Laboratory Services
Veterinary diagnostics, interpreted in clinical context
VetPro provides a broad range of laboratory services for companion animals and other veterinary species, from routine testing to specialist diagnostic investigations.
Most testing is performed in-house, allowing close oversight of the analytical process and timely review of unexpected or complex findings.
Where interpretation is an integral part of the test, results are assessed in the context of the patient, clinical history and other available laboratory data.
Complete blood counts, blood smear examination and morphological assessment of blood cells, performed using automated veterinary haematology systems with microscopic review where indicated.
CBCs are performed using automated veterinary haematology systems, with microscopic review where indicated by analytical findings, instrument flags or the clinical question.
Blood smear examination can provide additional information on erythrocyte morphology, leucocyte populations, platelet abnormalities, regenerative responses, inflammatory changes, haemoparasites and abnormal or neoplastic cell populations.
- CBC with five-part differential
- Reticulocyte assessment
- Peripheral blood smear examination
- Morphological evaluation of blood cells
- Investigation of anaemia, leucocyte abnormalities and thrombocytopenia
- Evaluation of suspected haematological neoplasia
- Detection of blood-borne organisms where morphologically identifiable
Biochemical testing for the evaluation of organ function, metabolic disturbances and systemic disease. Individual tests and diagnostic profiles available with species-appropriate reference intervals.
Testing is performed using automated clinical chemistry platforms with routine internal quality control. Results are interpreted in relation to other laboratory findings where relevant.
- Liver and biliary parameters
- Renal parameters
- Electrolytes and minerals
- Proteins
- Glucose and metabolic markers
- Enzyme activities
- Lipid metabolism
- Muscle-related parameters
- Selected specialist biochemical tests
Diagnostic profiles are available for common clinical presentations and organ systems.
Hormone testing for the investigation and monitoring of endocrine and reproductive disorders, performed using chemiluminescent immunoassay systems (Siemens IMMULITE 2000, TOSOH AIA-CL300).
Interpretation should take into account the species, clinical presentation, concurrent disease, medication and the analytical method used. Dynamic endocrine testing protocols are available where appropriate.
- Total T4 / Free T4 / T3 / TSH
- Cortisol
- Progesterone
- Insulin
- ACTH
- Reproductive hormones and selected specialist endocrine tests
Complete urinalysis combining physical, chemical and microscopic examination, interpreted together with the method of sample collection and relevant clinical findings.
Urinary sediment is assessed for erythrocytes, leucocytes, epithelial cells, casts, crystals, microorganisms and other clinically relevant findings. Urine culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing are available through our clinical microbiology service.
- Urine specific gravity
- Chemical analysis
- Sediment examination
- Urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPCR)
- Selected biochemical measurements in urine
- Cytological examination where indicated
Rapid morphological assessment of cells from masses, organs, lymph nodes, body fluids and other lesions, examined and interpreted by a veterinary clinical pathologist.
Findings are integrated with the anatomical site, sampling method and available clinical history. Reports include a morphological diagnosis, relevant differential diagnoses where appropriate, and recommendations for further investigation when findings are not definitive.
- Fine-needle aspirates
- Lymph nodes
- Cutaneous and subcutaneous masses
- Internal organs and mammary lesions
- Body cavity effusions
- Bronchoalveolar lavage samples
- Synovial fluid and cerebrospinal fluid
- Urinary tract samples
- Impression smears and other exfoliative preparations
Histopathological examination of surgical biopsies and excised lesions, including tumour classification, biological behaviour assessment and evaluation of surgical margins.
Where additional characterisation is required, immunohistochemistry and other specialist investigations may be arranged through selected reference pathology laboratories.
Appropriate fixation, representative sampling and relevant clinical information are essential for meaningful histopathological interpretation.
Bacterial and fungal culture with organism identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, using the VITEK 2 Compact system for MIC-based susceptibility reporting.
Results are interpreted according to applicable standards and should be considered in relation to the sample type, anatomical site and clinical significance of the isolate.
- Aerobic bacterial culture
- Selected fungal investigations
- Organism identification
- MIC-based antimicrobial susceptibility testing
- Detection of relevant antimicrobial resistance phenotypes
- Urine culture
- Culture of respiratory, wound, ear and other clinical samples
Good microbiology begins with appropriate sampling. Contact the laboratory before collection if there is uncertainty about the most suitable sample or transport method.
Laboratory testing for selected infectious diseases using serological, antigen-detection and molecular methods, for dogs, cats and other veterinary species.
The most appropriate method depends on the pathogen, stage of infection, vaccination status, sample type and clinical question.
For cases in which interpretation is not straightforward, results can be discussed with the laboratory in the context of the patient's clinical and epidemiological information.
PCR-based testing for selected infectious agents and other diagnostic applications. Reports include relevant interpretative context where the distinction between detection and active disease is important.
Because the diagnostic significance of a molecular result depends on the organism, sample type and biological target being detected, PCR findings should not always be interpreted simply as positive or negative evidence of disease.
Where relevant, reports distinguish between the detection of pathogen DNA, RNA or proviral DNA and explain important interpretative limitations.
Diagnostic investigation of endoparasites, ectoparasites and selected vector-borne infections, with testing selected according to the suspected parasite, host species and sample type.
- Faecal examination
- Concentration and flotation techniques
- Microscopic parasite identification
- Detection of selected parasite antigens or antibodies
- Blood smear examination
- Molecular testing where appropriate
Repeat sampling may be recommended where intermittent shedding or low parasite burden could reduce diagnostic sensitivity.
Serological testing for allergen-specific IgE for selected environmental and other allergens, available as part of a wider clinical assessment of suspected allergic disease.
Allergy testing should be used to support clinical decision-making rather than as a stand-alone diagnosis of allergic disease.
Options for subsequent allergen-specific immunotherapy are available where clinically appropriate. Test selection and interpretation should take the patient's history, clinical presentation and previous diagnostic work-up into account.
For specialised investigations not available in-house, VetPro works with selected veterinary reference laboratories and specialist diagnostic centres around the globe.
- Specialist histopathology and immunohistochemistry
- Advanced molecular diagnostics
- Selected endocrine and metabolic investigations
- Specialist infectious disease testing
- Other uncommon or case-specific investigations
The choice of referral laboratory is based on the required method, available expertise and the diagnostic question being addressed.
Not sure which test to request?
If you are uncertain about test selection, sample requirements or the interpretation of an existing result, contact the laboratory before submitting the sample. We can help determine which investigation is most likely to answer the clinical question.
Contact the laboratorySample requirements
Correct sample selection, collection and transport are essential for reliable laboratory results. Detailed instructions are available for commonly submitted samples and tests.