Equine Diagnostics

Serum Amyloid A – Equine

Serum Amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein that serves as a highly sensitive biomarker for inflammation in horses. SAA levels rise rapidly in response to infection, tissue injury, or systemic inflammation, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring equine health conditions. Unlike other inflammatory markers, SAA demonstrates significant and immediate increases in concentration, often within 6-12 hours of an inflammatory trigger, and decreases rapidly upon resolution, providing real-time insights into the horse’s inflammatory status. SAA testing is particularly useful for differentiating between infectious and non-infectious inflammation, monitoring recovery, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment protocols. This test is applicable in a range of conditions, including respiratory infections, septicemia, colitis, post-surgical complications, and other inflammatory or infectious diseases. 

Test name

Serum Amyloid A – Equine

Test Code

E155

Section

Clinical Pathology

Species

Equine

Specimen

2 ml Serum

Collection Guidelines

1. Collect an adequate amount of blood in a plain red-top tube or serum separator tube (yellow-top tube). Allow it to clot at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before separation.
2. Centrifuge to separate the serum. Transfer the clear serum into a new, leak-proof plain red-top tube and label it as “serum.”
3. Excessively hemolyzed samples are not suitable for this test.
4. Unspun samples will not be accepted.
5. Refrigerate sample at 4oC until shipment.

Turnaround time

14-21 days

Packing Instructions

Label each sample with the animal’s name and a unique identifier, using a permanent marker or a secure adhesive label. Ensure the submittal form is completed with the animal’s information and relevant medical history.

References

• Jacobsen, S., et al. “Acute Phase Proteins as Inflammatory Markers in Horses: The Role of Serum Amyloid A.” Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2021.

• Pihl, T.H., et al. “Serum Amyloid A in Equine Clinical Practice: Diagnostic and Monitoring Applications.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 2022.
• Hinchcliff, K.W., et al. “Advances in Biomarker Diagnostics for Equine Inflammatory Diseases: Focus on Serum Amyloid A.” Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2023.