- Affordable Pet Labs (APL) has launched a nationwide validation study of a patent-pending, needle-free at-home heartworm test.
- The study aims to collect more than 1,500 samples from dogs in the 52 cities served by APL.
- Participating dogs will receive a free standard heartworm blood test, including antigen and microfilaria testing, during a home visit by an APL technician.
- The new testing method will be evaluated against the current blood-testing standard, with independent researchers establishing acceptance thresholds and reviewing results.
- Dogs at least seven months old may qualify, subject to location, medical history and other eligibility requirements.
- The new test is not currently available for purchase, and any future commercial launch will depend on the study’s findings.
Affordable Pet Labs (APL), a direct-to-consumer veterinary laboratory providing in-home testing services across 52 U.S. cities, has announced a nationwide validation study of a new, patent-pending at-home heartworm test.
The company announced the study on October 26, 2026, and expects to collect more than 1,500 samples to evaluate whether the new testing method performs comparably to the current gold-standard blood test.
The proposed method would allow pet owners to collect a sample at home without using a needle, with the sample subsequently analyzed at APL’s laboratory.
Enrollment is currently open through Affordable Pet Labs’ Heartworm Study Enrollment Page.
Study Will Compare New Method With Standard Heartworm Blood Testing
The study is designed to determine whether APL’s new testing approach meets the performance standards of existing heartworm blood tests.
Every participating dog will receive a standard heartworm test performed using a blood sample collected at home by an APL technician.
The blood sample will be analyzed in the laboratory for heartworm antigen and microfilariae, the immature stage of the parasite.
During the same visit, the technician will collect an additional non-blood sample for evaluation using the new testing method.
Both samples will be processed in APL’s laboratory, allowing the company to compare results from the new method with the standard blood test for each dog.
In the initial phase of the study, APL technicians will collect all samples.
The company plans to evaluate agreement between the two testing methods across more than 1,500 samples.
Independent Researchers to Review Validation Results
APL stated that independent researchers will establish the study’s acceptance thresholds and review the findings.
The company emphasized that the new method may not demonstrate the effectiveness required to replace the existing blood test.
If the testing approach fails to meet the thresholds established by the independent review committee, APL said it will disclose that outcome and continue providing its existing in-home and at-home blood, fecal and urine testing services.
Dr. Joseph Menicucci, co-founder of Affordable Pet Labs, said the company is seeking participation from dog owners to determine whether the new testing method can reliably match current approaches.
He also noted that the study could establish that the proposed method does not meet the necessary standard.
APL is conducting the study in a community-based, private setting, with independent researchers involved in establishing and evaluating the validation criteria.
Potential Implications for Heartworm Prevention Access
If the study demonstrates that the new method meets the current testing standard, APL plans to offer the service directly to pet owners nationwide.
The proposed service would be available through needle-free at-home collection kits and APL’s existing network of field technicians.
Under that model, dog owners could complete annual heartworm testing from home and share the results with their veterinarian.
Heartworm prevention prescriptions could then be obtained through the dog’s veterinarian or a telehealth veterinarian where permitted by state law.
The company noted that heartworm disease is preventable, but access to annual testing can be a barrier to obtaining prevention.
In most states, a negative annual heartworm test is required before a heartworm prevention prescription can be issued.
APL stated that the goal of the study is to determine whether an alternative testing approach could expand access to preventive care.
Any future availability of the new test will depend on the validation results.
APL’s 52-City Network Supports Study Enrollment
Affordable Pet Labs currently operates in 52 cities nationwide and employs 124 technicians who provide in-home veterinary laboratory services.
The company has expanded into 16 additional cities over the past 12 months.
APL stated that its existing field network makes it possible to conduct the study across multiple communities and collect more than 1,500 samples.
The same network would support delivery of the new testing service if validation is successful.
APL is also continuing to expand its field teams and laboratory capacity to meet demand.
Standard Blood Test Results Will Guide Veterinary Care
For every enrolled dog, the standard heartworm blood test will remain the official test of record.
Results from the standard antigen and microfilaria testing will be provided to the pet owner and the dog’s veterinarian.
Results from the experimental testing method will not be shared with participants until the study is complete.
No prevention or treatment decisions will be made using the new test’s results during the study.
Dogs receiving a positive result on the standard blood test will be referred to their veterinarian for follow-up.
Eligibility Requirements for Participating Dogs
APL is enrolling dogs that meet the following criteria:
- At least seven months of age.
- Located within one of the 52 cities currently served by APL.
- Not treated for adult heartworms with melarsomine (Immiticide) within the previous 12 months.
- Not administered doxycycline within the previous 60 days.
- Free of blood in the urine or an active urinary problem at the time of the visit.
Participants will also complete a brief medical history questionnaire addressing other recent antibiotic use and medications.
Dogs receiving monthly heartworm prevention and dogs not currently receiving prevention are both eligible for consideration.
APL is particularly interested in enrolling dogs recently diagnosed with heartworm that have not yet received treatment.
The company is also inviting rescue organizations and animal shelters to participate alongside privately owned dogs.
Eligibility and service-area information are available at AffordablePetLabs.com/HWT.
What Participating Dog Owners Will Receive
Dogs enrolled in the study will receive the following:
- A complimentary standard heartworm blood test, including antigen and microfilaria testing, collected during a home visit by an APL technician.
- Test results provided to the pet owner and the dog’s veterinarian within two to three business days after the laboratory receives the sample.
- The option to add basic blood work during the same visit at a discounted price.
- A credit for a free at-home heartworm test if the new service becomes available.
- A credit toward future APL testing services.
Participation Requires One Home Visit
Dog owners participating in the study will be asked to schedule a home visit lasting approximately 15 minutes.
Participants must review and sign a consent form covering the blood draw, collection of the additional study sample, and de-identified use of samples and results for test development and publication.
Owners will also complete a brief questionnaire covering their dog’s age, heartworm prevention history, travel, previous heartworm testing and recent medication use, including antibiotics.
The owner must be present while the APL technician collects the blood sample and the additional study sample.
New Heartworm Test Is Not Yet Commercially Available
APL emphasized that the new at-home heartworm test remains under evaluation and is not currently available for purchase.
The company also stated that the test is not a substitute for a veterinary visit.
If validation is successful, APL intends to make the test available directly to pet owners, with heartworm prevention prescriptions provided by the dog’s veterinarian or through telehealth services where state law permits.
The timing and availability of any future service will depend on the study’s findings.
Enrollment and Industry Participation
Dog owners interested in participating can check eligibility and schedule a visit through APL’s study enrollment website or by contacting the company directly.
Heartworm Validation Study Enrollment: AffordablePetLabs.com/HWT; telephone: 602-847-9123. Enrollment will remain open until the study reaches its target.
Veterinary practices, shelters, rescue organizations, telehealth platforms and animal health companies interested in learning more about the program can contact Dr. Joseph Menicucci at Joe@affordablepetlabs.com.
APL stated that study details will be shared with industry partners under a confidentiality agreement.
Information sourced from Affordable Pet Labs’ October 26, 2026, press release.
