Canine Vaccinal Antibody Remains Stable for 4 Weeks at Simulated Shipping Temperatures

To establish evidence-based shipping requirements for sera submitted to reference laboratories for vaccinal antibody testing, the stability of canine antibody was determined over four weeks at temperatures simulating ground transport conditions. Known positive canine serum samples (n = 22) were tested to determine quantitative antibody titers using two gold-standard serologic assays. Antibody titer against canine parvovirus (CPV-2) via hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay and against canine adenovirus (CAV-1) via serum virus neutralization (SVN) assay. Samples were aliquoted and held at static temperatures: in a refrigerator (6°C), at room temperature (25°C), and in an incubator (36°C) Samples were randomized and repeat tested at weeks 2, 3, and 4. Statistical equivalence was determined using paired two one-sided t-test (TOST), with zone of indifference of ± 1 dilution. For both antibody assays, experimental groups demonstrated statistical equivalence to refrigerated controls through week 4 (p < 0.05 for all comparisons.) These results demonstrate that canine vaccinal antibodies remain stable for four weeks at continuous elevated temperatures that might be encountered during ground shipment. This finding supports the implementation of less restrictive shipping requirements for canine vaccinal antibody testing, potentially reducing costs for veterinary practitioners and pet owners, and ultimately allowing greater access to important diagnostic testing.