Critical Evaluation of Novel Assays in Veterinary Medicine: Principles and Practice

Presentation Description / Summary:

Description:
Emerging laboratory assays—including omics technologies, targeted mass spectrometry, and novel biomarker panels—are increasingly used in veterinary internal medicine research. Clinicians and trainees face the challenge of interpreting complex assay data and understanding which results are reliable and relevant to patient care. This session offers a framework for critically assessing new laboratory methods featured in the literature, with emphasis on recognizing essential validation elements that support trustworthy research findings.

Participants will gain insight into the differences between targeted and untargeted assay approaches, using practical examples drawn from current studies. Key concepts such as species and matrix specificity, detection limits, interference testing, and reproducibility will be explained from a clinical perspective, illustrating why these impact the interpretation and applicability of study results.

Through interactive case-based activities and discussion, attendees will strengthen their ability to appraise assay data and ask informed questions when collaborating with laboratory scientists or reviewing research publications. Attendees will leave equipped with practical checklists and decision tools to enhance collaboration between clinical and laboratory teams and to advance the quality and reliability of veterinary internal medicine research.

Session outline:
1. Introduction to emerging laboratory assays
2. Targeted vs. untargeted assays, omics methods: definitions, applications, and limitations
3. Key validation concepts: species and matrix specificity, detection limits, reproducibility, stability, fit-for-purpose validation
4. Practical strategies for interpreting assay data
5. Interactive case-based application of evaluation skills
6. Summary and take-home tools and checklists