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Analytical comparison of three canine C-reactive protein assays in clinical use in Japan
Shu Hotomi1, Masaaki Ochi2, Noboru Fujitani2
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science.
Insights
Canine C-reactive protein (CRP) assays show strong correlations but are not interchangeable. Different measurement systems require distinct reference ranges for accurate veterinary diagnosis and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary diagnostics
- Biomarker analysis
- Clinical chemistry
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a crucial biomarker for canine health assessment.
- Accurate CRP quantification is vital for veterinary clinical decisions.
- Multiple CRP measurement systems are used in Japan, lacking inter-system validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the correlation and agreement between three common CRP assay systems in dogs.
- To determine the interchangeability of immunonephelometry, immunoturbidimetry, and dry chemistry CRP assays.
- To inform standardization efforts for canine CRP measurements.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 138 canine plasma samples.
- Comparison of three distinct CRP assay methodologies: immunonephelometry, immunoturbidimetry, and dry chemistry.
- Statistical evaluation using regression analysis and Bland-Altman plots.
Main Results:
- All three CRP assay systems demonstrated strong positive correlations (r > 0.9).
- Systematic errors were identified via regression and Bland-Altman analysis, indicating lack of interchangeability.
- Significant discrepancies exist between the tested CRP measurement systems.
Conclusions:
- Current CRP assay systems for dogs are not interchangeable, despite high correlation.
- The study emphasizes the necessity for system-specific reference ranges and clinical thresholds.
- A universal calibration agent may improve comparability and standardize canine CRP measurements.
Abstract:
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis in dogs. Accurate and consistent CRP measurements are essential for clinical decision-making. In Japan, different CRP measurement systems are commonly used, but their compatibility has not been validated. In this study, we evaluated the correlation and agreement among three CRP assay systems (immunonephelometry, immunoturbidimetry, and dry chemistry) using 138 dog plasma samples. Strong correlations (r>0.9) were observed, but regression analysis and Bland-Altman plots revealed systematic errors, indicating that these systems are not interchangeable. These findings highlight the need for system-specific reference ranges and clinical decision thresholds and suggest that a common calibration agent could enhance comparability and support the standardization of CRP measurements in veterinary medicine.
