Assessment of Vcheck® analyzer for rapid progesterone concentration measurement including recommendations for achieving the optimal breeding time in bitches

Research (Published online: 20-02-2024)

23. Assessment of Vcheck® analyzer for rapid progesterone concentration measurement including recommendations for achieving the optimal breeding time in bitches

Supphathat Wutthiwitthayaphon, Thanikran Suwannachote, Saengtawan Arayatham, Wisut Prasitsuwan, and Sakchai Ruenphet

Veterinary World, 17(2): 427-433

Supphathat Wutthiwitthayaphon: Department Immunology and Virology, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Mahanakorn University of Technology, 140 Cheum-Sampan Rd. Nong Chock, Bangkok, Thailand.

Thanikran Suwannachote: Clinic for Small Domestic Animals and Radiology, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Mahanakorn University of Technology, 140 Cheum-Sampan Rd. Nong Chock, Bangkok, Thailand.

Saengtawan Arayatham: Master of Science Program in Animal Biotechnology, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Mahanakorn University of Technology, 140 Cheum-Sampan Rd. Nong Chock, Bangkok, Thailand; Clinic of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Animal Reproduction, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Mahanakorn University of Technology, 140 Cheum-Sampan Rd. Nong Chock, Bangkok, Thailand.

Wisut Prasitsuwan: Master of Science Program in Animal Biotechnology, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Mahanakorn University of Technology, 140 Cheum-Sampan Rd. Nong Chock, Bangkok, Thailand.

Sakchai Ruenphet: Department Immunology and Virology, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Mahanakorn University of Technology, 140 Cheum-Sampan Rd. Nong Chock, Bangkok, Thailand; Master of Science Program in Animal Biotechnology, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Mahanakorn University of Technology, 140 Cheum-Sampan Rd. Nong Chock, Bangkok, Thailand.

doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.427-433

Article history: Received: 30-10-2023, Accepted: 02-02-2024, Published online: 20-02-2024

Corresponding author: Sakchai Ruenphet

E-mail: rsakchai@hotmail.com

Citation: Wutthiwitthayaphon S, Suwannachote T, Arayatham S, Prasitsuwan W, and Ruenphet S (2024) Assessment of Vcheck® analyzer for rapid progesterone concentration measurement including recommendations for achieving the optimal breeding time in bitches, Veterinary World, 17(2): 427–433.

Abstract

Background and Aim: Serum progesterone concentration plays critical role in determining the optimal breeding time in bitches and diagnosing reproductive-related issues. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of serum progesterone results obtained from commercial point-of-care immunological analyzers, namely, Vcheck®, with those obtained using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Our overarching goal was to evaluate these analyzers’ accuracy and establish standardized guidelines for optimal breeding timing.

Materials and Methods: Ninety-four serum samples from bitches were analyzed using the Vcheck® analyzer and compared with CMIA. Thorough documentation included the mean, standard deviation, 95% confidence interval (CI), and minimum and maximum values of serum progesterone concentrations. Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient, and the bias correction factor were meticulously recorded.

Results: The mean progesterone concentration measured using the Vcheck® analyzer was significantly lower than that measured using CMIA, with a mean difference of 1.26 ng/mL of serum. The Bias correction factor was 0.935, which was nearly 1.00, indicating that the line of best-fit was on the perfect line of agreement, providing insight into the measurement accuracy. Pearson’s correlation coefficient, a measure of precision, was also close to 1 (0.939), confirming the reliability of the data. Furthermore, Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was 0.877, indicating a fair overall agreement between the Vcheck® and CMIA methods. These results support the validity of the Vcheck® analyzer’s results. The present study was developed by aligning with established CMIA guidelines and adapting them using the range and 95% CI derived from each set of results, ensuring a standardized and rigorous approach.

Conclusion: The Vcheck® analyzer provides a rapid assessment of serum progesterone concentration in bitches, with results comparable to those measured using the CMIA technique. However, when considering the use of the Vcheck® analyzer, it is recommended that the results should be interpreted carefully and the interpretation guidelines should be followed. In conclusion, Vcheck® provides a reliable and convenient method for veterinarian practitioners to measure canine progesterone levels in a clinical/hospital setting.

Keywords: chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, optimal breeding time, progesterone, Vcheck®.

Highlights

This document is a research article that assesses the Vcheck® analyzer for measuring progesterone concentration in bitches and provides recommendations for achieving optimal breeding time.

The study compared serum progesterone results obtained from Vcheck® analyzer and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA).

The mean progesterone concentration measured using Vcheck® was significantly lower than CMIA.

The results showed a high correlation and agreement between the two analyzers, supporting the validity of Vcheck® results.

The study recommends careful interpretation of Vcheck® results and following interpretation guidelines.

The Vcheck® analyzer is a reliable and convenient option for measuring canine progesterone levels in a clinical setting, with comparable results to the CMIA method. Careful interpretation of results is advised.