# A Precision Assessment of a Point-of-Care Immunological Analyzer for Swift Progesterone Measurement and Guidance for Determining the Optimal Breeding Time in Bitches

## TL;DR

This study evaluates a portable device for measuring progesterone in dogs to help determine the best time for breeding.

## Contribution

The study validates a point-of-care immunological analyzer as a reliable alternative to traditional lab methods for progesterone testing in bitches.

## Key findings

- The point-of-care analyzer showed no significant difference in progesterone measurements compared to chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.
- The Pearson’s correlation coefficient was 0.957, indicating strong agreement between the two methods.
- The device can be used to establish standardized guidelines for optimal breeding time in bitches.

## Abstract

This study seeks to address the critical role of understanding serum progesterone concentration in determining the optimal mating time. The primary objective of this research is to conduct a comparative analysis of serum progesterone results obtained from a commercial point-of-care immunological analyzer for progesterone measurement when compared to the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. The overarching goal is to evaluate the accuracy of these analyzers and subsequently establish standardized guidelines for optimal breeding time in bitches. The utilization of point-of-care immunological analyzer for progesterone measurement emerges as a valuable clinical tool in the precise determination of the optimal timing for mating or artificial insemination in bitches. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of this advanced technology within the veterinary community and among breeders is expected to enhance the precision of breeding decisions, ultimately leading to significant improvements in the overall dog breeding process.

The measurement of serum progesterone often varies due to different laboratory methodologies and individual canine characteristics. In this investigation, serum progesterone outcomes obtained from a commercial point-of-care immunological analyzer, designed for efficient serum progesterone assessment in bitches, were compared with results derived from chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay from reference laboratories in Thailand. Our thorough documentation encompassed various parameters: mean, standard deviation, 95% confidence interval, and minimum and maximum serum progesterone concentration values. Additionally, we meticulously recorded the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient, and the bias correction factor. Interestingly, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the means obtained by the point-of-care immunological analyzer and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the point-of-care immunological analyzer and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay stood at 0.957, with Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient for point-of-care immunological analyzer recorded as 0.949. Furthermore, the bias correction factor was established at 0.991. This investigation followed established chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay guidelines, modified to incorporate the mean and 95% confidence interval as criteria for optimal breeding time using the point-of-care immunological analyzer. In conclusion, the commercial point-of-care immunological analyzer emerges as a valuable tool, aiding in precisely determining the optimal timing for natural mating or artificial insemination in bitches.