FIV RT-PCR (Proviral DNA)
FIV RT-PCR is a blood test for cats that looks for the DNA of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) inside the cat's own blood cells. It is especially useful in kittens, whose antibody tests can be falsely positive because of antibodies passed on by their mother.
- Sample
- Whole blood (EDTA)
- Quantity
- As advised
- Report
- Confirmed when you book
- Collection
- Free in Bhopal
What this test checks
- FIV proviral DNA - virus DNA that has become part of the cat's own blood cells
- True FIV infection in kittens, separate from antibodies passed on by the mother
- Infection when antibody test results are unclear or do not match the cat's signs
Benefits of this test
- Looks for the virus itself, not the cat's antibodies.
- Helps sort out a positive antibody test in a young kitten.
- Can help when rapid test results are unclear or disagree.
- Helps your vet plan care and advise on contact with other cats.
- Can be part of checks before a cat gives blood, if your vet advises it.
When your vet may advise it
- A kitten that tests positive on an FIV antibody test.
- An FIV rapid test result that is unclear or does not match the cat's signs.
- A cat with gum disease, weight loss or repeated infections without a clear cause.
- A cat that was bitten in a fight with a cat of unknown FIV status.
- Before adopting a cat into a home with other cats, if your vet advises it.
About this test
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a cat virus that slowly weakens the immune system, the body's defence against germs. It is sometimes called cat AIDS. It spreads between cats mainly through deep bite wounds, so cats that roam and fight are more at risk. Many infected cats stay well for a long time, while others develop gum problems, weight loss or infections that keep coming back.
FIV is usually screened with an antibody test, such as a rapid kit, which looks for the cat's response to the virus. Kittens can get antibodies from their mother through her milk, so a kitten may test positive on an antibody test without being infected. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) looks for proviral DNA, which is virus DNA that has become part of the cat's own cells. Because it looks for the virus itself rather than antibodies, it can help your vet tell a true infection from a mother's antibodies.
A registered veterinarian reads the result with the cat's age, signs, history and any antibody test. FIV comes in several types and virus levels can be low, so a negative PCR does not always rule infection out, and your vet may advise testing again later. FIV 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, and it helps to share the kitten's age, any earlier FIV results and whether the mother cat was tested. 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 age, signs, history and any antibody test. A positive PCR shows FIV DNA was found. A negative result does not always rule infection out, especially soon after a bite or when virus levels are low, so your vet may advise testing again later.
Questions about FIV RT-PCR (Proviral DNA)
Why can a kitten test FIV positive on a rapid test but not be infected?
Can FIV spread to people or dogs?
Is FIV the same as FeLV?
What does a negative FIV PCR mean?
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
FIV RT-PCR (Proviral DNA): 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