Suitable Samples & Collection of Samples

• Moisten a clean dry swab with tears/exudate
• Do not place swab in transport medium
• Firmly and vigorously swab both the conjunctival sacs (a local anaesthetic may be used)
• Nasopharyngeal and oropharynx swabs and swabs of mouth lesions should also be taken if clinical signs are evident in these areas
• Tissue biopsies (eg conjunctiva) can also be sent for testing
• Place the swab(s) or tissue in a sterile container and keep refrigerated until submission (submit as soon as possible)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PCR test capable of picking up latent infections
of FHV?

FHV - During latent infection the virus resides in the trigeminal ganglion, which is not accessible for sampling. Subclinical infections may be detected.

What effect does antibiotic treatment have on detection by the test?

Chlamydia can still be detected if the animal has only been on treatment for 2-3 days.

What is the sensitivity of the PCR test?

The PCR test is as sensitive, or more sensitive, than detection by culture. The sensitivity decreases as the disease becomes more chronic.

Source

University of Melbourne, PCR Diagnostic Laboratory

DCI-10 Feline Respiratory (V1.0, 24-02-2004)