Pet In-houseLaboratory Testing
Get fast, accurate answers with in-house pet diagnostics at Bear Creek Veterinary Hospital in Albemarle, NC. We offer laboratory testing, Imagyst cytology, allergy testing, heartworm testing, and send-out laboratory services to support your pet’s health.
Pet In-House Diagnostics in Albemarle, NC
When your pet isn’t feeling well, getting answers quickly can make all the difference. At Bear Creek Veterinary Hospital, our in-house diagnostic laboratory allows us to perform many important tests right here in our hospital, helping us diagnose illnesses faster and begin treatment sooner. By combining advanced in-house diagnostics with trusted reference laboratory services when needed, we provide timely, accurate results to help your pet receive the best possible care.
Our experienced veterinary team uses modern diagnostic technology to evaluate your pet’s health, monitor ongoing medical conditions, and detect illnesses before they become more serious. Whether your pet is visiting for a wellness exam, experiencing concerning symptoms, or requires diagnostic testing before surgery, our laboratory helps us make informed treatment decisions quickly.
Our In-House Diagnostic Services
Our hospital offers a variety of in-house diagnostic tests, including:
Chemistry Panels
Evaluate organ function and overall health.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Detect infections, anemia, inflammation, and other blood abnormalities.
Urinalysis
Assess kidney function, urinary tract health, and hydration.
Cytology with Advanced Imagyst™ Technology
Quickly evaluate skin, ear, and cellular samples for infections, parasites, inflammation, and abnormal cells using advanced Imagyst™ technology.
Heartworm Testing
Screen dogs for heartworm disease to support early detection and treatment.
Parvovirus (Parvo) Testing
Provide rapid detection of canine parvovirus for timely treatment.
FeLV/FIV Testing
Screen cats for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
Because these tests are performed in-house, many results are available the same day, allowing our veterinarians to discuss findings with you and begin treatment as soon as possible when needed.
Pet Allergy Testing
Allergy tests come in various forms, including blood, saliva, and intradermal. Intradermal skin testing is the type of allergy test used at the Animal Allergy & Ear Clinic because it yields the most precise results. To conduct an intradermal test, a tiny patch of skin must first be shaved—typically on the side of the chest—and then marked with test-site markers. The 74 antigens are injected extremely thinly onto the skin’s surface. The local plants, grasses, weeds, molds, insects, and dust mites that are known to be prevalent allergens in the area were chosen as the antigen sources.
Send-Out Laboratory Testing
While many diagnostic tests can be completed in our hospital, some specialized testing requires additional analysis by a trusted veterinary reference laboratory. When send-out testing is recommended, we carefully collect and submit your pet’s samples for advanced evaluation. These specialized tests allow us to investigate more complex medical conditions while ensuring accurate, reliable results. Once the laboratory report is received, we’ll review the findings with you and discuss the next steps for your pet’s care.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Care for Your Pet
At Bear Creek Veterinary Hospital, we believe that accurate diagnostics are the foundation of excellent veterinary medicine. By offering both advanced in-house diagnostics and access to specialized reference laboratory testing, we’re able to provide efficient, comprehensive care for dogs and cats throughout Albemarle, NC. Whether your pet needs routine wellness screening, illness diagnostics, allergy testing, or ongoing health monitoring, our team is committed to delivering the answers you need with the compassionate care your pet deserves.