Laboratory Testing

We offer comprehensive laboratory testing for all our patients to ensure we can diagnose your pets’ condition as quickly as possible. In our dedicated laboratory area, we have a range of state of the art, highly specialised and accurate machines. Many tests are able to be run in the practice with some results back in as little as 15minutes.

Blood testing – this often involves a sample taken from your pets’ neck or leg, after sterile preparation. This sample can be used to run tests for:

– Biochemistry – These are tests measuring chemicals, enzymes and proteins in the blood to help evaluate organ function eg liver, kidney, heart, pancreas

– Haematology – These tests measure the quality, structure and function if your red and white blood cells

– Feline and canine viruses – Most commonly FeLV and FIV in cats and Parvovirus in dogs

– Electolytes – These are tests to measure the levels of essential minerals such s sodium, potassium and chloride in the blood

– Glucose – Testing glucose levels can be done with a tiny amount of blood, often from the edge of an ear, with very little stress on our patients. Often used for our diabetic patients.

Urine analysis – The urine can be examined for visual, chemical and microscopic properties that can provide valuable information. It can screen or monitor conditions like urinary tract infections, kidney disease and diabetes. We have a specialised machine called Sedivue that provides accurate and fast microscopical information. if you need more information on collecting a urine sample, please contact the practice.

Cytology – collection of samples from lumps and lesions or even organs can be analysed in house with a special machine called an Imagyst. This has enabled us to provide much faster, accurate diagnoses for many patients.

External testing
Although we have a large range of tests we can do in the practice sometimes, we need to send samples to external laboratories for diagnosis. This includes tissue biopsy and lumps and blood tests for infectious conditions. We ensure we use the most cost effective but accurate laboratories. These tests will take longer to return – the team will advise you on suspected turnaround times.

If you are waiting for results and it is taking longer than you expected please ring the surgery and we can let you know why there is a delay.

Blood Pressure – we have multiple machines for taking the blood pressure from our patients. Often involving a cuff around the leg or tail, our patients tolerate it very well and often enjoy the fuss.