usage method of canine and feline early – pregnancy test kits:

The following is the general usage method of canine and feline early – pregnancy test kits:

I. Sample Collection

1. Urine Samples
   • Collection Timing: Try to collect urine when the dog or cat urinates for the first time in the morning, because the hormone concentration in the urine is relatively stable at this time. If it is impossible to collect in the morning, make sure that the collected urine is directly collected during the urination process of the dog or cat to avoid urine contamination.
   • Collection Method: For dogs, a clean container free of detergent residue can be used to catch the urine when the dog urinates. For cats, a special litter box (with a special design for facilitating urine collection) can be used to collect urine, or the cat can be placed in a clean container and the urine can be collected after the cat urinates.
2. Blood Samples
   • Collection Preparation: It needs to be operated by professionals. Prepare appropriate blood – collection needles, blood – collection tubes, and disinfection supplies, such as alcohol swabs.
   • Collection Sites: For dogs, blood can generally be collected from the cephalic vein on the inner side of the front limb or the saphenous vein on the outer side of the rear limb; for cats, blood is usually collected from the cephalic vein on the inner side of the front limb. Before blood collection, disinfect the blood – collection site with an alcohol swab.
   • Collection Operation: Pierce the venous blood vessel with a blood – collection needle, let the blood flow naturally into the blood – collection tube, and after collecting enough blood, pull out the blood – collection needle and press the blood – collection site with a cotton ball to stop bleeding.

II. Sample Treatment (If Necessary)

1. Blood Sample Treatment
   • If the collected blood sample appears too thick and may affect the test result, the blood sample needs to be diluted according to the requirements of the test kit instructions. Usually, the sample diluent provided with the test kit will be used to mix the blood and the diluent evenly according to the specified ratio (such as 1:1 or other ratios).

III. Testing Operation

1. Prepare the Test Kit
   • Take out the test kit from the packaging and check whether the test kit is within the expiration date and whether the test strip or test card is damaged. Place the test kit on a horizontal and clean surface.
2. Sample Loading
   • Urine Sample Loading: If it is a urine sample, slowly drop the urine onto the sample pad of the test strip or test card. Generally, drop a certain number of urine drops as specified in the test kit instructions, usually 3 – 5 drops.
   • Blood Sample Loading: For blood samples, some test kits may require directly dropping the diluted blood onto a specific area or following a specific operation sequence for sample loading. For example, first drop the blood onto an area, wait for a period of time, and then add the diluent, etc. The specific operation must be strictly carried out in accordance with the test kit instructions.

IV. Waiting for Results

1. Waiting Time
   • After sample loading is completed, start timing and wait for the time specified in the test kit instructions to observe the results. Generally, the waiting time ranges from 5 to 15 minutes, and the waiting time may vary for different brands and types of test kits.
2. Precautions
   • Do not move or shake the test kit during the waiting process for results to avoid affecting the accuracy of the test results.

V. Result Judgment

1. Positive Result
   • If both the test line (T – line) and the control zone (C – line) on the test strip or test card show color changes (usually red bands), it indicates a positive test result, meaning that the dog or cat is likely to be pregnant.
2. Negative Result
   • When there is no color change on the test line (T – line) of the test strip or test card, but there is a color change in the control zone (C – line), it indicates a negative test result, that is, the dog or cat is not pregnant.
3. Invalid Result
   • If there is no color change in the control zone (C – line), regardless of whether there is a color change in the test line (T – line), this test result is considered invalid, and new samples need to be collected and tested.

When using canine and feline early – pregnancy test kits, be sure to read and strictly follow the requirements of the test kit instructions to ensure the accuracy of the test results.