Question 1

What is the specifics of this test for veterinarians?

Accepted Answer

The Alertys Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test is a bovine whole blood (EDTA), plasma (EDTA) or serum pregnancy test, which detects pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAGs).

The kit holds up to 25 samples at a time and delivers results in 21 minutes assay time. It can used on-farm or in-clinic without needing ELISA equipment to run.

The test detects open cows from 28 days of pregnancy and throughout gestation. It allows veterinarians and producers to quickly re-breeding open cows and improve reproductive efficiency.

Question 2

How accurate is the Alertys Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test?

Accepted Answer

It is highly accurate and delivers the following performance:
- Whole blood (EDTA): Sensitivity 99.1%, Specificity 95.0%
- Plasma (EDTA): Sensitivity 98.7%, Specificity 98.9%
- Serum: Sensitivity 98.4%, Specificity 96.5%

It is accurate from 28 days of pregnancy until 60 days post calving.

Question 3

Can I use a milk sample too?

Accepted Answer

The Alertys Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test shows the presence of PAGs in blood. Although these proteins also occur in milk, this test is not validated for use with milk.

Question 4

Can I use the Alertys Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test with samples from other ruminants like sheep, goats, and buffalo?

Accepted Answer

It is known that PAGs also occur in these species, but the test has only been validated for use with whole blood (EDTA), plasma (EDTA) or serum from cattle.

Question 5

How do I know if I should use the Alertys Ruminant Pregnancy Test or the Alertys Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test?

Accepted Answer

Both kits determine pregnancy status in bovine serum/plasma from 28 days post-breeding.

We recommend using the Alertys Ruminant Pregnancy Test if you already have ELISA instruments or if you plan to test more than 10,000 samples each year.

If you do not have ELISA instruments or plan to test fewer than 10,000 samples, we recommend the Alertys Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test.

Question 6

Do I need special instruments or reagents? What is included in the kit?

Accepted Answer

All reagents required to run the test are provided in the kit. Two 96 well plates with 1x8 strips, a negative control, a positive control, 4 reagents, dropper caps, pipette tips and a use instruction.

You might also want to order an accessory pack when you order the Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test the first time. This contains a wash bottle, a plate cover and a precision pipette.

The only thing you need to buy in addition is distilled or deionized water to be used for the wash steps.

Question 7

How do I order an Alertys Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test Kit?

Accepted Answer

Contact your IDEXX representative or fill out this form to order the kit or request more information.

The product code of the Alertys Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test is 99-41369. The product code of the accessory pack is 99-0005524.

Question 8

How early after embryo transfer (ET) will pregnancies be detected?

Accepted Answer

The Alertys Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test detects pregnancies when embryos are 28 days old. In the case of embryo transfer (ET), this is 21 days after ET assuming embryos were transferred at 7 days of age.

IDEXX has data on file that shows that the Alertys Ruminant Pregnancy Test detects pregnancies 21 days post ET. IDEXX is currently initiating studies to show detection of pregnancies 21 days post ET with the Alertys Rapid Visual Pregnancy Test.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is PAG and how do the Alertys tests detect it?

What lab equipment do I need to perform the Alertys Milk and Ruminant Pregnancy Test?

What is the difference between PAG and Progesterone?

What are the differences among IDEXX Alertys products?

What is the return on investment from using Alertys tests?

Can all the Alertys tests tell anything else besides pregnancy?

Why test more than once during gestation?

Does PAG testing replace the need for a Vet?

Is there an influence of breed on all the tests?

Do antibiotics influence the PAG tests?

After early embryonic losses or abortion, does the test still detect PAGs?

I have a bull in my herd or use a bull at the end of my AI period. Can I still use PAG testing methods?

PAG Testing

What types of milk samples can be run?

How are the tests run in the laboratory?

How soon can the test be run?

Can the test be run on samples from robot units?

Step-by-step process of using the Alertys Milk Pregnancy Test

When to check for pregnancy?

What are the potential results of the test?

Can the quality of the milk sample affect the test results?

What is the influence of fat, cells, proteins, antibiotics etc on the test?

My Vet visits once a week to pregnancy check cows. Using milk samples, I'll only get the results once a month...

Can I use frozen milk samples for the Alertys Milk Pregnancy Test?

Can I use milk from the pre-milking, the middle, and the end of the milking?

Alertys Milk Pregnancy Test

What types of samples can be run using the Alertys Ruminant Pregnancy Test?

Can the quality of the blood sample impact the test?

What are the results of the test and can it tell me the stage of gestation, the sex of the calf, etc?

What is the return on investment from using this test?

What are the different test intervals, and why are they important?

Can I use frozen serum samples for the Alertys Ruminant Pregnancy Test?

Alertys Ruminant Pregnancy Test

Can I collect a blood sample and run the device later?

The blood sample has been stored in the refrigerator. How long does it need to be at room temperature before use?

The blood sample accidentally froze. Can I still use it?

The blood sample is clotted or hemolyzed; will the test still work?

From which animal's sample can the OnFarm test be used?

Can I add blood sample directly from a syringe?

Alertys OnFarm Pregnancy Test