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What Are On-Site Diagnostic Tests?

On-site diagnostic tests are evaluations performed right here in our clinic, giving us fast, reliable insight into your pet’s health.

At Neighborhood Veterinary Centers Richmond, having diagnostic tools on-site means we can quickly assess your pet’s condition and begin treatment without waiting for outside lab results. This allows us to identify illnesses, monitor ongoing conditions, and respond to urgent health concerns with greater speed and accuracy—all under one roof.

Answers At Our Fingertips For Critical Pets

When every second counts, immediate diagnostic results can make all the difference. For critically ill pets, our on-site lab and imaging tools allow us to quickly assess what’s going on internally and begin targeted treatment without delay.

In-House Laboratory Services

At NVC Richmond, our in-house lab works just as hard as our team to deliver fast, accurate results. With a full range of diagnostic tools at our fingertips, we’re able to assess your pet’s health quickly and begin treatment without delay.

Our laboratory capabilities include hematology, cytology, parasitology, and serum chemistry, allowing us to perform essential tests such as:

  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • General chemistry
  • Clotting factors (PT and PTT)
  • Blood gas analysis
  • Urinalysis
  • Intestinal parasite screening
  • Microscopic review of skin, ear, blood, fecal, and urine samples
  • Infectious disease screening, including testing for heartworm disease, tick-borne diseases, feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, giardia, and canine parvovirus

Benefits of On-Site Diagnostics

✔ Rapid Results: Immediate access to test outcomes facilitates swift medical decisions

✔ Early Detection: Timely identification of health issues enables early intervention. Potentially preventing more serious conditions.

✔ Convenience: Performing diagnostics on-site reduces the need for multiple visits, streamlining your pet’s healthcare experience.

Annual Screening Tests Allow For Early Detection

Even healthy pets benefit from regular diagnostic testing. Our in-house lab allows us to screen for infectious and vector-borne diseases, like heartworm, as well as check for intestinal parasites—often before any outward signs of illness appear.

Annual blood work also helps us evaluate your pet’s internal health and monitor for subtle changes over time. With today’s advanced lab technology, we can detect early markers of chronic diseases months or even years before symptoms arise. That means we can begin monitoring or treatment sooner, improving your pet’s health outcomes—and potentially adding years to their life.

Do On-Site Diagnostics Eliminate the Need for External Laboratory Tests?

Not always—but they do speed up answers when it matters most.

While our on-site diagnostics cover a wide range of essential tests, there are still situations where more complex or highly specific testing is needed. In those cases, we partner with trusted reference laboratories across the country to ensure your pet has access to the most advanced diagnostic options available.

If an outside lab is needed, we’ll handle the processing and submission of your pet’s samples and keep you informed every step of the way. Our goal is to deliver timely, accurate answers—no matter where the test is run.

How On-Site Diagnostics Enhance Your Pet’s Care

By utilizing on-site diagnostics, we can:

  • Detect Diseases Early: Identifying conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or infections before they progress.
  • Monitor Chronic Conditions: Regular testing helps manage ongoing health issues effectively
  • Guide Treatment Plans: Accurate diagnostics inform tailored treatment strategies for your pet’s specific needs.

Common On-Site Diagnostic FAQ's

What Conditions Can On-Site Diagnostics Detect?

Our diagnostics help identify a wide range of health concerns, including infections, organ disease, hormonal imbalances, parasites, injuries, tumors, and more. Whether your pet has been vomiting, limping, or acting off, we can get answers fast.

Are Annual Lab Tests Really Necessary for Healthy Pets?

Yes—many illnesses show no outward symptoms in the early stages. Annual blood work, urinalysis, and parasite screenings help us detect hidden issues before they become serious. This is especially important for senior pets, who are more prone to chronic conditions.

A better, happier life starts now!

Call us today at Neighborhood Veterinary Centers Richmond to request an appointment and get started.

Schedule AppointmentCall Now: (281) 645-0666