Simple, Fast KHV Testing

[Joel b]

Simple, fast, non-lethal, inexpensive KHV test is now available from Research Associates Laboratory in Texas.

I realize that this post probably belongs in a different section, but in view of the information's impact on the industry and hobby, I thought it would be best posted here.

Please note that neither Joel Burkard nor Pan Intercorp have any commercial interest nor associations with Research Associates Laboratory at present nor in the forseeable futur other than to utilize their diagnostic services.

The following is a press release from RAL Inc. posted with their permission:

KOI HERPES VIRUS

Testing for Koi Herpes Virus is available from Research Associates Laboratory, (RAL, Inc.). This new test is performed using the latest technology, called Real-Time PCR. Real-Time PCR methodology is the latest, state-of-the-art technology for diagnosing most diseases.

HOW TO TAKE SAMPLE:
ON A LIVE FIRSH: Simply swab the mouth, gills and rectum of the fish with a standard culturette. Place swab back into protective sleeve and submit to the laboratory.
ON A DEAD FISH: Swab the same areas as above. You may also wish to send damaged tissues from the gills, mouth, etc. If tissues will not be sent over-night, place in 5% formalin.
If sending a dead fish, include sufficient ICE PACKS and send OVERNIGHT!
When tissues and swabs are sent together, they will be tested as one and charged as one.

SENDING SAMPLES FOR TESTING:
Swabs do not need to be sent with cold packs or overnight. The organism is stable on a dry swab. Tissues in formalin do not need ice packs or overnight shipment.
As we are testing for the DNA of the virus, time is not critical. Package all samples to prevent damage or loss during transport to laboratory! If results are needed immediately, we recommend using an over-night service (FEDEX, UPS, DHL,etc.) for fastest service.

HOW LONG DOES TESTING TAKE?
All tests are ran daily in our laboratory - six days per week. Results are available the same day samples are received providing shipment arrives in laboratory BEFORE 10:30 AM. Later shipments are available the next business day. Saturday is a regular business day with tests and results being reported via fax and phone - usually between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM Central Time Zone. A final hard copy is also mailed out at no additional costs. Positive results are personally called and we encourage our customers to call with specific requests or needs.

WHAT IS THE COST?
Professionals and veterinarians are charged $15.00 per test (swab, tissues or a combination
on the same animal submitted together). Hobby keepers are charged $20.00 for the same service.

For any additional questions, please contact the laboratory at 972-960-2221.

[B.Scott]

Intresting that the hobbiest get shafted for a 33.3% price increase over a vet!
B.Scott

[MikeM]

Very common practice, B.Scott.... volume desired from professionals.

[Bancherd]

What about sensitivity, as compared to nested PCR ?

(Never mind, I had just read the backgnd articles)

[Simi Koi]

How accurate are these tests? 100%? 75%?

Where does one acquire the necessary culturette equipment?

Sounds like a major break through for the hobby!!!!!

[bekko]

B.Scott, 33% is a small reward for having to put up with people like us :>)

The test may not catch an immune carrier, but it will verify that there is an active outbreak.

I am really glad that someone is making it easy to get the test done and advertising it to the world. Its much better to test when the pond is still hot so you get a definitive answer about whether you have KHV or a Costia (or something else) outbreak that looks like KHV. If you do not test while the outbreak is in progress, then you will not know what to do with any survivors. A test (PCR or ELISA) done on a survivor after-the-fact will often yield questionable results. KHV survivors need to be destroyed - period. Costia survivors can go on to long happy lives.

j.steve

[luke frisbee]

Just a guess...
the 5 bucks is proabably due to the fact that a pro does a better job of wiping the fish's butt...and gills and ....
So the test is either easier or more reliable

[Simi Koi]

Quote: Originally Posted by luke frisbee Just a guess... the 5 bucks is proabably due to the fact that a pro does a better job of wiping the fish's butt...and gills and .... So the test is either easier or more reliable

also, a dealer will probably have 1/2 a dozen tests done a year, maybe more. I know i plan of getting a few done asap!

[B.Scott]

Or the 33% is the dealers/vets profit margin. They pay $15 and charge us $20

[marco]

Quote: Originally Posted by B.Scott Or the 33% is the dealers/vets profit margin. They pay $15 and charge us $20

Hi Scott, you'right, but if you need one hundred test we'll make a deal together ..
Marco