FAQs
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Pet Pharma rapid tests are designed to screen for specific infections, antibodies, antigens or other health markers in dogs and cats. Depending on the test, you collect a small sample, prepare it according to the supplied instructions and apply it to the test cassette.
The result is then shown visually on the cassette. No laboratory equipment is required for the rapid tests currently sold by Pet Pharma.
Always follow the instructions supplied with the specific test, as the sample type and testing procedure can differ between products.
This depends on the product. Some Pet Pharma tests are specifically designed for dogs, some for cats, and others can be used for both dogs and cats.
The suitable animal species is clearly stated on each product page and in the instructions for use. Do not use a test for a different animal species unless the product instructions specifically state that it is suitable.
Most Pet Pharma rapid tests provide a result within minutes. Depending on the specific test, the reading time may be around 10-15 minutes or up to 10-30 minutes.
Always use the reading time stated in the instructions supplied with your test. Reading a test too early or too late may affect how the result should be interpreted.
The required sample depends on the test.
Depending on the product, this may include faeces, blood, serum or plasma, nasal or throat secretions, eye secretions, or saliva.
Check the product page and the supplied instructions before starting the test to make sure you collect the correct type of sample.
No. Although many of the tests use a similar rapid-test cassette format, the required sample, preparation method, number of drops and reading time can differ between products.
Always follow the instructions supplied with the specific test you are using rather than instructions from another Pet Pharma test.
Rapid-test cassettes generally use visible control and test lines to indicate the result. A control line is used to show that the test has run correctly.
The exact interpretation can differ between products, especially with combination tests that screen for more than one infection.
Always compare your result with the interpretation guide in the supplied instructions.
An invalid result means the test has not worked correctly and should not be interpreted as either positive or negative.
This may occur, for example, if the control line does not appear. Follow the instructions supplied with your test to determine whether a new test should be performed.
A positive rapid-test result can indicate that the marker screened for by the test has been detected.
Contact your veterinarian for advice, particularly if your pet is unwell or if the test screens for a potentially serious or contagious condition. Your veterinarian may recommend further examination or confirmatory testing before making a diagnosis or starting treatment.
A negative rapid-test result does not necessarily rule out every possible cause of your pet's symptoms.
The timing of testing, sample quality and stage of an infection can all affect a rapid screening result. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, contact your veterinarian even if the rapid test is negative.
No. Pet Pharma rapid tests are screening tools designed to provide useful information about specific health markers.
They do not replace a full veterinary examination, professional diagnosis or laboratory testing where this is required. If your pet is seriously unwell, has persistent symptoms or you are concerned about its condition, contact a veterinarian.
Choose a test based on your pet's species and the specific condition or health marker you want to screen for.
For example, Pet Pharma currently offers tests covering gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infections, viral and bacterial conditions, parasites, FIV/FeLV screening, pregnancy and other specific health markers.
Each product page explains what the test screens for and which animal species it is intended for. If you are unsure which condition may be causing your pet's symptoms, veterinary advice is recommended rather than testing at random.
Yes. Some Pet Pharma products are combination tests that screen for multiple health markers using one test.
For example, some products can screen for multiple causes of gastrointestinal symptoms, while the FIV/FeLV combination test screens for both FIV antibodies and FeLV antigen.
Check the individual product page to see exactly what each combination test detects.
In some situations, screening may also be useful when there are no obvious symptoms, for example after possible exposure to an infected animal, when introducing a new animal into a household, or in environments where multiple animals live together.
Whether this is appropriate depends on the condition being tested for. Follow the information provided with the specific test and consult your veterinarian if you are unsure.
Yes. Follow the instructions supplied with your test carefully before collecting the sample or starting the procedure.
Because sample types and procedures vary between products, it is important to use the instructions belonging to the exact test you purchased.
Always follow the storage instructions printed on the packaging or supplied with your specific test.
Keep the test in its original packaging until you are ready to use it, and do not use a test if the packaging is damaged or if it has been stored outside the conditions specified by the manufacturer.
No. Do not use a rapid test after the expiry date shown on the packaging. An expired test may no longer perform as intended.
Read the complete instructions supplied with the test before beginning.
If something is unclear or you are unsure about sample collection, test preparation or interpretation of the result, contact Pet Pharma before proceeding or seek advice from your veterinarian.
No. The Pet Pharma Rabies Virus Antigen Test is a preliminary screening test and cannot independently confirm or rule out rabies.
Suspected rabies exposure must always be treated seriously. Do not attempt to collect saliva from an aggressive, distressed or difficult-to-handle animal. Avoid direct contact with its mouth or saliva and contact a veterinarian or the relevant local authority immediately.
A rapid-test result must never delay professional assessment, official rabies testing or medical care following possible human exposure.