Businessweek

hematology instrument that offers an 18-parameter CBC analysis, including a 3-part white blood cell differential, marketed originally as the VetScan HMII. The company purchases these hematology instruments from Diatron MI PLC (Diatron) of Budapest, Hungary. It supports and services its VetScan HM5, VetScan HM2, VetScan HMII, and VetScan HMT hematology instruments. The company also markets reagent kits to be used with its hematology instruments, which it purchases from two suppliers, including Clinical Diagnostic Solutions, Inc. and Diatron. Coagulation and Specialty The company has marketed a veterinary coagulation and specialty analyzer under the name VetScan VSpro. The VetScan VSpro assists in the diagnosis and evaluation of suspected bleeding disorders, toxicity/poisoning, evaluation of disseminated intravascular coagulation, hepatic disease, and in monitoring therapy and the progression of disease states. The point-of-care coagulation and specialty analyzer is offered with a combination assay (PT/aPTT test cartridge) for canine and feline testing. The company offers VetScan VSpro Fibrinogen Test to provide quantitative in-vitro determination of fibrinogen levels in equine platelet poor plasma from a citrated stabilized whole blood sample. The VetScan VSpro Fibrinogen Test is designed for use with the VSpro coagulation and specialty analyzer. The company purchases the coagulation and specialty analyzers and related cartridges from Scandinavian Micro Biodevices APS (SMB) of Farum, Denmark. i-STAT The company has marketed i-STAT instruments and related cartridges in the veterinary market. The VetScan i-STAT 1 delivers blood gas, electrolyte, basic blood chemistry, and hematology results in minutes from two drops of whole blood. The company has an agreement with Abbott Point of Care Inc. (Abbott), granting the company the right to sell and distribute Abbott’s i-STAT 1 handheld instrument and associated consumables for blood gas, electrolyte, basic blood chemistry, and immunoassay testing in the animal health care market worldwide. Rapid Tests In the veterinary market, the company’s VetScan Rapid Test product line consists of individual rapid tests that aid in the detection of various specific diseases. It offers the following VetScan Rapid Tests, which deliver results in approximately 10 minutes, which are as follows: Canine Heartworm Rapid Test: The company offers VetScan Canine Heartworm Rapid Test, a highly sensitive and specific test for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis in canine whole blood, serum, or plasma. The lateral flow immunoassay technology in the canine heartworm rapid tests provides immediate results. Canine Parvovirus Rapid Test: In 2011, the company introduced the VetScan Canine Parvovirus Rapid Test, a qualitative test for the detection of canine parvovirus antigen in feces. The VetScan Canine Parvovirus Rapid Test uses a combination of monoclonal antibodies that provides the detection of parvovirus antigen, allowing the veterinarian to screen for and diagnose the infection. Giardia Rapid Test: In 2011, the company introduced the VetScan Giardia Rapid Test, which detects giardiasis, a gastrointestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia. Symptoms of Giardia infection include diarrhea and weight loss and infection is also common in younger pets. Canine Lyme Rapid Test: In March 2012, the company introduced the VetScan Canine Lyme Rapid Test, which detects Borrelia burgdorferi in canine whole blood, serum, or plasma. Abaxis Veterinary Reference Laboratories (AVRL) The company develops AVRL, a full-service veterinary laboratory testing facility based in Olathe, Kansas, based on a strategic alliance it established with Kansas State University, K-State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, and a commercial affiliate of Kansas State University, the National Institute for Strategic Technology Acquisition and Commercialization. In 2011, AVRL began providing veterinary reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services for veterinarians in the United States. AVRL also focuses on providing specialty and esoteric testing and analysis. This service complements its su