Carus Animal Health has recently launched GIQuest — a clinically validated lateral flow test that detects faecal calprotectin in dogs and cats.

Faecal calprotectin is a neutrophil-derived protein biomarker released into the gut lumen during intestinal inflammation (Figure 1). Included in the NICE guidelines and widely used in human health to support the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), faecal calprotectin is now helping vets make faster, more informed decisions in canine and feline GI cases.

1. During GI inflammation, innate and adaptive immune responses are stimulated, resulting in an influx of phagocytic cells.

2. Release of inflammatory cytokines which chemoattract neutrophils and aid their transepithelial migration into the gut lumen.

3. Neutrophil presence and disintegration leads to the release of calprotectin.

Figure 1. Mechanism of faecal calprotectin release during gastrointestinal inflammation

Designed to assist vets and nurses in investigating and monitoring gastrointestinal inflammation in dogs and cats, GIQuest delivers rapid, cost-effective, patient-side results that support clinical decision-making and streamline workflows in practice.

• Clinically validated

  • 96% specificity and 94% sensitivity in dogs

  • 100% specificity and 92% sensitivity in cats

• Cost Effective

• Aids clinical workflow

• Results in just 15 minutes

·      Download their Guidelines for Use, visit their website or email to learn more about GIQuest, faecal calprotectin, and how this innovative point-of-care test can benefit both you and your patients.