Accurate PCR detection of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) from whole blood.
Designed to identify active infection and support early diagnosis, clinical management, and screening of at-risk cats.
Unlike screening tests that detect antibodies or viral antigen, PCR identifies viral nucleic acid, providing direct evidence of infection. Molecular testing can be especially valuable when screening results are inconclusive, when early infection is suspected, or when additional confirmation is clinically indicated.
FIV and FeLV are among the most significant infectious diseases affecting domestic cats worldwide. Both viruses weaken the immune system and predispose cats to chronic infections, hematologic disorders, inflammatory disease, and certain types of cancer.
Early identification allows veterinarians to:
FeLV is a contagious retrovirus transmitted primarily through saliva, close contact, grooming, bite wounds, shared food bowls, and from queen to kittens.
Clinical manifestations may include:
FIV primarily spreads through bite wounds and is more commonly diagnosed in outdoor or free-roaming adult cats.
Many infected cats remain clinically normal for years before developing signs associated with immune dysfunction.
Possible clinical signs include:
Real-time PCR detects viral genetic material rather than relying on the host immune response.
Advantages include:
✓ Direct detection of viral DNA/RNA
✓ High analytical sensitivity
✓ High analytical specificity
✓ Supports confirmation of screening test results
✓ Useful when clinical signs and rapid test results do not agree
✓ Valuable in diagnostically challenging cases
The FIV/FeLV PCR Panel is recommended for:
PCR and routine screening assays evaluate different aspects of infection.
Routine screening tests typically detect:
PCR detects:
Because these methods measure different biological targets, PCR is often used as a complementary diagnostic tool when confirmation or further investigation is required.
The HealthGene FIV/FeLV PCR Panel provides veterinarians with:
PCR should be considered a complementary diagnostic tool. Screening assays remain valuable for routine wellness testing, while PCR provides additional molecular information that may assist in confirming or further investigating infection.
PCR may be considered when:
Testing is recommended for:
Veterinarians investigating infectious disease may also consider:
