The Importance of In-House Laboratory Testing for Pet Health

At Valley Center Veterinary Clinic, we prioritize efficient, high-quality veterinary care—and a key component of this is our in-house laboratory testing. Having advanced diagnostic capabilities on-site allows us to quickly assess your pet’s health, diagnose illnesses, and begin treatment without unnecessary delays. Whether your pet is facing an emergency, a chronic condition, or a routine check-up, fast and accurate test results can make all the difference in their care and recovery.

What Is In-House Laboratory Testing?

In-house lab testing refers to conducting essential diagnostic tests directly within our clinic, rather than sending samples to an external facility. This means that blood tests, urinalysis, imaging, and other diagnostics can be completed in a matter of minutes or hours, rather than days.

This speed and efficiency are critical in many situations, particularly in emergency cases or when a pet’s condition is rapidly worsening. For example, if a dog is brought in with sudden collapse or severe lethargy, in-house bloodwork and imaging can quickly determine whether anemia, toxin exposure, infection, or organ failure is the cause—allowing us to initiate life-saving treatment immediately.

Why Quick Diagnostic Results Matter for Your Pet

1. Faster Diagnoses Lead to Faster Treatment

When a pet is sick, every moment counts. Many medical conditions, from infections to organ failure, progress quickly. In-house diagnostics allow us to:

  • Identify illnesses earlier—before they worsen.
  • Start treatment immediately, increasing the chances of a full recovery.
  • Reduce stress for your pet, as waiting for test results from an external lab can delay treatment by 24–72 hours.

For pets with chronic conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, rapid bloodwork analysis helps us adjust medications and treatment plans immediately, rather than waiting for external lab reports.

Learn more about different types of veterinary medical tests:
Merck Veterinary Manual – Types of Veterinary Medical Tests.

Common In-House Veterinary Tests and Their Benefits

At Valley Center Veterinary Clinic, our advanced in-house diagnostic lab allows us to perform a variety of tests, including:

1. Blood Work (CBC & Chemistry Panels)

  • Detects anemia, infections, inflammation, organ dysfunction, diabetes, and more.
  • Crucial for pre-surgical screening and senior pet wellness exams.

2. Urinalysis

  • Diagnoses urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney disease, diabetes, and bladder stones.
  • Helps monitor pets with chronic kidney or metabolic diseases.

3. Fecal Testing

  • Screens for intestinal parasites (worms, Giardia, coccidia) that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and malnutrition.
  • Essential for puppies, kittens, and pets with unexplained digestive issues.

4. Cytology (Skin & Ear Samples)

  • Diagnoses bacterial or yeast infections, skin allergies, and abnormal growths.
  • Helps identify tumors, cysts, or fungal infections.

5. X-Rays & Imaging

  • Detects broken bones, arthritis, foreign objects, tumors, and lung conditions.
  • Immediate imaging is especially valuable in trauma cases and suspected blockages.

By utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, we can identify health issues early, before they escalate into life-threatening conditions.

Learn about our advanced diagnostic services here:
Valley Center Veterinary Clinic – Diagnostics.

When In-House Testing is Essential vs. External Lab Testing

While external laboratories are useful for specialized tests—such as advanced cancer screenings, genetic testing, and detailed biopsies—in-house testing plays a crucial role in rapid decision-making and immediate care.

Factor In-House Testing External Laboratory Testing
Speed Results within minutes to hours Takes 24–72 hours or more
Emergency Situations Essential for quick decision-making Not suitable for immediate treatment needs
Chronic Disease Monitoring Immediate adjustments to treatment Delays in medication adjustments
Routine Wellness Screening Quick, same-day results More comprehensive but slower

In cases where more advanced analysis is required, in-house testing guides initial treatment while we await detailed lab reports from external facilities.

How to Prepare Your Pet for Laboratory Tests

1. Fasting Before Blood Work

Some blood tests require fasting for 8-12 hours for accurate results, especially tests related to glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides.

2. Collecting Urine or Stool Samples

  • Urinalysis: Your veterinarian may request a fresh urine sample—some pets may need to arrive with a full bladder for collection.
  • Fecal Testing: If possible, bring a fresh stool sample in a sealed container.

3. Reducing Pet Anxiety

  • Keep pets calm before their visit—stress can alter test results (e.g., raising blood glucose in cats).
  • Bring comforting items (blankets, treats, or a favorite toy).

Have questions about how to prepare for your pet’s testing? Call us ahead of time for specific instructions based on your pet’s medical needs.

Why Choose Valley Center Veterinary Clinic for Your Pet’s Diagnostic Needs?

At Valley Center Veterinary Clinic, we are committed to providing top-tier veterinary care. Our in-house laboratory allows us to:

  • Deliver fast, accurate results—no unnecessary delays.
  • Make informed treatment decisions immediately—saving valuable time in emergencies.
  • Offer comprehensive wellness screening—catching potential health issues early.

Visit our clinic or schedule an appointment today:
Valley Center Veterinary Clinic – Contact Us