Testing by TVMDL as part of the Texas Animal Health Commission Trichomoniasis Program, continued (Page: 1 | 2 )
The PCR test begins with “extracting” or separating the DNA from the specimen. This is done with the use robotic equipment in a 96 well plate format. First, reagents are added to each test well which will cut out the target DNA if it is present in the sample. Next, reagents are added which allow for “amplification” or multiplication of the targeted trich DNA segment.
The 96 well plate containing the reaction mix is moved to a “Real Time PCR” machine which produces a very large number of copies of the targeted DNA segment. The Real Time machine runs accomplishes this by running through multiple heating and cooling cycles. With each cycle more copies of the target DNA are produced. As the number of copies of the target DNA increase, they are detected by a change in the intensity of light passing through the test well. Each reaction is run with positive and negative controls, which verify accuracy of the reaction. Positive specimens from an individual wells are identified by a rising line on a graphic display, which can be observed as the reaction takes place, hence a “real time” test.
Each positive and negative result associated with individual samples IDs are electronically transmitted to the case reporting process in the TVMDL Administrative Offices. The final case report with the results of the PCR test is then emailed, faxed, or mailed to the submitting veterinarian.
This valuable State Program will provide extremely important information on the presence and epidemiology of the Trichomonas organism in Texas. Specimens that are properly collected and submitted will allow TVMDL to quickly respond with accurate, verifiable, laboratory results. The overall success of this program will reduce bovine abortions, improve the profitability of the individual beef producer and ultimately make the Texas beef industry more competitive in the marketplace. It will only be made possible by a cooperative effort by cattle producers and the veterinarians that serve them.”