Proper use of pet rapid – test kits is crucial for obtaining accurate test results. The following are the general operating steps:

I. Preparation before Testing

1. Preparation of Sample Collection Tools
   • According to the testing target (such as virus, bacteria, gene, or physiological indicators) and the requirements of the test kit, prepare the corresponding sample collection tools. If detecting viruses in feces, clean disposable feces collection spoons or swabs are needed; for blood testing, sterile lancets, blood collection tubes, or blood collection test strips should be prepared; for oral swab testing, specialized oral swabs are required, and ensure that the swabs are of good quality, without shedding or containing interfering substances.
   • At the same time, prepare clean containers to store the collected samples. For example, a sealed plastic box for storing fecal samples, and an anticoagulant tube (if applicable) for placing blood samples.
2. Check the Integrity and Expiry Date of the Test Kit
   • Before using the test kit, carefully check whether the packaging of the test kit is intact. Look for signs of damage, cracks, or moisture, as these conditions may affect the performance of the test kit and the accuracy of the test results.
   • Confirm the expiry date of the test kit. An expired test kit may cause the test reagents to become ineffective, making the test results unreliable. Usually, the expiry date is printed on the outer packaging of the test kit, and it must be used within the valid period.

II. Sample Collection

1. Blood Sample Collection
   • Select the Appropriate Blood – Collection Site: For small pets such as cats and small dogs, the veins on the edge of the ear are commonly used blood – collection sites; for large dogs, veins on the legs may be used. Before blood collection, gently wipe the blood – collection site with an alcohol swab for disinfection to reduce the risk of infection.
   • Correct Blood – Collection Method: Pierce the vein with a lancet at the correct angle and depth, and let the blood flow out naturally. If using a blood collection tube, ensure that the tube is placed correctly to collect enough blood samples. For blood collection test strips, touch the blood – collection end of the strip to the blood, allowing the strip to fully absorb the blood. Be careful not to let the blood overflow or be insufficient.
2. Fecal Sample Collection
   • Choose the Appropriate Part of the Feces: Try to collect fresh feces and avoid contact with the ground or other potentially contaminated parts. Select the middle part of the feces, as this part of the sample can better represent the situation in the intestines and reduce the interference of external contamination on the test results.
   • Collection Method: Use a feces collection spoon or swab to collect an appropriate amount of feces into a clean container. If using a swab for collection, ensure that the swab has sufficient contact area with the feces to obtain enough substances for testing.
3. Oral Swab Collection
   • Fix the Pet’s Head: Before collecting the oral swab, keep the pet quiet. You can ask an assistant to help fix the pet’s head to avoid the pet moving during the collection process, which may cause injury or collection failure.
   • Correct Collection Method: Gently insert the oral swab into the pet’s mouth and rotate it on the inner side of the mouth (such as the buccal mucosa) or around the gums to obtain oral cells and secretions. Wipe gently to avoid damaging the pet’s oral mucosa. After collection, place the swab in the designated preservation solution or test tube.

III. Sample Processing (if required)

1. Blood Sample Processing
   • If the test kit requires processing of the blood sample, such as centrifuging to separate serum or plasma, operate according to the instructions of the test kit. Usually, place the collected blood sample in a centrifuge, set the appropriate rotation speed and time (e.g., 3000 revolutions per minute for 10 minutes) to make the components of the blood separate into layers. Then, carefully aspirate the upper – layer serum or plasma for testing.
2. Fecal Sample Processing
   • Some fecal test kits may require dilution or homogenization of the fecal sample. According to the instructions of the test kit, dilute the fecal sample with the specified diluent, or make the feces into a homogenate by grinding or other means to ensure that the substances to be tested in the sample are evenly distributed for easy detection.
3. Oral Swab Processing
   • For oral swabs, generally place the collected swab in a test tube containing buffer solution or extraction solution, incubate or shake it according to the specified time and temperature to fully release the substances to be tested on the swab into the liquid for subsequent testing.

IV. Testing Process

1. Prepare Testing Reagents and Equipment
   • Open the test kit and take out the testing reagents and required auxiliary equipment (such as droppers, test strips, etc.). Check whether the reagents have abnormal phenomena such as color change, precipitation, or turbidity. If there are any abnormalities, do not use them.
   • According to the requirements of the test kit, place the testing reagents in an appropriate temperature environment (such as room temperature or a specific incubation temperature) to make them reach the optimal testing state.
2. Add the Sample to the Testing Reagent
   • According to the instructions of the test kit, accurately add the processed sample to the testing reagent using a dropper or other tools. The amount of sample added should be accurate, as too much or too little may affect the test results. For example, when adding serum samples to the wells of an enzyme – linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reagent, ensure that the amount of serum added meets the scale requirements of the well.
3. Wait for the Reaction and Observe the Results
   • After mixing the sample with the testing reagent, wait for a certain reaction time as specified by the test kit. The reaction time may range from a few minutes to several tens of minutes. During this period, avoid shaking or interfering with the reaction system.
   • Observe the test results. Different test kits have different result – display methods, commonly including the appearance of color – developing bands on test strips, color changes in ELISA reagent wells, etc. Carefully read the instructions of the test kit and determine the test results according to the specified positive and negative result – judgment criteria. For example, in test – strip testing, if two color – developing bands appear, it is a positive result; if only one appears, it is a negative result.

V. Post – testing Disposal

1. Cleaning and Disinfection
   • After the test is completed, promptly clean the used sample collection tools, testing reagents, and equipment. Place used lancets, swabs, etc. in a special medical waste container for safe disposal to avoid cross – infection.
   • Disinfect the testing operation tabletop and the surrounding environment. Wipe the tabletop with an appropriate disinfectant (such as 75% alcohol or chlorine – containing disinfectant) to remove any potentially remaining samples and pathogens.
2. Record and Interpret the Results
   • Accurately record the test results, including the pet’s basic information (such as breed, age, gender), test item, test date and time, result (positive or negative), etc.
   • Interpret the test results. If it is a positive result, it may be necessary to consult a veterinarian further to determine the subsequent diagnosis and treatment plan; if it is a negative result, the possibility of the disease cannot be completely ruled out, and a comprehensive judgment should be made in combination with the pet’s symptoms and medical history.