FAQs

PigmentRx is designed for use on an electronic screen. Printers cannot reproduce the exact colors on this scale, so printed versions are NOT recommended for color matching.

The scale was developed using clear 5 mL snap cap tubes. Differences in tube diameter, plastic thickness, clarity, or shape may affect how the sample color appears. For the most consistent results, use clear 5 mL tubes comparable to those specified in the protocol. In a pinch, blood tubes or syringes could be used to get a general indication of the dilution but be aware that these results could be skewed.

PigmentRx was developed using Reload Pack DT 1x as the colored stock solution. The current scale has not been validated for interpreting Reload Pack color when mixed with medications or other products, so I would use PigmentRx as a water-system evaluation tool rather than assume the scale remains accurate in a medicated solution.

Yes. The current PigmentRx scale was developed specifically using Reload Pack® DT 1x at known dilutions. Other dyes or products should not be interpreted using this scale.

Mix stock solution at a rate of one Reload Pack® DT 1x to one gallon of water. The PigmentRx scale is based on this stock concentration. To estimate stock solution volume necessary for your goals, please utilize this calculator.

Water quality could potentially influence color. To make the scale more representative of field conditions, the reference dilutions were prepared using clean water collected from 13 different farms. If the untreated water has noticeable color, collect a baseline sample before adding Reload Pack. Interpret PigmentRx results cautiously if the source water itself could affect the observed color. 

That depends on what you're investigating. Sampling multiple drinkers throughout a barn can be particularly useful because it allows you to map differences in delivery and identify where troubleshooting should begin, rather than relying on a single sample. 

This also depends on what you’re investigating, and your testing situation. Barns with newly placed pigs will take hours to reach their final concentration, while older pigs can drink enough water to reach final concentration within an hour.

PigmentRx is a screening/troubleshooting tool, not a laboratory assay. If you are able to narrow your result down to two possible concentrations, then you still have gained valuable information about your water system. 

No. PigmentRx evaluates the concentration delivered at the drinker. Individual water consumption still determines how much product an individual pig ultimately receives.

No. It complements medicator calibration by evaluating delivery downstream at the drinker. 

No. PigmentRx is intended as a rapid, inexpensive field screening tool. Spectrophotometry provides quantitative measurement and was used to develop the PigmentRx reference colors. 

Yes. Samples can be capped and evaluated later if immediate comparison in the barn is not convenient. Degradation of dye in samples over time has not been observed unless contaminants (feed, dust) are present in the sample.

There is currently no known difference between interpretations on different types of devices. For the easiest interpretation and most accurate results, use the highest brightness setting on the device and work in a dimly lit area. Device features like “Night shift” or blue-light filters should be turned off when reading samplings.

PigmentRx itself is freely accessible. Your current estimated consumable costs are approximately $5 per Reload Pack and $0.34 per 5 mL tube, with no specialized analytical equipment required. 

PigmentRx tells you where to look, not necessarily what's wrong. First confirm that the stock solution was prepared correctly and the medicator is set and functioning as expected. Then use the location and pattern of abnormal samples to guide further investigation of the water system.

No. PigmentRx is intended to provide a standardized visual reference rather than relying on whether water simply appears “blue.” Visibly blue water could still be substantially different from the intended dilution.