FeLV Antigen (Rapid Test)
The FeLV antigen rapid test checks a cat's blood for feline leukaemia virus. It can help detect infection, but a positive in a low-risk cat is usually confirmed with another test, and a recently infected cat can still test negative.
- Sample
- Serum or blood
- Quantity
- As advised
- Report
- Confirmed when you book
- Collection
- Free in Bhopal
What this test checks
- Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) antigen, a protein from the virus itself, in serum or blood
- Whether the virus was detected or not detected in the sample
- Current FeLV infection, including in cats that still look healthy
Benefits of this test
- Can help detect FeLV in sick cats with anaemia, repeated infections or weight loss.
- Helps check a new cat or kitten before it meets other cats at home.
- Not affected by FeLV vaccination, because it looks for the virus, not antibodies.
- Uses only a small blood or serum sample.
- Helps your vet decide on care, repeat tests or confirmation with another test.
Often discussed at these ages:Kitten
When your vet may advise it
- A cat with anaemia, pale gums, weight loss, fever or infections that keep coming back.
- Before a new cat or kitten joins other cats in the home.
- After a fight or bite from a cat of unknown FeLV status, at the time your vet advises.
- Before FeLV vaccination, if your vet suggests it.
- A cat that lives with an FeLV-positive cat.
- To recheck a positive or unclear result, as your vet advises.
About this test
Feline leukaemia virus, or FeLV, is a virus that affects cats. It spreads mainly through saliva, so close contact such as grooming each other, sharing food bowls and bites can pass it on, and a mother cat can pass it to her kittens. FeLV weakens the immune system, the body's defence against germs, and can lead to anaemia (a low red blood cell count), repeated infections, weight loss and some cancers. Some cats fight the virus off, while others stay infected for life, and an infected cat can look healthy for a long time.
This rapid kit looks for FeLV antigen in serum or blood. An antigen is a part of the germ itself; here it is a protein from the virus, so the test shows whether the virus is present in the blood. A few drops of the sample are placed on the test device, and a coloured line or spot shows the result. Vets commonly use it for sick cats, for new cats or kittens before they meet other cats, and before a cat is vaccinated against FeLV. Vaccination does not cause a positive result on this antigen test.
No rapid test is perfect. A cat infected recently may test negative because the virus has not yet reached levels the kit can find, so your vet may repeat the test later. A positive result in a cat with low risk, such as a healthy indoor cat, is usually confirmed with another test, for example a repeat test or FeLV PCR, because false positives can happen. Some cats clear the virus, so results can change over time. The lab also lists a combined FIV and FeLV kit. A registered veterinarian reads the result with the cat's signs, history and other tests.
How to prepare
No special preparation is usually needed; a small blood sample is taken, and it helps to tell the vet about the cat's outdoor access, contact with other cats and any past FeLV tests or vaccines. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.
Reading the result
A registered veterinarian reads the result with the cat's signs, history and risk. A positive result, especially in a low-risk cat, is usually confirmed with another test before any decision. A negative result makes current infection less likely but does not rule out a very recent infection, so your vet may repeat the test later.
Questions about FeLV Antigen (Rapid Test)
What does a FeLV test show in cats?
Can a cat test negative for FeLV and still be infected?
Can people catch FeLV from cats?
Is FeLV testing available in Bhopal?
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.
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18 Oct 2026