Pet In-House Diagnostics

At Panova Animal Hospital, we offer comprehensive in-house veterinary diagnostics for dogs and cats—so we can identify health concerns and begin treatment without unnecessary delays. Faster results mean faster care for your pet, and we’re here to provide them seamlessly.

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What Are In-House Veterinary Diagnostics?

In-house diagnostics are laboratory tests and analyses performed directly at our clinic, rather than sent to an outside lab. When your pet is unwell, waiting days for results isn’t always an option. Our in-house capabilities allow us to run many essential tests and review findings the same day—sometimes within the same appointment.

For cases requiring more specialized analysis, we partner with IDEXX Reference Laboratories, one of the most trusted names in veterinary diagnostics, to ensure your pet’s results are accurate and thorough. We may also use our in-house imaging services, such as X-rays or ultrasound, to gather additional information about what’s happening beneath the surface.

Our Diagnostic Services

In-House Laboratory Testing

Our on-site lab allows us to run a wide range of pet blood tests and panels quickly, giving us a detailed picture of your pet's internal health. Tests we perform in-house include:

Complete Blood & Urine Panel
Liver Panel
Renal Panel
Thyroid Level
Electrolyte Levels
Bedside Leptospirosis Test
Urine Toxicology Screen
Feline Triple Test for HW, FeLV and FIV
Fluid Specific Gravity
Pancreatitis Lipase
Serial Glucose Monitoring
Coagulation Profile
Bedside combination 4Dx testing (detecting HW, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma and Lyme diseases)
Fecal Smear Microscopic Exam

In-House Cytology

Cytology allows us to examine cells under the microscope from blood samples, skin and ear infections, skin or internal masses, fluid samples, and suspected mites. In many cases, this can be done the same day and helps us quickly identify inflammation, infection, parasites, and abnormal cell growth while determining whether additional testing is needed.

IDEXX Reference Laboratory

For cases requiring deeper analysis, we send samples to IDEXX Reference Laboratories. IDEXX offers an extensive menu of advanced veterinary diagnostic testing, and their results give us the most comprehensive understanding of your pet's health available.

When Are Diagnostics Recommended?

Veterinary diagnostics may be recommended when your pet is showing signs of illness, before and after surgery, or as part of routine wellness screening. Common situations that call for diagnostic testing include:

Unexplained lethargy, weight loss, or changes in appetite
Vomiting, diarrhea, or digestive concerns
Increased thirst or urination
Suspected infection or parasitic disease
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork prior to surgery or dental procedures
Monitoring pets on long-term medications
Annual wellness screening for adult and senior pets

Diagnostics also play an important role in preventive wellness care—establishing a health baseline so we can identify changes in your pet’s values over time, even before symptoms appear.

Why In-House Diagnostics Matter

Timely answers can make a meaningful difference when your pet isn’t feeling well. With in-house diagnostic testing, we can often evaluate your pet’s condition, narrow down possible causes, and begin appropriate treatment during the same visit.

Having these capabilities on-site also means fewer trips and less waiting for both you and your pet. When results are available, we can review them with you directly, explain what they mean, and discuss the next steps together.

Pet Diagnostics FAQs

How long does it take to get results?

Many in-house tests—including blood panels and cytology—can be completed within the same appointment or within a few hours. IDEXX reference lab results typically take two to three business days, depending on the tests requested. We'll give you a clear timeline upfront.

Does my pet need to fast before bloodwork?

For some panels—particularly those evaluating glucose, lipids, or liver values—fasting for 8 to 12 hours beforehand can improve accuracy. We'll let you know in advance if fasting is recommended for your pet's specific tests.

Is bloodwork necessary if my pet seems healthy?

Even fur babies that seem perfectly healthy can benefit from routine lab screening. Screening tests can identify early changes in kidney function, thyroid health, blood sugar, liver values, and other important markers before obvious symptoms develop. We especially recommend annual bloodwork beginning around age 8, although many adult pets can benefit from earlier baseline screening. Detecting disease sooner often gives us more treatment options, can improve long-term outcomes, and may help avoid costly emergency hospitalization or specialty care if a condition is allowed to progress unnoticed.

What is cytology used for?

Cytology involves examining cells from a mass, fluid, or tissue sample under a microscope. It's commonly used to evaluate lumps and bumps, ear infections, skin lesions, and fluid accumulations. It's a minimally invasive and cost-effective way to gather important diagnostic information quickly.

Do you run diagnostics before surgery?

Yes. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is a standard part of our surgical and dental protocols. It helps us assess organ function and ensure your pet can safely metabolize anesthesia before any procedure.

Diagnostics That Work as Hard as We Do

Accurate veterinary diagnostics are the foundation of effective treatment. At Panova Animal Hospital, our in-house lab capabilities and IDEXX partnership allow us to move quickly—from concern to clarity—for the dogs and cats in our care. Whether we’re investigating a sudden illness, monitoring a chronic condition, or running pre-surgical bloodwork, our diagnostic tools help us make informed decisions grounded in real data. Pet owners across Orange County trust us to bring that same level of thoroughness to every case we see.