Common Tests Performed in In-House Veterinary Labs: From Blood Work to Urinalysis

In today's world of advanced veterinary care, in-house veterinary labs play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of our beloved pets. By offering a wide range of diagnostic tests and analyses on-site, in-house veterinary labs provide efficient and accurate results, enabling veterinarians to make informed decisions about your pet's treatment plan.
 

Common Tests Conducted in Veterinary Labs

In-house veterinary labs are equipped to perform a wide range of diagnostic tests, each designed to provide valuable insights into your pet's health.
 

A comprehensive blood chemistry analysis is a vital tool for assessing your pet's overall health and identifying potential issues. This test measures various substances in the blood, including enzymes, electrolytes, proteins, and metabolites. By analyzing these components, veterinarians can detect and monitor conditions such as liver and kidney disease, diabetes, and electrolyte imbalances, among others.
 

The Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC) is a routine blood test that evaluates the different types of blood cells present in your pet's sample. This analysis provides valuable information about the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, helping to diagnose conditions such as anemia, infections, and blood clotting disorders.
 

Cytology is the study of individual cells, and in veterinary medicine, it plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of various conditions. In-house veterinary labs can perform cytological evaluations on samples obtained from various sources, including skin, fluids, and masses. This test aids in the identification of infections, inflammatory conditions, and even certain types of cancer.
 

Urinalysis is a comprehensive examination of your pet's urine sample, providing valuable insights into the health of the urinary system and overall body function. This test evaluates various components of the urine, such as pH, specific gravity, and the presence of substances like protein, glucose, and blood. Urinalysis can help detect conditions like urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and metabolic disorders.
 

The Advantages of Performing Tests In-House

The ability to perform diagnostic tests in-house offers numerous advantages for both you and your beloved pet. Here are some of the key benefits:
 

• Faster Results: With no need to send samples to external laboratories, in-house testing ensures that results are available promptly, allowing for timely diagnosis and treatment.
• Increased Accuracy: By handling and processing samples on-site, the risk of errors or contamination is minimized, leading to more accurate and reliable results.
• Convenience: Having an in-house lab eliminates the need for you to travel to multiple locations, streamlining the diagnostic process and saving you valuable time.
• Continuous Monitoring: With the ability to perform regular testing, your veterinarian can closely monitor your pet's condition and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.
• Cost-Effective: In many cases, in-house testing can be more cost-effective than sending samples to external laboratories, making it a more affordable option for pet owners.

If you're seeking in-house diagnostic testing, consider Border Animal Hospital. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by experienced professionals dedicated to providing exceptional care for your furry companions. Visit our office in Weslaco, Texas, call (956) 968-3858 today.