Sick Cat Panel (ELISA & IFA)
The Sick Cat Panel combines ELISA and IFA testing to provide a comprehensive assessment of three significant feline diseases: Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and Feline coronavirus (FCoV), some strains of which are responsible for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The panel includes an FeLV antigen test (ELISA), which detects active infection with FeLV, an immunosuppressive virus that predisposes cats to secondary infections and certain cancers. Additionally, it includes an antibody test for FIV (ELISA) to assess exposure or infection with FIV, another virus that compromises immune function. Finally, the panel detects antibodies against FCoV using an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA), indicating exposure to the virus, which, in some cases, may lead to FIP.
2 ml Serum
Collect an adequate amount of blood in a plain red-top tube or serum separator tube (yellow-top tube). Allow it to clot at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before separation.
Centrifuge to separate the serum. Transfer the clear serum into a new, leak-proof plain red-top tube and label it as "serum."
Excessively hemolyzed samples are not suitable for this test.
Unspun samples will not be accepted.
Refrigerate sample at 4oC until shipment.
Label each sample with the animal’s name and a unique identifier, using a permanent marker or a secure adhesive label
Ensure the submittal form is completed with the animal’s information and relevant medical history.
Hartmann, K. (2022). "Diagnostic Approaches for Feline Retroviruses and Feline Infectious Peritonitis." Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
Levy, J.K., et al. (2023). "Serological Testing in Feline Infectious Disease Management: FeLV, FIV, and FCoV." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice.
Pedersen, N.C., et al. (2021). "Understanding Feline Coronavirus and Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Advances in Detection and Management." Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation.