What is felv leuk combo test for cats mean?

The FeLV-Leuk Combo Test for cats is a diagnostic test used to detect the presence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies in a cat's blood sample. Here's what the test results mean:

1. Negative Result:

FeLV: A negative FeLV result indicates that the cat does not have detectable FeLV antibodies in their blood. It suggests that the cat is not currently infected with FeLV or has cleared the infection.

FIV: A negative FIV result means that the cat does not have detectable FIV antibodies in their blood, suggesting that the cat is not infected with FIV.

2. Positive Result:

FeLV: A positive FeLV result indicates that the cat has detectable FeLV antibodies in their blood. This means that the cat is currently infected with FeLV or has been exposed to the virus in the past and developed antibodies.

FIV: A positive FIV result means that the cat has detectable FIV antibodies in their blood. This indicates that the cat is infected with FIV.

3. Indeterminate Result:

In some cases, the test results may be indeterminate, meaning they can't be interpreted clearly. This can occur due to various factors, such as:

- Recent vaccination for FeLV: If a cat has received the FeLV vaccine within the past six months, the FeLV antibody test may show a false positive result.

- Early stages of infection: If a cat is in the early stages of FeLV or FIV infection, the antibody levels may not be high enough to be detected by the test, leading to a false negative result.

- Immune system issues: A cat with a weakened immune system may not produce enough antibodies to be detected by the test, leading to a false negative result.

If you receive an indeterminate result, your veterinarian may recommend retesting the cat or performing additional diagnostic tests to clarify the infection status.

Veterinary interpretation is crucial when conducting the FeLV-Leuk Combo Test, as these diseases can have serious clinical implications for cats. Consult with a licensed veterinarian for a proper interpretation of the test results and further guidance on managing the health of your cat.