Draminski Pregnancy Detector User Manual

• Introduction
• Description
• Test Settings
• Operation
• Interpretation of Results
• Care & Cleaning
• Battery Replacement

Introduction

This is a fully portable, cost effective, ultrasonic instrument which identifies whether or not a bitch is pregnant with maximum accuracy. The detector determines pregnancy by locating amniotic fluid in the uterus.

The Draminski Ultrasonic Pregnancy Detector (DPD) is ideally suited to pregnancy determination for individual breeders, large breeding & show kennels, veterinary surgeries and commercial organizations alike. It is designed to be easy to use, maintain and provide rapid results with maximum accuracy.

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Description

The testing procedure consists of simply pressing the ultrasonic probe against the skin. The ultrasonic probe (sensor) held against the skin of the bitch, emits ultrasonic sound waves which are reflected by the amniotic fluid in the uterus of the pregnant bitch and return to the probe. The reflected sound is then measured and analysed by the instrument.

When an airless contact is made between the head of the probe and the skin, the instrument signals this with the light-emitting diode (LED) pulsing and a high-frequency acoustic (sound) signalling regularly once a second.

When pregnancy is detected however, the instrument signals this with a rapid pulsing of the LED and a corresponding rapid high-frequency acoustic (sound) signal.

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Test Settings

Setting the potentiometer (gain control) correctly is a very important step, which influences the validity of the results obtained.

Bitches vary in regard to weight and size for different breeds and therefore, the gain must be set to the particular position relevant to the size of the bitch that is being tested.

With usage, familiarity and experience, the gain control can be adjusted to suit the particular bitch, both in terms of breed type and actual size, so that an optimum setting is achieved to produce accurate results.

Examples

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Operation

Before testing, ensure you know the date of mating, insemination, or the date of ovulation.

The best time to test the bitch is when she has an empty stomach and an empty bladder. A full stomach and/or bladder may cause false pregnancy results, by reflecting the ultrasound waves. It is best to confirm the results by testing on 3 occasions.

Testing can be performed from 3 weeks after mating. However the optimal time for accurate diagnosis is between days 25 & 28, because of the enlargement of the uterus at this time and its movement slightly downward, closer to the peritoneum. Testing prior to day 25 is possible, but accuracy decreases due to insufficient amniotic fluid being present to reflect the ultrasonic waves. Testing after the optimal period is also possible, but accuracy will decrease as the pups grow to fill the uterine horns.

Immerse the head of the probe in the gel, oil or other suitable contact medium (excellent results have been obtained by using normal household cooking oil) and then hold the probe against the skin of the bitch at the position shown on Diagram 1, below. Move the probe in a sliding motion until you achieve a good airless contact, indicated by a steady flashing green pulse of light from the diode and acoustic signal 'beeping' at the same frequency. (Approximately once per second). Note: Long haired breeds may need their belly hair trimmed in order to achieve the desired airless contact.

Diagram 1 - Correct Placement of the DPD Probe

As shown on Diagram 1 above, when placing the probe against the skin, you must direct the ultrasound waves towards the horns of the uterus. Test for pregnancy on both the left and right hand sides and commence scanning by moving the probe head around the general area, keeping the probe pressed against the skin so as not to lose the airless contact.

When good contact is achieved, proceed with the scanning. As soon as the ultrasonic waves locate the amniotic fluid in the uterus and are reflected back, the green diode and acoustic signal will change to rapid pulsing at 4 to 5 per second to indicate pregnancy.

It is imperative that the probe is placed and directed, as shown in Diagram 1 above, pointing towards the front of the bitch at an approximate angle of 45 degrees.

If the probe is directed vertically a false reading of pregnancy could be obtained by reflection of the ultrasonic waves eminating from the urine in the bladder as shown in Diagram 2, below.

Diagram 2 - Incorrect Placement of the DPD Probe

If no pregnancy signal is achieved, (ie: the frequency of the flashing diode and the acoustic signal remains at once per second) move the probe by sliding against the skin surface while still maintaining good contact (confirmed by the continuance of the light pulse and sound at once per second) around the general area, initially moving slightly to the rear of the bitch and then moving forward always keeping at a 45 degree angle.

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Interpretation of Results

The tests can be done from 3 weeks until approximately 40 days after mating or insemination.

The most accurate results are achieved between days 25 and 28.

If a test is carried out early, we advise that the test is conducted again between the optimum test period of 25 to 28 days.

Normal scanning time is roughly 15 to 20 seconds, but with practice, accurate test results can be achieved in a few seconds.

Although very high rates of acurate pregnancy is possible with practice, natural and physiological factors including re-absorbtion of the fetus after a positive scanning result can prevent 100% accuracy being achieved.

This unit has been designed and calibrated for pregnancy detection on dogs and is not suitable for use on humans!

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Care & Cleaning

Do not wet the detector, immerse it in water or expose to excessive moisture, as the instrument body is not designed to be totally waterproof.

Clean the instrument body, probe and cable with a damp cloth or preferably a 'wet-wipe' and dry thoroughly before use or storage.

Store the detector in its carrying case in a clean and dry place when not in use.

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Battery Replacement

Low battery power is indicated by the red LED and a new battery is required when this appears. It is recommended that a high performance alkaline battery is used for this instrument or alternatively a good quality rechargeable battery.

1. Unscrew both screws, which fix the battery cover plate on the rear of the unit
2. Remove battery from its compartment and release from terminals.
3. Replace battery, fix clasps to correct terminals and replace in battery compartment.
4. Replace battery cover plate, and replace two fixing screws.

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