Fast & Accurate Diagnostic Testing for Your Pet
When your pet is sick or undergoing a routine wellness exam, getting accurate diagnostic results quickly is essential. Laboratory tests tell us what is happening inside your pet's body, helping us identify infections, organ dysfunctions, or toxicities before they become life-threatening. At Angel City Animal Hospital, we utilize an advanced on-site laboratory coupled with trusted reference labs to provide complete diagnostic care.
Our in-house lab allows our veterinarians to run urgent blood profiles, urine tests, and microscopic examinations in minutes. This speed is critical during emergency situations, enabling us to begin target treatments immediately. For specialized, non-urgent tests, we partner with premier veterinary reference laboratories to secure comprehensive panels and expert pathologist reviews.
Comprehensive Veterinary Laboratory Services
We offer a wide range of laboratory tests to monitor your pet's wellness and diagnose complex diseases:
🩸 Blood Chemistry
Evaluating kidney, liver, pancreas, and blood sugar levels to monitor chronic conditions, verify health before anesthesia, or diagnose illness.
🩸 Hematology (CBC)
Measuring red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to check for anemia, active infections, inflammation, or clotting disorders.
🧪 Urinalysis
Assessing urine specific gravity, pH, protein, and glucose levels to detect urinary tract infections, diabetes, or early kidney dysfunction.
🔬 Parasite Screening
Microscopic examination of stool samples to identify intestinal parasites (giardia, roundworms, hookworms) that can affect pets and humans.
🔬 Cytology & Biopsy
Examining skin scrapes, ear swabs, or fluid samples under the microscope to diagnose ear infections, skin allergies, or tumor types.
🧪 Reference Lab Panels
Advanced hormone testing (thyroid, cortisol), infectious disease PCR panels, and specialized biopsies sent to board-certified pathologists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diagnostics
Learn more about how laboratory analysis helps us monitor and protect your pet's health.
What is the difference between an in-house lab and a reference lab?
An in-house lab features analyzer machines inside our clinic, allowing us to get critical bloodwork, urine, and cytology results within 10 to 20 minutes—crucial for sick or emergency visits. A reference lab is an external diagnostic facility where we send samples for specialized panels, biopsies, or pathologist reviews, with results typically taking 1 to 5 days.
Why does my healthy pet need blood work?
Pets cannot tell us when they are feeling unwell, and they often hide early symptoms of disease. Routine screening blood work helps establish a healthy baseline, evaluates internal organ function (like kidneys and liver), and can detect silent diseases early when they are easiest to manage. It is also required before any procedure requiring anesthesia.
How long does it take to get laboratory test results?
In-house lab tests (such as urgent CBC, chemistry panels, blood sugar, and simple cytologies) are completed during your pet's visit, taking about 15 to 30 minutes. Send-out reference lab testing results typically return within 24 to 72 hours, though specialized pathology reviews can take longer.
What is a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and why is it important?
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your pet's blood. This test helps our veterinary team diagnose anemia, identify active bacterial or viral infections, monitor inflammation, and check blood clotting capabilities.
How should I collect a urine or stool sample for testing?
For stool samples, collect a fresh sample (less than 24 hours old) in a clean bag or container. For urine, try to catch a mid-stream sample in a clean container during your pet's morning walk. Keep both samples refrigerated if you cannot bring them to our animal clinic immediately.
Need Diagnostic Answers Fast?
Whether for a routine wellness check or an urgent health concern, trust our diagnostic laboratory for swift, accurate results.