How to Distinguish a Low Positive Heartworm SNAP Test Result

When diagnosing serious diseases in dogs such as heartworm disease, it is imperative to screen using the best diagnostic tools capable of providing superior sensitivity for accurate and fast results. The SNAP heartworm test produced by Idexx Laboratories offers reliable and easy-to-interpret results for a total run-time of 8 minutes. A heartworm SNAP test will also help distinguish low antigen levels from high antigen levels, so the veterinarian may initiate the most appropriate treatment plan immediately. Since a blood sample must be collected under sterile conditions to run the test, this test should only be performed by a veterinarian or a certified veterinary technician.

Things You'll Need

  • Snap heartworm test kit
  • Rubber gloves
  • Blood sample
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Instructions

    • 1
      Use only three drops of the blood sample.

      Wear the rubber gloves. Dispense three drops of blood with four drops of conjugate into disposable sample tube included in the SNAP heartworm test kit. The conjugate is a diluting solution included in the test kit.

    • 2
      Gently mix the contents by inverting the disposable sample tube.

      Invert the disposable sample tube four to five times to gently mix the contents. Carefully pour the mixed contents into the designated well in the SNAP device. Place the SNAP test on a flat surface. The blood will work its way up the paper.

    • 3

      Wait for color to appear in the activation circle. At this point, press firmly with your fingers to activate the test. You should hear a distinct ''snap,'' hence the name ''snap test.'' The blood will gradually recede back to the well at this point.

    • 4

      Wait 8 minutes from the time of activation and read the results. Look for the following: a circle in the top is the positive control meaning the test has worked, and if it is the only circle showing, the result is negative, a circle on the right is an indicator of low-antigen levels; a circle on the left is an indicator of high-antigen levels, a circle on the bottom is the negative control meaning the result is invalid and the dog should be re-tested. The presence of low- or high-antigen levels indicates the dog has tested positive for heartworms.