RE: from Dr. Susan RE: PCR test and FeLV answer

[AnnLmla2]

<<<in reply.
from ANTECHS site
(http://www.antechdiagnostics.com/clients/antechNews/2004/sep04_01.htm )
>>The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test has been used for the diagnosis
of FeLV infection. This test detects viral nucleic acid sequences instead of
protein antigens. PCR may be useful in helping to determine the true status
of cats with discordant results from other testing techniques. PCR is
capable of detecting FeLV infection in blood, solid tissues, tissue
cultures, and fixed specimens. >>>


Any new test methodology, especially one so important as the diagnosis of
FeLV, should be carefully scrutinized and independent verification of the
test's specificity and sensitivity should be sought.

You notice Antech does not give their test sensitivity, specificity, and
positive and negative predictive values. They may not know them. This is the
type of information we need to tell if a test is really useful, whether we
should base important decisions on it, and whether we should spend money on
it. A description of the test itself, such as you posted, is only one small
part of the story.

We should not be basing our decisions about using a test solely on the
material put out by those with a commercial interest in the test. Just
because a test methodology is feasible in print does not guarantee any
specific lab is actually good at doing the test. That's the crux of the
matter.

I tell vets it is like buying a car. If you are an informed car buyer, you
will check out independent sources for the reliability and service record of
the car you are thinking of buying. You won't go only on what the salesman
tells you because you will recognize his/her view necessarily is biased. The
person selling the car (or the test) is less likely to tell you of the
pitfalls or the downsides of the product.


Dr. Susan
Chapter Author, A Home Veterinary Guide, in:
The CFA Complete Cat Book
http://www.cfainc.org/catalog/books.html#completecatbook

Feline Reproduction Manual:
http://catvet.homestead.com/ReproCD.html

__^^__^^__^^__^^__^^__^^
Susan Little, DVM
Diplomate ABVP (Feline)
Bytown Cat Hospital
Ottawa, Canada
http://catvet.homestead.com
__^^__^^__^^__^^__^^__^^


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Sent: January 31, 2005 11:53 PM
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Subject: Fwd: from Dr. Susan RE: PCR test and FeLV answer





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