Rivalta test

Rivalta’s test is a very simple, inexpensive method that does not require special laboratory equipment and can be easily performed in private practice. This test was originally developed by the Italian researcher Rivalta around 1900 and was used to differentiate transudates and exudates in human patients. This test is very useful in cats to differentiate between effusions due to FIP and effusions caused by other diseases [Hartmann et al., 2003]. Not only the high protein content, but high concentrations of fibrinogen and inflammatory mediators lead to a positive reaction.