VacciCheck provides rapid, affordable, in-house antibody results in only 21 minutes

TEMPE, Ariz., (April 24, 2012) – The Spectrum Group, a global leader in veterinary diagnostic and treatment solutions for allergy (SPOT Test) and recurrent bacterial infections (becSCREEN™), has announced its partnership with Biogal-Galed Labs to bring Biogal’s Canine VacciCheck™ to the U.S. pet market.

The Canine VacciCheck kit is a single diagnostic test that evaluates the presence or absence of antibodies to three core vaccines, eliminating the possibility of over vaccination.  Within 21 minutes, VacciCheck measures the current vaccine antibody levels of canine parvovirus, distemper and infectious hepatitis-adenovirus type 2 viruses, to determine if a booster is required.

VacciCheck’s unique ImmunoComb® technology makes it a quick, simple and affordable dot ELISA titer test to quantitatively check for all three core vaccines.  This is carried out as a single test in a vet clinic, veterinary lab, animal shelter or boarding facility and can provide results while the patient is present.

“As pet advocates and partners with the veterinary, rescue and boarding communities, we see this as an ideal opportunity to provide the industry with a product that assists in reducing over-vaccination of dogs and the potential for adverse reactions,” said Mervyn Levin, President of the Spectrum Group.  “VacciCheck is the only in-house, rapid response titer test that can check for the three core vaccines in a single test.”

Levin said in addition to preventing over-vaccination, VacciCheck can help determine the vaccination status of a dog with unknown history.  Similarly, it may be utilized to determine if puppies have received adequate immunity from vaccination protocol as well as those with genetic predisposition to immunity.

VacciCheck has been described by Prof. Ronald Schultz of the University of Wisconsin -Madison’s School of Veterinary School of Medicine as “a cost-effective, user-friendly and expedient titer test.”  A 12-test kit costs $240 for veterinarians.

Levin said shelters and rescues should also consider keeping VacciCheck on hand in case a breakout of parvo, distemper or hepatitis occurs.  VacciCheck rapidly and affordably tests populations that are susceptible to or protected from these diseases. This allows many animals to live that might otherwise have been euthanized due to unknown antibody status and those without antibodies to be isolated from the population.

For more information about VacciCheck, including purchases and video demonstrations, please visit www.vaccicheck.com.  The site also contains helpful links to organizations currently benefiting from the use of the product.

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About The Spectrum Group

Spectrum Group, also known as Spectrum Labs, has spent the past 20 years helping both pet parents and veterinarians provide a better quality of life to animals, particularly with its patented SPOT Allergy test. A multifaceted approach that includes comprehensive testing and treatment methods and unique tools such as training DVDs and text/email reminders, has made it possible for Spectrum to provide allergen testing success rates as high as 90%. In 2011, Spectrum added to its line of valuable diagnostic tools by incorporating becSCREEN™, providing insight into recurrent bacterial infections far beyond current methods, allowing for accurate identification of the bacteria as well as the definitive antibiotic required, to combat the infection once and for all. Veterinarians currently serviced by Spectrum Labs reside in all 50 states as well as more than 40 countries around the globe.  For more information about Spectrum Labs, visit www.WeAreSpectrum.com.

About Biogal-Galed

Biogal is headquartered in Israel and was established in 1986 with a focus on the development, manufacturing and marketing of diagnostic tools for the veterinary industry.  Its various products are available in over 35 countries.  Biogal-Galed jointly and exclusively developed the patented ImmunoComb technology for detecting antibody levels in blood or serum. Biogal’s newest product, VacciCheck™, has recently received USDA approval for the canine market. The feline version of this product is currently in development for the U.S. market. Please visit www.biogal.co.il for more information.