FeLV RT-PCR (Proviral DNA / RNA)
FeLV RT-PCR is a blood test for cats that looks for the genetic material of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), including virus DNA that has become part of the cat's own cells. Vets use it when antigen test results are unclear or infection may be at an early stage.
- Sample
- Whole blood (EDTA)
- Quantity
- As advised
- Report
- Confirmed when you book
- Collection
- Free in Bhopal
What this test checks
- FeLV proviral DNA - virus DNA that has become part of the cat's own blood cells
- FeLV RNA - the virus's own genetic material, where the test includes it
- Early infection, or hidden (regressive) infection where the cat controls the virus but still carries it
Benefits of this test
- Looks for the virus's genetic material, not just a virus protein.
- Can help clear up unclear or mixed FeLV rapid test results.
- Can pick up infection in the early stage, when antigen tests may still be negative.
- Can find cats that still carry the virus in their cells after controlling it.
- Useful for checking cats before they give blood, if your vet advises it.
When your vet may advise it
- An FeLV rapid test result that is unclear, weak or does not match the cat's signs.
- A cat that has recently lived with, or fought with, an FeLV-positive cat.
- A cat with anaemia, repeated infections or lymphoma when antigen tests are negative.
- Before a cat donates blood.
- A new cat joining a home with other cats, if your vet advises PCR as well as screening.
About this test
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a virus of cats that can weaken the immune system, the body's defence against germs. Infected cats may develop anaemia (too few red blood cells), repeated infections or cancers such as lymphoma. FeLV spreads between cats mainly through saliva during close contact, such as grooming and sharing bowls, and from a mother cat to her kittens.
FeLV screening is usually done with an antigen test, such as a rapid kit, which looks for a virus protein in the blood. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) works differently. It looks for the virus's genetic material, including proviral DNA, which is virus DNA that has become part of the cat's own cells. This can help when antigen results are unclear or do not match the cat's signs, and in the early stage of infection. Some cats control the virus so that antigen tests turn negative, yet the provirus stays in their cells and can become active later. PCR can help your vet find these cats.
A registered veterinarian reads the PCR result together with antigen test results, the cat's signs and history. Vets may also use FeLV PCR to check cats before they give blood. FeLV is a cat virus and is not known to infect people or dogs. In Bhopal, sample collection is free, and from other districts your vet can send the blood sample by courier or bus parcel after calling the lab.
How to prepare
A small blood sample is taken into an EDTA tube; fasting is not usually needed, but bring any earlier FeLV test results and tell your vet when your cat may have been exposed. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.
Reading the result
A registered veterinarian reads the PCR result together with antigen tests, the cat's signs, history and possible exposure. PCR and antigen tests can disagree, for example when a cat has controlled the virus but still carries it in its cells. A negative PCR soon after exposure does not always rule infection out, so your vet may advise repeat testing.
Questions about FeLV RT-PCR (Proviral DNA / RNA)
Why does my vet want FeLV PCR when a rapid test was already done?
What does a positive FeLV PCR with a negative antigen test mean?
Can FeLV spread to people or dogs?
Can a kitten be tested for FeLV by PCR?
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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More RT-PCR tests
FeLV RT-PCR (Proviral DNA / RNA): Bhopal and the big cities of Madhya Pradesh
Free sample collection anywhere in Bhopal. From the other cities, send the sample by courier, bus parcel or through your local veterinarian, and the report comes to you online.
Free collection in these Bhopal areas
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FIV and FeLV Testing for Kittens and Newly Adopted Cats
A kitten or a newly adopted cat can be tested for FIV and FeLV with a small blood sample and a rapid kit. A very young kitten or a recent infection can mislead a kit, so a repeat test or RT-PCR may follow.
18 Oct 2026