Diagnostic tests, test performance, and considerations for interpretation

This chapter describes common tests used for the diagnosis of swine diseases or surveillance of swine pathogens and is intended to help determine the appropriate test and interpretation of results for swine diseases. Before submitting samples for culture, it is important for clinicians to know how diagnostic laboratories process samples. There are a variety of artificial media, temperatures, and growth conditions that can be used to obtain bacterial growth from clinical samples. The conditions used primarily depend on sample type, animal age, and clinical history. Therefore, it is very important that the referring veterinarian provides this information at the time of sample submission to help guide sample setup and interpretation of results. The next step is to select the appropriate bacterial test(s) if this option is available. Some laboratories offer a variety of bacterial cultures to help veterinarians make the selection at the time of sample submission.