Issue link: http://life-technologies.uberflip.com/i/339014
2 Life Technologies | Animal Health Detection of antibodies (e.g., ELISA-based)—Blood samples can be tested for the presence of antibodies to a range of pathogens, including PRRSV, M.hyopneumoniae, SIV, Salmonella, Trichinella, PHV-1, CSF, etc. Serological testing is NOT suitable for ubiquitous pathogens such as PCV2, H. parasuis, A. pleuropneumoniae, L. intracellularis, etc. Always bear in mind that antibodies, especially in young pigs, can be maternally derived and/or can occur after vaccination as well as after exposure to field strains of the pathogen. Detection of pathogen RNA/DNA (PCR-based tests)—The presence of pathogens causing viraemia, such as PRRSV, PCV2, CSF, etc., can be confirmed in blood. Animal selection Deciding which animals to take samples from depends on the desired outcome: Detection of infection—Select animals with clinical signs. Absence of infection—Select animals with clinical signs; if there are no symptoms present, take samples from animals selected at random during a walk through the pens. Tracking infection status over time (i.e., longitudinal examination)*—Take the first samples on day 1 and repeat sampling from the same animals 2 to 4 weeks later (6 weeks later when M. hyopneumoniae is suspected in unvaccinated animals). To determine the infection status in different groups (i.e., cross-sectional examination)*—Take samples from animals of different ages, e.g., 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks of age. * If serological testing is to be used, send all samples to the laboratory in one batch to avoid potential variation between different batches of test kits. Diagnostic use