For information or to order:
Call IDEXX Technical Services, 1-800-321-0207.
Troubleshooting SNAP Test Results
IDEXX SNAP tests are very reliable. However, if you have problems with a SNAP test, read the information below for help, and then rerun the test.
No Color or Poor Color Development
- Test may not have been prespotted.
- Pellet in tube may have been stuck at the top and discarded inadvertently.
- Heater may not have been at the correct temperature, 45°C ±5°C. (Does not apply to ST products.)
- Sample may not have been incubated for the full incubation time. (Does not apply to ST products.)
- SNAP device may not have remained on the heater for the full color development time. (Does not apply to ST products.)
- SNAP device may have been presnapped or not completely snapped.
Rerun the test.
High Background Color
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Heater temperature may have been above 50°C. (Does not apply to ST products.)
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Sample may have been spilled onto the results window when it was poured into the sample well.
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SNAP device may have been activated (snapped) late.
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SNAP device may not have been fully activated (fully snapped).
Rerun the test.
Poor Spot Quality or Streaking
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Abnormal-looking milk may have been used, or the sample may have been too thick to flow.
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SNAP device may have been activated too early or too late.
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Air temperature may have been too hot or too cold; please refer to product insert for specific requirements.
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Heater may not have been at the correct temperature, 45°C ±5°C. (Does not apply to ST products.)
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Pellet in sample tube may have been hydrated; this is often caused by removing the tube from the foil pack too soon. Do not remove test materials from the foil pack until you are ready to run test.
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SNAP device may not have been fully activated (snapped).
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SNAP device may not have remained on the heater for the full color-development time. for appropriate color development time. (Does not apply to ST products.)
Rerun the test.
Discrepant Results—Visual vs. SNAPshot® DSR Reader
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The test may not have been prespotted, or there may have been other quality problems with the SNAP test spots.
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The background color may not have been clear. This is known as "high background" or "high blue" (see “High Background Color” section, above).
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SNAP device may not have remained on the heater for the full color development time. for appropriate color development time. (Does not apply to ST products.)
Rerun the test.
False-Positive Results
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Heater temperature may have been above 50°C. (Does not apply to ST products.)
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Sample may have been overincubated. Refer to package insert for correct incubation time. (Does not apply to ST products.)
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SNAP device may have been activated (snapped) too late.
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SNAP device may have been read before the full color development time.
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Sample may have been poor; sample must be well-agitated.
Rerun the test.
False-Negative Results
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Heater temperature may have been below 40°C. (Does not apply to ST products.)
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Sample may have been underincubated, or the incubation step may have been skipped completely. (Does not apply to ST products.)
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Sample may have been poor; sample must be well-agitated.
Rerun the test.