Heartworm infection in dogs may be diagnosed using an ELISA test.

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Multiple Choice

Heartworm infection in dogs may be diagnosed using an ELISA test.

Explanation:
Heartworm infection in dogs may be diagnosed using an ELISA test because this assay detects circulating antigen produced by adult female heartworms. A positive result provides strong evidence of infection and is a widely used screening tool in veterinary practice. The test is highly specific, so false positives are uncommon, making it a reliable primary diagnostic method. However, it may miss very early infections before worms reach maturity (roughly 5–6 months post-exposure) or infections where only male worms are present or the worm burden is very low. In those situations, repeat testing later or using additional methods such as microfilariae tests or imaging can help confirm the diagnosis.

Heartworm infection in dogs may be diagnosed using an ELISA test because this assay detects circulating antigen produced by adult female heartworms. A positive result provides strong evidence of infection and is a widely used screening tool in veterinary practice. The test is highly specific, so false positives are uncommon, making it a reliable primary diagnostic method. However, it may miss very early infections before worms reach maturity (roughly 5–6 months post-exposure) or infections where only male worms are present or the worm burden is very low. In those situations, repeat testing later or using additional methods such as microfilariae tests or imaging can help confirm the diagnosis.

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