Q & A
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OncoPet Diagnostics Inc.
Q & A |
Questions & Answers:Q: Will this test tell me if my dog has cancer and how advanced? A: This test provides an indication of the likelihood (with a 90-95% confidence level) of the patient having a malignancy. The test does not provide information regarding the type of cancer or at what stage the cancer is at or if it has metastasized (spread). Q: Where do you provide your testing services? A: Anywhere in the world provided that we receive the sample in proper conditions at our exclusive testing facility located in Richmond, British Columbia (nearby Vancouver), Canada, where it will be processed. To expedite the process, the veterinarian places the order online and we report the results back by e-mail. Q: Is there a specific procedure to follow after a positive OncoPet Test? A: No. Results, possible treatment strategies and follow ups should be discussed with your veterinarian. Q: What is the frequency for testing? Every 6 months? Follow ups? A: The frequency for which you would consider testing your dog is dependent on several factors. You may want to test a senior dog more frequently than younger animals. Veterinarians advocate wellness checks for mature dogs every nine to twelve months as well as in those breeds more prone to getting cancer. Approximately 50% of all dogs die of cancer. Q: Will this test work for my dog’s breed? A: Yes. Results indicate that this test is not breed specific and can be used on all breeds and mixes thereof. Q: How do I send a sample? A: If you are the animal care provider you should contact your veterinarian; we only accept samples from qualified professionals. If you are a veterinarian, check sample extraction and submission procedures or contact us. Q: How much does the test cost to the caregiver? A: In North America, the price is estimated to be $90- $120 to the animal caregiver plus shipping cost. We charge the veterinarian who then charges the caregiver for the test. Since prices may vary with your location (taxes, shipping costs, etc) please ask your veterinarian. Q: What kind of sample is required for the test? A: At this time the OncoPet RECAF™ test is done on serum specimens only (check sample extraction and submission procedures). Q: Will drugs interfere with the test? A: While this has not yet been determined, there is the potential that some drugs may interfere with the results of the test. Thus, it is advisable for the veterinarian to declare the use of any therapeutic agent when placing the order. Q: How should I prepare my pet for the test? A: There are no special requirements. However, since it is likely that this test will be done together with other blood tests, please follow your veterinarians' instructions related to the other tests. Q: Are there any specific medical conditions that interfere with the test? A: Benign tumors may sometimes test positive. We do not know at this point whether these are simply false positives or the tumor is in the process of becoming malignant and the expression of the OncoPet RECAF™ marker appears earlier than the morphological changes that a pathologist recognizes as cancer. Also, acute infections may produce false positives. Q: Does spaying or neutering affect the results of the test? A: There is no evidence to support this conclusion. Q: What type(s) of cancer does the test detect? A: The test detects the most common types of cancer. We do not have enough information regarding rare types of malignancies in our test panel to provide this information but we have not yet found any type of cancer that is consistently negative. Q: How long does it take to get the results? A: Approximately one week depending of your location. Q: Where can I read more about the RECAF™ technology? A: You can go to www.biocurex.com. Q: Is this test approved by any veterinary association or Government agency? A: There are no mandatory requirements for the testing we provide for animals. We are pursuing recognition and acceptance of our technology by providing the best possible service to the veterinary community. Q: When would it be advised to do the test? A: At any time. It is practical to do it whenever you take your companion animal to the veterinarian for its regular checkup. Please ask your veterinarian about the OncoPet RECAF™ test next time you see him or her. Q: What is the better age to start testing? A: It depends on the breed. Please consult with your veterinarian. Q: Can I test my cat with the OncoPet RECAF™ Test? A: Not at the moment. But if you are a cat owner, please come back since we are planning on adapting the test for cats. Q: Are the results of the test definitive? A: Our test is positive in approximately 90% of dogs afflicted with cancer and negative in 95% of healthy dogs. Thus, as with most clinical tests, there is a small chance that the result does not reflect the actual condition of the animal. That is why the final diagnosis needs to be made by a qualified veterinarian who will take into consideration all other clinical information. Q: Will the result be stored in a database? A: Yes, but any personal information will be treated as confidential. Q: Do you keep the blood sample for future testing or for retesting? A: Samples are kept for a week just in case a test needs to be repeated and then destroyed unless they are destined for research purposes in collaboration with your veterinarian. Q: How will the results be reported to me? A: We report the results of the test only to the veterinarian who ordered it. He or she will then evaluate the case and report to you. We are very careful in keeping the results of our tests confidential and therefore we do not report results over the phone unless we verify that the person calling is the veterinarian who placed the order. Ask your veterinarian about the OncoPet Test in your next visit. |
Links of interest:Vetred (Distributor of the RECAF™ test in Europe) Cancer in dogs 2 Part A Part B Common symptoms of cancer in dogs Dog cancer, symtoms and diagnosis
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The information provided in this site is for general information purposes only and is not intended as medical or veterinarian advice. Medical or veterinary advice regarding companion animal cancer and its appropriate treatment should only be obtained from a qualified licensed veterinarian. It is not intended to replace the veterinarian's recommendations.
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