Tick Fever Panel (IFA)
The Tick Fever Panel uses the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) to detect antibodies against three significant tick-borne pathogens in dogs: Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia rickettsii (the causative agent of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), and Borrelia burgdorferi (the causative agent of Lyme disease). The presence of antibodies through the IFA test can indicate past or active infection, guiding in diagnosis, treatment, and management decisions. This panel is particularly valuable for dogs in endemic areas or with a history of tick exposure.
2 ml Serum
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.
Centrifuge to separate the serum. Transfer the clear serum into a new, leak-proof plain red-top tube and label it as "serum."
Excessively hemolyzed samples are not suitable for this test.
Unspun samples will not be accepted.
Refrigerate sample at 4oC until shipment.
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.
Breitschwerdt, E.B., et al. "Diagnostic Approaches for Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2021.
Little, S.E., et al. "The Role of Serologic Testing in Diagnosing Tick-Borne Infections in Dogs." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 2022.
Bowman, D., et al. "Evaluating the Diagnostic Utility of Tick Panel IFA in Veterinary Practice." Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2023.