Rapid Diagnostics Featured at the 18th WAVLD Conference

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the 18th World Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (WAVLD) in the beautiful Italian coastal town of Sorrento. With over 500 people in attendance the event delivered a packed agenda with 60 oral presentations, 4 keynote lectures, 228 poster presentations and an exhibition hall with 26 companies presenting their products and services. The event was also co-located with the 12th World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) seminar where one of the key topics for discussion was the use of rapid diagnostics in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Reducing the time to result with rapid diagnostics can really help guide decision making and enable appropriate administration of antimicrobials.

The value of rapid diagnostics

The value of rapid lateral flow diagnostics in the animal health industry was evident throughout the event with a number of presentations evaluating their use, posters describing their development, and exhibiting companies showcasing their pen-side testing solutions.

ELISA to lateral flow

It was interesting to speak with a number of companies to understand their plans for conversion of their existing ELISA assays into a lateral flow format, something which Abingdon Heath offers as part of its contract services. This clearly shows how companies are adapting to the changing diagnostic landscape and addressing the increasing demand for in-field diagnostic solutions.

It was a great event to be a part of and I look forward to continuing discussions with the various people I had the pleasure of meeting.