Stewards to use hand held TCO2 detection device over carnival

Perth Turf Talk | Metropolitan Racing | Mon 19 November, 2012

RWWA Stewards and Industry Veterinarian wish to advise that they have acquired a portable TCO2 analyser which will be used at racemeetings in both harness and thoroughbreds effective forthwith. The focus of its initial use will be during the upcoming feature races in both codes, however it will also be deployed in provincial and country areas from time to time. Routine packaged samples for TCO2 analysis will continue to be collected at all race meetings and any use of the i-STAT will not replace this routine process.

The acquisition of the device (Pictured above), known as an i-STAT, follows a trial period where its use has proven to be a worthwhile tool in assisting Stewards in selection of horses for routine screening. This device is being used or trialled in some other jurisdictions on Australia. The device is not a blood-gas analyser and provides a direct measurement of TCO2 from a very small quantity of blood. The results obtained during the trial period correlate very well with the official results provided by the WA ChemCentre.

The device works on a cartridge based system, where a minimal amount of blood is required (approx 0.1ml) for the analysis of TCO2. The blood is placed into the one-use only cartridge with results available within minutes. As this is not the ‘official test’ only one vial of labelled but unpackaged blood is required, with any official tests to be taken after the initial screen in accordance with existing standard operating procedures. This will save time for both trainers and swabbing staff, be less invasive to the horse, as well as enabling more horses to be pre-screened. By pre-screening a greater number of horses, Stewards can then identify those most suitable for full packaged samples to be taken which are analysed by the WA ChemCentre on the Approved Instrument as defined within the Rules of racing.
The results obtained through the i-STAT do not have any evidentiary weight and cannot be used in relation to supporting possible charges under the rules. For this reason the use of this device will not replace the existing testing regimes, but is an added enhancement to ensure the most benefit is derived from the samples taken for the purpose of TCO2 analysis. It will also assist Stewards in identifying which horses should be made subject to post-race TCO2 testing.

The results of any i-STAT test will not be made known to the trainer, in keeping with current Stewards policy, and horses will not be withdrawn from races as a result of any reported results, as such results do not hold evidentiary value under the rules. Trainers should be aware that it will be routine practice for horses to have a packaged sample collected following an initial screen with the i-STAT regardless of the reading.
Any persons with queries with regard to the device or or its intended use are encouraged to contact the RWWA Industry Veterinarian on 94455333.
 

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