A new automated turbidimetric immunoassay for the measurement of canine C‐reactive protein

BACKGROUND: In dogs, as in humans, C-reactive protein (CRP) is a major acute phase protein that is rapidly and prominently increased after exposure to inflammatory stimuli. CRP measurements are used in the diagnosis and monitoring of infectious and inflammatory diseases. OBJECTIVES: The study aim was to develop and validate a turbidimetric immunoassay for the quantification of canine CRP (cCRP), using canine-specific reagents and standards. METHODS: A particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay was developed. The assay was set up in a fully automated analyzer, and studies of imprecision, limits of linearity, limits of detection, prozone effects, and interferences were carried out. The new method was compared with 2 other commercially available automated immunoassays for cCRP: one turbidimetric immunoassay (Gentian CRP) and one point-of-care assay based on magnetic permeability (Life Assays CRP). RESULTS: The within-run and between-day imprecision were 320 mg/L. No interference from hemoglobin (20 g/L), triglycerides (10 g/L), or bilirubin (150 mg/L) was detected. Good agreement was observed between the results obtained with the new method and the Gentian cCRP turbidimetric immunoassay. CONCLUSIONS: The new turbidimetric immunoassay (Turbovet canine CRP, Acuvet Biotech) is a rapid, robust, precise, and accurate method for the quantification of cCRP. The method can be easily set up in automated analyzers, providing a suitable tool for routine clinical use.