It is Important to Note That

•No test is 100% accurate. In populations of cats with low FeLV infection rates, many positive tests may be false positive.

•Any positive ELISA test should be repeated.
•In most cases, the ELISA test should be used as the screening test, and IFA as the confirmatory test.

•ELISA tests using tears or saliva are not recommended.
•All cats with a negative result but with the potential of having been exposed to FeLV should be retested after a minimum of 30 days.

•All cats with a suspected or known exposure should be tested.
•If the ELISA is positive but the IFA test is negative, the cat should be retested in 60 days and then annually until test results agree.

•The vaccine will not interfere with FeLV testing.

•The vaccine will not affect the course of disease in already infected cats. A "carrier," though, who is vaccinated and develops FeLV-related disease will appear to be a "vaccine failure".

Finally, a negative FeLV test does not imply the cat is immune to FeLV or was never exposed to it. A negative test could mean the cat:

•Has never been exposed to FeLV
•Is infected, but the number of virus particles is too low to detect. The cat may test positive at a later date.

•Has overcome a previous infection.

To assist your veterinarian in determining the risk of your cat being exposed to or infected with FeLV, the AAFP has developed a history form you can fill out and give to your veterinarian at your cat's next exam.