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RealPCR testing

Definitive answers, faster

  • IDEXX RealPCR testing helps you treat with precision and resolve infections quickly.
  • Real-time PCR is a closed-tube system that delivers shorter assay run times, virtually eliminates false positives, and provides quantitative results that are both faster and more sensitive than conventional PCR.
  • Syndromic panels make it easy to test for infectious causes.
    • Test based on your patient’s presenting clinical signs.
    • Rule out or definitively identify multiple pathogens or coinfections with a single specimen.
    • Arrive at a more accurate diagnosis, initiate targeted therapy, and resolve infections faster.
       

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Speedier results for your most critical cases

With our PCR Direct service, you’ll get next-day* results for specimens sent Monday–Friday, at no extra cost. Our latest testing technology delivers the highly sensitive answers you need, when you need them–so you can start treating ASAP. Just follow the simple steps to ship today, log in for your results tomorrow, and start resolving infections straightaway.

Shipping instructions

UPS specimen shipping details

For California customers: Due to California legislation SB 703 taking effect January 1, 2023, California customers are recommended to use normal transportation routes when submitting bovine, equine, and poultry PCR testing.
If using PCR Direct, the service will provide turnaround times as outlined in the IDEXX Reference Laboratories Directory of Tests and Services for these selected California specimen types.

*For specimens submitted on Saturday or Sunday, results will be available on Tuesday of the following week.

Artist rendering of DNA extraction using RealPCR

What is PCR?

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing identifies the presence of a pathogen’s DNA or RNA in a patient specimen. PCR is highly sensitive and specific testing that can confirm the actual presence of an organism.

PCR results facilitate early detection of disease in sick animals:
  • Often positive in infected animals before antibody can be detected

PCR tests and panels that pinpoint disease and help contain its spread

Ringworm (Dermatophyte) RealPCR Panel

Dermatophytosis is an important rule out for patients presenting with itchy skin, but traditional diagnostics are limited by lengthy turnaround times.

Accurate diagnosis is now possible in 1–3 working days, providing rapid answers for this highly zoonotic disease.

3565

 

Respiratory disease RealPCR panels

Rapidly and accurately diagnose infectious causes of respiratory disease in dogs and cats. 

Comprehensive and relevant panels include both specific detection of currently active flu strains (e.g., H3N2 canine influenza virus) and monitoring for emerging strains. Quantitative distemper virus and feline herpesvirus results provide additional clinical insights.

2524—Canine
2512—Feline

H3N2 Canine Influenza Virus RealPCR Test

Diagnose dog flu rapidly, accurately, and with precision, which may help contain the spread of disease. Available on all canine respiratory disease RealPCR panels and as a stand-alone test.

3730


IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR Test

For rare cases in consultation with your public health authority.
Complete testing information

8826

 

Diarrhea RealPCR panels

Avoid multiple rounds of testing and resolve diarrhea faster with an accurate diagnosis.

Screen for and identify multiple infectious causes of diarrhea in dogs and cats from only a single fecal specimen.

2625—Canine
2627—Feline

 

Vector-borne disease panels

Accurately diagnose more infectious agents and coinfections when you combine serology and RealPCR testing.

For Lyme disease, a SNAP 4Dx Plus Test, Lab 4Dx Plus Test, or Lyme Quant C6 Test is recommended in addition to the RealPCR panel.

2871—Canine
2906—Feline

 

Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) Quant RealPCR Test

Accurately diagnose canine distemper infections in dogs that have been recently vaccinated.

Includes quantitative measure of viral load to allow discrimination between vaccine interference and natural infection with distemper virus.

3265—Canine

 

Leptospira spp. RealPCR Test

Diagnose this zoonotic, potentially life-threatening cause of severe acute kidney and liver failure.

Detect and treat early infections before antibody tests turn positive. PCR provides accurate results in vaccinated dogs.

2628

 

FIP Virus RealPCR Test

Definitively diagnose or exclude feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

Differentiates between the less virulent feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) and the virulent feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV).

3630—Feline

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Directory of Tests and Services

Browse the online Directory of Tests and Services to see a comprehensive list of offerings from IDEXX Reference Laboratories.

IDEXXCare Plus

Keeping your practice up-to-date and running smoothly is the IDEXXCare Plus promise. We’re at your service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you deliver the best veterinary care and customer experiences possible.

Learn more about a specific product or service.
A representative will help you every step of the way.

PCR testing is a service performed pursuant to an agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.