How should the SNAP Feline Triple Test results be interpreted?
A heartworm antigen positive result is indicative of an adult heartworm infection. However, a negative test does not rule out feline heartworm infection. The recent discoveries associated with Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (H.A.R.D.) highlight an unfortunate drawback of antigen testing; antigen tests miss the early stage of feline heartworm disease associated with the immature adults. In cases where adult heartworm or H.A.R.D. are suspected, a negative antigen test should be followed up with an antibody test and may warrant additional tests such as radiographs and echocardiography as well as blood work.
