Species:          Equine

Specimen:       Whole blood

Container:       EDTA (purple top)

Collection protocol:  As for CBC

Special handling/shipping requirements:  As for CBC

General information about the disease:

This is a haemolytic disease of newborn foals that have suckled and ingested colostral antibodies. There are two antibodies that are most immunogenic, namely Aa and Qa. Mares that are negative for either Aa and Qa, or both Aa and Qa, are most at risk for causing this disease within their newborn foal, if these foals are positive.

General information about when this test is indicated:

It is required when there is a difference of blood group between the dam and foal. It is most commonly seen where mares have been sensitised by a previous pregnancy.  Prediction of this disease requires an EDTA sample and serum sample from the mare and an EDTA sample from the foal for an indirect coombs test.  Colostrum from the mare may also be used before the foal suckles.