Detailed Screen

Feline Parasite and Bacteria Panel

Further information

Our Feline Parasite and Bacteria Panel combines a gastrointestinal worm count, feline lungworm screen and eight-target qPCR panel in one comprehensive laboratory package. By combining microscopy, specialist lungworm methods and molecular testing, the panel screens for selected parasitic, bacterial and viral targets. It is particularly useful when a broader investigation of ongoing gastrointestinal signs is needed.

What does the Feline Parasite and Bacteria Panel include?

This package brings together the following tests:
  • Worm Count Test: Microscopy to identify gastrointestinal parasite eggs and relevant protozoa, with quantitative counts where appropriate.
  • Feline Lungworm Screen: Specialist screening for Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae and Eucoleus aerophilus eggs.
  • Eight target qPCR Panel: Molecular detection of selected protozoal, bacterial and viral pathogens associated with gastrointestinal disease in cats.

The eight qPCR targets

  • Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV).
  • Feline Coronavirus (FCoV).
  • Tritrichomonas foetus.
  • Giardia.
  • Cryptosporidium spp.
  • Salmonella spp.
  • Campylobacter jejuni & Campylobacter coli
  • Clostridium perfringens type A.

Who is this test suitable for?

A broader investigation may be helpful when several possible causes of gastrointestinal disease need to be considered. For example, this panel may suit:
  • Cats with persistent or recurrent diarrhoea.
  • Cats with unexplained soft stools or other digestive signs.
  • Young cats and kittens, especially in multi cat or breeding environments.
  • Cats with previous parasite findings or a complex clinical history.
  • Cases where a veterinary surgeon recommends wider infectious-disease screening.

How does the testing process work?

The kit contains instructions and the materials needed to collect the different faecal samples. Collect faecal material over three consecutive days for the lungworm and qPCR components. The laboratory reviews each component using the appropriate method. Since testing times differ, we may issue the microscopy, lungworm and qPCR results separately. The qPCR component must be used by the date printed on the laboratory request form. Every panel also includes clear laboratory reports and free after-test advice where required.

Our Feline Parasite and Bacteria Panel combines a gastrointestinal worm count, feline lungworm screen and eight target qPCR panel for a broader investigation of selected infectious targets.

Gastrointestinal Worm Count

Laboratory microscopy screens faecal material for the listed feline roundworms, hookworms, tapeworm eggs and Cystoisospora spp. We quantify findings as EPG or OPG where appropriate.

Feline Lungworm Screen

A separate sample collected over three consecutive days is examined using specialist larval detection for Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and faecal microscopy for Eucoleus aerophilus eggs.

Eight Target qPCR Panel

Targeted molecular testing screens for Feline Panleukopenia Virus, Feline Coronavirus, Tritrichomonas foetus, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni & Campylobacter coli and Clostridium perfringens type A.

A positive qPCR result indicates that genetic material associated with the target was detected. Therefore, results should be interpreted in light of your cat’s clinical signs, history and other investigations.

Laboratory Reporting

Each part of the screen is reviewed separately and presented clearly. The microscopy and lungworm results may be available before the qPCR panel is complete.

Our trained laboratory team issues clear results and offers free after test advice where required.

Our Feline Parasite and Bacteria Panel reports the feline worm count, lungworm screening and each of the eight qPCR targets separately.

Worm Count Results

The feline worm count report covers the following gastrointestinal parasite targets.

Gastrointestinal Nematodes

  • Toxocara cati (roundworm).
  • Toxascaris leonina (roundworm).
  • Uncinaria stenocephala (hookworm).
  • Ancylostoma tubaeforme (hookworm).

Gastrointestinal Cestodes

  • Dipylidium caninum (tapeworm).
  • Taeniid-type eggs (tapeworm).

Protozoa

  • Cystoisospora spp. (coccidia).

Quantitative and Qualitative Reporting

The listed nematode findings are quantified as eggs per gram (EPG), where appropriate. A result of <20 EPG is recorded as Below detectable limit.

Cestode eggs and Cystoisospora spp. are reported qualitatively, including whether they were seen in the submitted sample.

Visual Sample Analysis

The report may also record other artefacts observed in the submitted faecal sample.

Feline Lungworm Screen Results

Our extended feline respiratory parasite screen examines the faecal sample for the following targets:

  • Aelurostrongylus abstrusus – lungworm larvae.
  • Eucoleus aerophilus – respiratory capillarid eggs.

The laboratory report records the detection of relevant lungworm larvae or respiratory parasite eggs. Where the findings allow, we provide identification and explanatory comments.

A negative faecal result cannot completely exclude infection because larvae or eggs may be shed intermittently.

Eight Target qPCR Results

The qPCR panel reports each molecular target as Detected or Not Detected.

  • Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV).
  • Feline Coronavirus (FCoV).
  • Tritrichomonas foetus.
  • Giardia.
  • Cryptosporidium spp.
  • Salmonella spp.
  • Campylobacter jejuni & Campylobacter coli
  • Clostridium perfringens type A.

Detecting genetic material does not necessarily establish the cause of a cat’s clinical signs. In particular, feline coronavirus detection alone does not diagnose feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

Understanding Your Results

Parasites may shed eggs, oocysts or larvae intermittently. Therefore, a result below the detectable limit, or a qualitative result of none seen, does not completely exclude infection.

Our trained laboratory team reviews the findings before emailing the results. The different components may be reported separately as each is completed.

Clear laboratory reporting and free after-test advice are included where required.

Our Feline Parasite and Bacteria Panel reports the feline worm count, lungworm screening and each of the eight qPCR targets separately.

Worm Count Results

The feline worm count report covers the following gastrointestinal parasite targets.

Gastrointestinal Nematodes

  • Toxocara cati (roundworm).
  • Toxascaris leonina (roundworm).
  • Uncinaria stenocephala (hookworm).
  • Ancylostoma tubaeforme (hookworm).

Gastrointestinal Cestodes

  • Dipylidium caninum (tapeworm).
  • Taeniid type eggs (tapeworm).

Protozoa

  • Cystoisospora spp. (coccidia).

Quantitative and Qualitative Reporting

The listed nematode findings are quantified as eggs per gram (EPG), where appropriate. A result of <20 EPG is recorded as Below detectable limit.

Cestode eggs and Cystoisospora spp. are reported qualitatively, including whether they were seen in the submitted sample.

Visual Sample Analysis

The report may also record other artefacts observed in the submitted faecal sample.

Feline Lungworm Screen Results

Our extended feline respiratory parasite screen examines the faecal sample for the following targets:

  • Aelurostrongylus abstrusus – lungworm larvae.
  • Eucoleus aerophilus – respiratory capillarid eggs.

The laboratory report records the detection of relevant lungworm larvae or respiratory parasite eggs. Where the findings allow, we provide identification and explanatory comments.

A negative faecal result cannot completely exclude infection because larvae or eggs may be shed intermittently.

Eight-Target qPCR Results

The qPCR panel reports each molecular target as Detected or Not Detected.

  • Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV).
  • Feline Coronavirus (FCoV).
  • Tritrichomonas foetus.
  • Giardia.
  • Cryptosporidium spp.
  • Salmonella spp.
  • Campylobacter jejuni & Campylobacter coli
  • Clostridium perfringens type A.

Detecting genetic material does not necessarily establish the cause of a cat’s clinical signs. In particular, feline coronavirus detection alone does not diagnose feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

Understanding Your Results

Parasites may shed eggs, oocysts or larvae intermittently. Therefore, a result below the detectable limit, or a qualitative result of none seen, does not completely exclude infection.

Our trained laboratory team reviews the findings before emailing the results. The different components may be reported separately as each is completed.

Clear laboratory reporting and free after test advice are included where required.

This kit is prepared for one cat and includes the materials needed to collect and return the required faecal sample or samples to our laboratory.

  • Recyclable padded return packaging.
  • Free Tracked 24 return postage.
  • Laboratory request forms and clear collection instructions.
  • Recyclable sample collection boxes supplied in resealable write on bag(s).
  • Biodegradable secondary sealable bags.
  • Biodegradable natural wood sampling spoon.

How does it work?

1. Choose and order your test

Select the appropriate parasite test for your animal(s), or use our quick guide to find the most suitable option.

Choose and order your test

Collect the sample using your test kit and return it to our laboratory using the free, 24-hour tracked delivery which is included in your kit.

2. Send your sample

The laboratory team analyses your sample and provides a detailed PDF report via email, with access to our clinical team for further guidance if needed.

3. Receive your results
Choose and order your test
2. Send your sample
3. Receive your results
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