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We have on-site laboratory equipment that allows us to perform many diagnostic tests on blood, urine, fecal or cytology (cell) samples, and obtain results within a few minutes. We can evaluate red and white blood cells, and analyse blood chemistry for organ and hormonal function. Blood can also be tested for certain infectious agents such as Feline Leukemia Virus in cats or to diagnose Lyme disease in dogs. Urinalysis (urine testing) detects infection, evaluates urine concentration and includes microscopic evaluation of the cells in the urine. Fecal testing is performed to determine if a pet is passing microscopic parasite eggs in the feces due to an infection with worms in the intestine. Cytology is performed on samples from ear discharge or other fluids from the body or samples taken by needle and syringe (fine needle aspirate biopsy) to characterize the cells seen under the microscope and help diagnose disease. Our on-site laboratory is partnered with our off-site laboratory services, granting our veterinarians access to advice from specialists in many fields including internal medicine and oncology (the study of cancer). These specialists can be consulted with a simple phone call if needed when interpreting the results of more challenging cases. Often if we order an ECG (electrocardiogram or tracing of heart rhythm) for a patient, the results will be sent to a cardiologist via telemedicine for interpretation. If our on-site laboratory does not allow us to perform a certain test, then the samples are sent to the off-site laboratory. Results are still obtained quickly, often within 24 hours to a few days depending on the test turnaround time. Either way, all results are compared to reference (“normal”) ranges established by the off-site laboratory and quality control testing is performed on a regular basis.
