- IDEXX will integrate SDMA into common Catalyst™ chemistry profiles beginning in June.
- The rollout will initially launch in the United States and Canada.
- SDMA is recognized by IRIS as an important biomarker for kidney function assessment.
- IDEXX says earlier kidney disease detection may improve long-term outcomes in dogs and cats.
- Approximately 119 million IDEXX SDMA™ tests have been performed globally since 2015.
IDEXX Laboratories announced that SDMA testing will be integrated directly into its most commonly used Catalyst™ chemistry profiles, expanding routine access to kidney function assessment in veterinary practices across the United States and Canada beginning in June.
The company said embedding SDMA into standard point-of-care chemistry testing workflows is intended to help veterinarians identify declining kidney function earlier without requiring additional testing steps or workflow changes. Results will continue to integrate into VetConnect™ PLUS alongside other diagnostic data.
Earlier Insight Into Chronic Kidney Disease
SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine) is recognized by the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) as a key biomarker for evaluating kidney function in pets. According to IDEXX, chronic kidney disease remains common in both dogs and cats and is frequently underdiagnosed during earlier disease stages.
Since launching the IDEXX SDMA™ Test in 2015, the company reported performing approximately 119 million SDMA patient tests globally through its reference laboratories and Catalyst platform.
“SDMA is a clear example of how IDEXX innovates by developing clinically relevant diagnostics and then scaling their impact through platforms veterinarians already use every day,” said Mike Erickson, president and CEO of IDEXX, in the announcement. “Earlier insight enables earlier action, improving outcomes for pets, strengthening care experiences, and supporting durable, long-term growth for veterinary practices and IDEXX.”
Supporting Earlier Intervention
IDEXX cited multiple peer-reviewed studies demonstrating that SDMA can identify meaningful declines in kidney function earlier than conventional renal markers alone. The company also referenced recent research published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association indicating that cats with early-stage chronic kidney disease placed on therapeutic renal diets experienced slower disease progression and improved survival outcomes.
“Kidney disease is common in both cats and dogs, so early evaluation is important,” said Dr. Christine Kirnos, VMD, of The Cat Hospital of Media, in the release. “Making SDMA easier to incorporate into routine in-clinic chemistry testing helps us assess kidney health more consistently and provides meaningful insight during the patient visit.”
The company said the expanded SDMA integration is part of its broader effort to improve clinical decision-making and support earlier intervention in chronic disease management.
Information sourced from the IDEXX Laboratories press release.
