Frequently Asked Questions

AniCare is a UK-based animal health brand backed by Q Biohealth Ltd. We love the animals who share our homes and lives, and we deeply appreciate the people, charities, businesses and professionals who dedicate their time to caring for them. AniCare was created to help make rapid testing more affordable and accessible to those looking after cats and dogs every day.

Our range includes rapid tests for a number of health concerns, using simple sample types such as faecal or anal swabs, and eye, nose or mouth secretions. They are designed to fit naturally into everyday animal care, whether used at home, in rescue, in professional animal-health settings or in other environments where cats and dogs are cared for regularly.

AniCare rapid tests are for veterinary in-vitro diagnostic use and are designed to support appropriate veterinary care. They can provide useful information when a condition is suspected, helping give an earlier indication of what may be going on.

Our minimum wholesale order is 20 tests per product.

To place an order, discuss larger quantities, arrange regular supply or ask about specific product requirements, contact our trade team at trade@anicarehealth.co.uk

We aim to get every order to you as quickly as possible. Depending on your location, order size and stock availability, this may be through a direct local service or tracked postage.

We offer Royal Mail Tracked 24 and Tracked 48 for UK wholesale orders. Tracked 24 aims to arrive the next working day, while Tracked 48 aims to arrive within 2–3 working days. These are estimated times rather than guarantees and may vary depending on the destination.

We understand how important reliable access to stock can be, especially when tests are needed urgently, so we will always do our best to arrange the quickest practical option available.

UK wholesale delivery is free.

AniCare rapid tests are designed to check for selected health markers linked to a range of common cat and dog health concerns.

Our current range focuses mainly on digestive and respiratory health, including markers associated with conditions such as Giardia, canine parvovirus, feline panleukopenia, canine coronavirus, feline coronavirus, feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus and more. We offer both single tests and combination tests, depending on the condition being screened for.

Each test is designed to detect a specific target marker from the appropriate sample type. Combination tests can screen for more than one marker from the same sample where applicable.

As AniCare continues to grow, we plan to keep expanding the range with carefully selected tests for cats and dogs, including additional non blood-based and blood-based options where suitable.

The sample required depends on the specific AniCare test being used.

Our current range uses either a faecal sample or anal swab, or an eye, nose or mouth secretion swab, depending on the test. The correct sample type is clearly stated on the relevant product page and instruction leaflet.

Always follow the sample collection and preparation instructions for the specific test carefully. If you are unsure which sample is required, check the product information or contact the AniCare team before use.

Yes. Rapid screening can still be useful when an animal has no obvious signs, particularly after possible exposure, during intake, when health history is uncertain or when several animals are being managed in the same environment.

Depending on the infection and the timing of testing, an animal may be carrying or shedding a target before clear signs develop. Screening can therefore provide useful additional information when deciding how closely an animal should be monitored or managed.

A negative result means the target was not detected in the sample at the time of testing, if exposure happened recently, there may not yet be enough antigen present for the test to detect, so an early negative result does not always rule out infection.

No. AniCare rapid tests are designed to support early awareness and provide useful information when a health concern is suspected, but they do not replace veterinary advice or professional assessment.

For many people caring for animals, being able to test where the animal is already being cared for can help keep them in a calmer environment and give a clearer indication of what may be going on, which may avoid an unnecessary trip to the vet purely for early screening.

Results should always be considered alongside the animal’s signs, history and overall condition. If an animal appears seriously unwell, symptoms are severe, ongoing or getting worse, or you are unsure about the result, contact a veterinary professional as soon as possible.

AniCare tests are produced by an established diagnostic manufacturing partner with specialist facilities for rapid diagnostic test development and production.

The tests are developed using established lateral flow and immunochromatographic testing methods, designed to detect specific target markers and show a clear visual result. Our manufacturing partner works across diagnostic research, production and quality-controlled processes, supported by advanced production equipment and controlled manufacturing environments.

Each product is backed by product specific technical information, performance data and established quality control processes, helping AniCare carefully assess the tests we choose to supply.

Our manufacturer carries out thorough pre-production and post-production checks, including strict batch-level quality control during the manufacturing process.

Before any products are made available to customers, AniCare also inspects all stock to verify the correct product type, batch details, expiry date, and packaging condition.

Before using a test, customers should check that the pouch is fully sealed, the product is within its expiry date, and the instruction leaflet is followed carefully.

Each AniCare rapid test has its own product specific performance data, so we do not use one general accuracy figure across the whole range. Different tests look for different target markers, use different sample types and have their own clinical evaluation results.

The Feline Calicivirus (FCV) marker within the FHV/FCV combination test was evaluated using 350 samples and demonstrated 97.00% sensitivity and 99.20% specificity. The Feline Herpesvirus (FHV) marker was evaluated separately using 500 samples and demonstrated 96.00% sensitivity and 98.33% specificity.

The AniCare Canine Parvovirus Antigen Test was evaluated using 300 samples, with results compared against PCR reference testing. In that evaluation, the test demonstrated 98.00% sensitivity and 98.67% specificity.

The AniCare Giardia Antigen Test was evaluated using 360 samples, with results also compared against PCR reference testing. In that evaluation, the test demonstrated 97.5% sensitivity and 96.0% specificity.

No rapid test can guarantee a perfect result in every situation. Sample quality, timing, storage conditions and correct use can all affect performance.

Sensitivity refers to how well a test detects the target marker when it is present.

Specificity refers to how well a test gives a negative result when the target marker is not present.

These figures show how a test performed during evaluation.

A positive result means the test has detected the target marker.

This can provide helpful information, especially when the animal shows signs associated with the condition being screened for. However, a final clinical decision should not be based on a rapid test alone.

If the animal appears unwell or receives a positive result, contact a veterinary professional for advice on the appropriate next steps.

A negative result means the test did not detect the target marker in the sample used.

It does not always completely rule out infection or illness. If the animal continues to show strong or ongoing signs, its condition worsens, or there are continuing concerns, contact a veterinary professional even if the result is negative. The signs may be associated with another condition or require further assessment.

An invalid result means the test has not worked correctly and should not be relied on.

This usually happens when the control line does not appear. Possible reasons include not enough sample, incorrect procedure, damaged test components, or an issue with the device.

If this happens, repeat the test using a new device and carefully follow the instructions.

If you believe the test may be faulty, or if you receive repeated invalid results, please contact AniCare to arrange for the product to be returned for quality review with the manufacturer.

AniCare rapid tests are designed to be read in 10 minutes.

The result should not be interpreted after the time window stated in the instruction leaflet. Results are invalid after 20 minutes.

Please read the instructions carefully before use.

AniCare rapid tests have a 2-year shelf life from the date of production, provided they are stored correctly and remain sealed.

Each test has an expiry date printed on the packaging. Store tests between 4–30°C, keep them dry and away from direct sunlight, and do not freeze.

For larger or regular orders, using stock with the earliest expiry date first can help with simple stock rotation.

AniCare rapid tests should be stored sealed, dry, away from light and within the stated temperature range.

For the rapid tests, the storage range is 4–30°C. Do not freeze the tests. Do not open the foil pouch until you are ready to use the test.

No. AniCare rapid test devices and sample components are single-use only.

Rapid tests can be especially useful when information is needed quickly, for example, when admitting a new animal, investigating relevant signs, responding to possible exposure, managing several animals in the same environment, or during periods of increased monitoring such as around birth and early-life care.

Having a result in around 10 minutes can help support earlier, more informed decisions about observation, separation, monitoring or what action may be appropriate next.

AniCare rapid tests are designed for screening rather than definitive diagnosis, so results should be considered alongside the animal’s signs, history and wider care context.

No. Each AniCare rapid test is single-use and should only be used for one animal.

Using the same test, swab, buffer or sample components for more than one animal may cause contamination and unreliable results. Use a separate test and new sample components for every animal being screened.

Please contact us before using the kit.

If your test pouch is damaged, already open, missing a component or does not look right, do not use it. Get in touch with your order number and, where possible, a clear photo of the issue so we can review it and help with the next step.

After use, place the test device, swab, tube and other sample-contact components in a suitable waste bag or container. Dispose of them in accordance with your organisation’s procedures and any applicable local waste requirements.

Wash your hands thoroughly after handling samples and used test materials. Keep all used components away from children and animals.

Yes. AniCare is starting with a focused range of rapid tests for cats and dogs, with plans to expand over time.

We are working with our manufacturing partners to evaluate additional tests and combination formats that may be useful across different animal-care settings.

As the range develops, new products will be added based on relevance, demand and suitability for practical rapid screening.