A veterinarian uses blood tests to check a dog for heartworms. An antigen test detects specific heartworm proteins, called antigens, which are released by adult female heartworms into the dog's bloodstream. In most cases, antigen tests can accurately detect infections with one or more adult female heartworms. 22 авг. 2019 г.
How is a heartworm test performed on a dog?
In order to perform the test, a small amount of blood is drawn from the dog's forearm or neck vein. This test detects the presence of the adult heartworm in the pulmonary arteries and / or the dog's heart. The heartworm antigen test is extremely accurate and is a very reliable method for diagnosing heartworm disease.
How long does it take for a dog heartworm test?
Your veterinary clinic just needs a small sample of blood for detecting heartworm proteins in the blood of an infected dog. Results of heartworm tests are obtained within 24 hours so that if the test is positive, a treatment plan can be made for your pet immediately.
How accurate is a heartworm test for dogs?
Depending on prevalence, the positive predictive value of the heartworm antigen test ranged from 15 to 54% and negative predictive value from 99 to 99.9%. For a hospital testing 1,000 dogs per year, false-positive test results may vary from 24 to 27 dogs.
How does a heartworm SNAP test work?
SNAP* HTWM The SNAP test is an enzyme immunoassay: after conjugate and test sample are mixed and added to the sample well, the device is then activated, releasing reagents stored within the device. Color development in the antigen indicator spots is proportional to the antigen concentration in the sample.
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