IDEXX Launches Dual-Species Point-of-Care Test for Cardiac Disease in Cats and Dogs
IDEXX Laboratories has introduced the Catalyst proBNP Test, a dual-species point-of-care test for cardiac disease in cats and dogs, aiming to close the diagnostic gap in general practice.
The Catalyst proBNP test is designed to bring lab-quality cardiac biomarker results into the exam room. According to IDEXX, heart disease affects a significant number of cats and dogs, but it is frequently under-assessed in general practice due to limited access to resources such as echocardiography or referral to a cardiologist.
Closing a Diagnostic Gap
Heart disease is a common condition in companion animals, with an estimated 1 in 6 cats and 1 in 10 dogs affected. However, the condition is often difficult to detect early, as clinical signs can be subtle or absent. Sonya Gordon, a professor of cardiology at Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, notes that NT-proBNP testing provides valuable insight into identifying patients with clinical or subclinical heart disease.
Test Features and Benefits
The Catalyst proBNP Test runs on the Catalyst platform, which delivers laboratory-level accuracy with immediate results. The test is intended to support several common in-clinic scenarios, including identifying subclinical heart disease in cats, informing preoperative risk assessment, and evaluating the likelihood of clinically relevant cardiac changes in healthy small- and medium-breed dogs presenting with a heart murmur. Results integrate into VetConnect PLUS, providing built-in interpretive guidance to help clinicians read the NT-proBNP value in context.
Integration into Clinical Workflow
The test can help differentiate cardiac from noncardiac causes of respiratory distress, shaping whether a patient needs cardiac workup, treatment, or referral versus management for a primary respiratory problem. IDEXX is positioning the test as an extension of an existing cardiac portfolio that already includes reference laboratory testing, electrocardiography, advanced imaging, and AI-assisted diagnostic tools. Gordon, who has received compensation for consulting services provided to IDEXX, emphasizes the importance of a quantitative NT-proBNP assay at the point of care, bringing objective cardiac biomarker information closer to the patient and enabling immediate integration with the physical examination, history, and other diagnostic findings.
The Catalyst proBNP Test is a significant development in the diagnosis and management of cardiac disease in cats and dogs, providing veterinarians with a valuable tool to identify patients with clinical or subclinical heart disease and support preanesthetic screening and additional cardiac evaluation as needed.
