Figure 2.

Level 1 diagnostics might be sufficient in circumstances where the test results are consistent with the patient’s signalment and clinical signs. Level 2 diagnostics can be appropriate to clarify infection status in some patients. This diagnostic algorithm will correctly identify the true infection status for most cats. Regressive feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infections, recent exposure, atypical responses and changes in the immune response over time complicate the interpretation and reliability of tests performed at a single point in time. The true status of cats with discordant results can be difficult to resolve. FIV = feline immunodeficiency virus; IFA = immunofluorescent antibody; POC = point-of-care; PCR = polymerase chain reaction