Two types of blood tests commonly used to diagnose FeLV detect a protein component of the virus called FeLV P27. One of these tests, called an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), is usually performed first as a screening tool, and can be run in a veterinarian's office.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends screening all cats for FeLV infection at the time they are acquired, before initial vaccination, after potential exposure to FeLV-infected cats, and as part of a diagnostic workup for any illness.
Learn about the veterinary topic of White Blood Cell Disorders, Leukemia, and Lymphoma of Cats. Find specific details on this topic and related topics from the MSD Vet Manual.
blood smear from a cat with CD4+ T cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The lymphocytes are predominantly small (compared to the size of a neutrophil) with unremarkable morphology and markedly increased in number.
Screening all cats for FIV and FeLV, which have a low prevalence in healthy cats, results in a high rate of false positive test results. In turn, this complicates decision-making based on positive tests.
Furthermore, visual representations like the one above help us fully grasp the concept of Normal Leukemia Screening In Cats.
The screening laboratory examinations usually consist of CBC, blood chemistry panel and urinalysis. They are performed at the same time and will tell the clinician the type and the location of disease processes.
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