December 2020

Screen vs. Endpoint: What is the Difference?

By Dr. Sasha Thomason

The Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory offers a variety of serology test options. We offer both screens and end points, depending upon which test is selected. The test name will indicate which type of test it is.

If a serology test name indicates it is a screen, it will report whether the sample is negative or positive at the lowest dilution. A screen will not give you the patient’s actual titer (the highest dilution that gives a positive reaction).

The report will look like one of the examples below. For the first test, the patient is negative at the lowest dilution (1:40). For the second test, the patient is positive at the lowest dilution (1:64).

If you order a screen test that results as positive, you can call or email our Client Care team to request an endpoint for most tests. The Tests and Fees page of our website will tell you whether an endpoint is available for any screen test.

If a serology test name indicates it is an end point, it will report the patient’s actual titer (the highest dilution that gives a positive reaction). In the example below, a screen was initially requested. The patient resulted positive at the lowest dilution (1:50 for this test). The client then requested an end point:

If you have any questions or need help deciding which test to choose, I am always available to help! Call 785-532-5650 or email clientcare@vet.k-state.edu for assistance.

Sasha Thomason, DVM is the Section Head for Accessioning at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Next: New Test Offerings
Return to Index