The Center for Veterinary Biologicals of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cleared the Abaxis VetScan Anaplasma Rapid Test Kit for the detection of A. phagocytophelium and A. platys in canine whole blood, serum, or plasma samples.

Clint Severson, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Abaxis, said, "The USDA approval of the VetScan Anaplasma rapid test signifies the completion of the first phase of our vector borne disease rapid tests for dogs. Combining this test with the geographically relevant test for Lyme, Ehrlichia, or Heartworm allows the veterinarian to choose the most appropriate diagnostic tests for their patients while saving both the practice and pet owner significant money. Abaxis will continue to develop cost-effective and relevant rapid tests to aid the veterinarian in diagnosing disease in their patients."

Dr. Rajesh Mehra, director of research and development at Abaxis, said, "The approval of our VetScan Anaplasma Rapid Test Kit allows us to now offer a complete assessment of tick-borne diseases based on our unique blend of novel peptides which are reactive with species-specific antibodies, coupled with targeted amplification on a rapid test format." The system consists of a compact, 5.1 kilogram (11.2 pounds), portable analyzer and a series of single-use plastic discs, called reagent discs, that contain all the chemicals required to perform a panel of up to 13 tests on veterinary patients and 14 tests on human patients. The system can be operated with minimal training and performs multiple routine tests on whole blood, serum or plasma samples. The system provides test results in less than 12 minutes with the precision and accuracy equivalent to a clinical laboratory analyzer.