available clinical information and history for the dog or cat. Cats
testing negative for heartworm antigen may benefit from other diagnostic
tests, including heartworm antibody assays.
About Zoetis
Zoetis (zō-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to
supporting customers and businesses focused on raising and caring for
livestock and companion animals. Building on a 60-year history as the
animal health business of Pfizer, Zoetis discovers, develops,
manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented
by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of
services. The company generated annual revenues of $4.3 billion in 2012.
It has more than 9,300 employees worldwide and a local presence in
approximately 70 countries, including 29 manufacturing facilities in 11
countries. Its products serve veterinarians, livestock producers and
people who raise and care for livestock and companion animals in 120
countries. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.
[1] Data on file, Study Report No. DH69W-US-12-001, Zoetis Inc.
* Sensitivity represents the ability to correctly identify positive
samples.
[2] Current Canine Guidelines for the Diagnosis, Prevention, and
Management of Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) Infection in Dogs
(revised January, 2012)
Media:
Zoetis
Catherine Rajendra, 973-660-7568
Catherine.Rajendra@zoetis.com
or
archer>malmo
Julie Lux, 901-500-7063
jlux@archermalmo.com