Lactate testing in the veterinary field works in a very similar way to the human application. Lactate measurements are carried out to determine the performance of racing animals like horses or dogs, to monitor organ dysfunction, inflammatory processes in critically ill animals or in a multitude of basic research applications.
The Lactate Scout+ analyzer meets the demands of veterinary use very well. A wide measurement range of 0.5 – 25 mmol/L covers the typical values of different species. E.g. racing horses have a very high “maxlass” (being the highest stable or balanced lactate level during exercise) of above 20 mmol/L, a level at which the Lactate Scout+ still delivers accurate results.
The Lactate Scout+ also compensates for the influence of hematocrit on the lactate reading which can vary for different species and conditions.
The very small sample volume of only 0.2 µl for performing a lactate test makes the device suitable even for repeated testing on small pets, birds or rodents without creating a problem of blood withdrawal.
The Accutrend Lactate testing system has been used by veterinarians since 1997 and is currently being used by over 10 veterinary teaching hospitals and 100 emergency veterinarians. Newer portable analyzers, the Lactate Scout and the Lactate Plus will be evaluated for use in veterinary situations in the near future. For example, the Lactate Scout was recently evaluated by veterinarians from the US and the UK.
European Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ESVCP) Special Program - In conjunction with the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Companion Animals (ECVIM-CA) 16th Congress, Amsterdam, The Netherlands - September 14-16, 2006