What is an IFA test for cats?

IFA tests detect the presence of virus particles within white blood cells, usually an indication of a more advanced infection. The majority of cats that test positive by IFA remain infected for life.

Is an IFA test accurate?

Using Evan’s blue, we estimated the specificity of the IFA test on a parasite-free, field horse population to be 98% (95% confidence interval=97, 99). We observed an excellent test agreement (kappa=0.83) between two collaborating laboratories when the IFA test was performed on identical samples from an endemic area.

What is FeLV FIV test?

The WITNESS Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Antigen and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Antibody Test Kit is an easy-to-use test for the detection of FeLV antigen and FIV antibodies in feline whole blood, serum or plasma, at the point of care.

Can IFA test be false positive?

The ELISA SNAP test is a good screening test, but a positive result should always be confirmed by another type of test (like IFA), as false positives can occur.

Is FIV FeLV test necessary?

So, for those who don’t know, FeLV and FIV testing is feline leukemia and feline AIDS for cats, feline immunodeficiency virus. And, it’s an essential test for not only all kittens, but any adults that have any exposure to outside cats, or even go outdoors.

How accurate is FIV test for cats?

Published studies have shown that the SNAP test is highly sensitive and specific for the detection of antibodies against FIV in infected cats. Levy et al. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;225:1558-1561) reported sensitivity of 98- 100%. Negative FIV antibody results are highly reliable for the detection of uninfected cats.

Can FIV tests be wrong?

Kittens under four months of age that test positive should be re-tested when they are six months old, by which time any maternal antibodies will have disappeared. It can take up to eight weeks for a cat to develop antibodies to FIV, so a cat that has been recently infected with this virus may falsely test negative.

Can a cat test positive for FIV and then be negative?

It can take 30 days or more after initial exposure for infected cats to test positive for FeLV and up to 60 days for cats infected with FIV. Cats can also test positive for FeLV at first but end up fighting off the virus, which means they become FeLV-free and will test negative later.

What is IFA disease?

As the clinical diagnosis of rheumatic autoimmune diseases is difficult, laboratory tests are helpful in differential diagnosis and for verification of the clinical diagnosis. The most commonly used assay is the determination of ANAs (anti nuclear antibodies) by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA).

What does it mean if my ANA IFA is positive?

In most cases, a positive ANA test indicates that your immune system has launched a misdirected attack on your own tissue — in other words, an autoimmune reaction. But some people have positive ANA tests even when they’re healthy.