RT-PCR / Molecular Tests Dog Cat

Dirofilaria immitis (Heartworm) RT-PCR

Heartworm RT-PCR looks for the DNA of Dirofilaria immitis, the worm that lives in the heart and lung blood vessels, in a blood sample. It can help your vet confirm heartworm and tell its baby worms apart from other worms.

Sample: Whole blood (EDTA)
Quantity: As advised
Report: Confirmed when you book
Collection: Free in Bhopal

What this test checks

Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) DNA in a whole blood sample
Whether microfilariae seen on a blood smear belong to heartworm or to another worm
Extra information when a heartworm antigen result is unclear or unexpected

When your vet may advise it

A dog that coughs, tires quickly on walks or has breathing trouble
A cat with coughing, fast breathing or repeated vomiting when your vet suspects heartworm
Microfilariae are seen on a blood smear and the type of worm needs to be confirmed
A heartworm antigen test result that your vet wants to check

About this test

Heartworms are long worms spread by mosquito bites. Adult worms live in the heart and the large blood vessels of the lungs. Females release tiny baby worms called microfilariae into the blood. PCR copies a small piece of worm DNA so the lab can detect heartworm and tell its microfilariae apart from other worm larvae that look alike under a microscope. Vets often use it with an antigen test, which looks for adult worm proteins. Some dogs and many infected cats have few or no microfilariae, so a negative result does not rule heartworm out. A registered veterinarian interprets the result together with the animal's signs, history and other tests.

How to prepare

Blood is taken into an EDTA tube, the purple-top tube that stops clotting. Tell the vet about any recent worm medicine. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.

Questions about Dirofilaria immitis (Heartworm) RT-PCR

Can heartworm PCR be used for cats?

Yes, it can be used for cats, but a negative result means less in a cat. Cats usually carry only a few worms and often have no microfilariae in the blood, so your vet may combine PCR with antibody or antigen tests, a chest X-ray or a heart scan.

Why would my vet ask for heartworm PCR if a blood smear already shows worms?

Because several kinds of worm larvae look very similar under a microscope. PCR can show whether the microfilariae are Dirofilaria immitis, the heartworm, or a different worm, which helps your vet decide on the next steps.

Before you book this test

Why this notice: so you know, before you book, how a test is done, what its limits are and who is responsible.

Where it is tested. Some tests are done wholly or partly by an independent partner laboratory. The lab tells you before booking if this test is sent out, and the report names the laboratory that did it.
What a result can and cannot tell you. No test is right every time. A normal result does not rule out every disease, and an abnormal result does not prove one. A registered veterinarian should read the report with the animal’s signs and history before any treatment is started, changed or stopped.
The sample. A sample that is clotted, too small, wrongly labelled, leaking or too old may be rejected or reported with a note, and the lab may ask for a fresh one.
Reporting time. Confirmed when you book. Times are estimates, not guarantees, and the lab confirms the time when you book.
Emergencies. A booking or a pending report must not delay urgent care. If an animal has collapsed, struggles to breathe, has fits or bleeds heavily, call a veterinarian at once.

Please read our Terms of Service, Medical Disclaimer, Privacy Policy and Refund and Cancellation Policy. Pashupatinath Vet Lab is operated by Duaji Healthcare and Tech Private Limited. This page is general information and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice.

RT-PCR / Molecular Tests Popular

Tick Fever Panel RT-PCR (3 Strain: B. gibsoni, B. canis & E. canis)

This RT-PCR panel checks a dog's blood for the DNA of three tick-borne germs, Babesia gibsoni, Babesia canis and Ehrlichia canis, to help show which tick fever is making the dog ill.

Whole blood · Popular

Sample: Whole blood (3 mL)
Report time: Confirmed when you book

₹2,200

RT-PCR / Molecular Tests

Tick Fever Panel RT-PCR (4 Strain: B. gibsoni, B. canis, E. canis & Anaplasma spp.)

This RT-PCR panel checks a dog's blood for the DNA of four tick-borne germs, Babesia gibsoni, Babesia canis, Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma, to help show which tick fever, or which mix, is making the dog ill.

Whole blood

Sample: Whole blood (3 mL)
Report time: Confirmed when you book

₹2,500

RT-PCR / Molecular Tests

Babesia Gibsoni RT-PCR

Babesia gibsoni RT-PCR checks a dog's blood for the DNA of this small tick-borne parasite of red blood cells, to help show if it is the cause of the dog's illness.

Whole blood

Sample: Whole blood (3 mL)
Report time: Confirmed when you book

₹2,000

RT-PCR / Molecular Tests

Babesia Canis RT-PCR

Babesia canis RT-PCR checks a dog's blood for the DNA of this tick-borne parasite of red blood cells, to help show if it is behind the dog's fever, anaemia or dark urine.

Whole blood

Sample: Whole blood (3 mL)
Report time: Confirmed when you book

₹2,000

RT-PCR / Molecular Tests

Ehrlichia Canis RT-PCR

Ehrlichia Canis RT-PCR is a blood test that finds the genetic material (DNA) of Ehrlichia canis, a tick-fever germ, in a dog. It can help show a current infection, even before antibody tests turn positive.

Whole blood

Sample: Whole blood (3 mL)
Report time: Confirmed when you book

₹2,000

RT-PCR / Molecular Tests

Canine Parvo RT-PCR

Canine Parvo RT-PCR is a lab test that finds the genetic material (DNA) of canine parvovirus in a dog's blood or stool. It can help detect parvo when a rapid stool kit is negative or unclear.

Whole blood / stool

Sample: Whole blood / stool (3 mL)
Report time: Confirmed when you book

₹2,000

More RT-PCR tests

All RT-PCR tests Dog RT-PCR tests Cat RT-PCR tests