Preliminary evaluation of an immunoturbidimetric assay and lateral flow device for the measurement of serum amyloid A in rabbits

Background: Acute phase proteins (APPs) can provide a sensitive test option for detection of inflammation in companion and large animals as well as many nondomesticated mammals. While some basic science studies have addressed APPs expression in rabbits, modern methods have not been widely applied to the detection of inflammation in this species. Methods: In this study, an automated immunoturbidimetric assay for serum amyloid A (SAA) was evaluated. Results: The median (min-max) SAA level of clinically normal rabbits was 6.3 (6.3–24.2) mg/L versus 7.0 (6.3–1388.0) mg/L for the abnormal group. The assay results were also compared to a previously described assay for C-reactive protein (CRP) and found correlated (r = 0.76, P < 0.0001). Additionally, the point-of-care lateral flow device (LFD) for SAA correlated (r = 1.00) when samples were examined as above or below the reference interval determined by the automated SAA assay. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Reference laboratory testing for APPs allows for accurate measurement of SAA and CRP; the LFD offers a new option for point of care testing. Additional studies may show that APPs can have value in the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases in rabbits.