Diagnostics - Vet in Woodbridge | Staples Mill Animal Hospital

See Beneath The Surface

Advanced diagnostics saves lives.

In-house laboratory

Our complete in-house laboratory means answers are literally within reach. We can run a full panel of tests including complete blood count (CBC), general chemistry profile (i.e., organ function test), and urinalysis while you wait—often in less than 20 minutes. Our veterinarians can also perform microscopic review of fluid or cellular samples including cytology (i.e., ear, skin, or fine needle aspirate), blood smears, and fecal samples.

Fast results mean prompt and precise care—depending on your pet’s diagnosis we can often begin treatment right away.

Our state-of-the-art diagnostic technology allows us to go deeper by exploring your pet’s health beyond the physical exam. By visualizing unseen structures and measuring their function, we can make an efficient and accurate diagnosis—saving valuable time during a sick pet emergency and identifying early disease in seemingly healthy pets.

Wellness blood work

Blood work isn’t only for sick pets. Wellness blood work is recommended for healthy adult pets as a way to detect disease as early as possible—sometimes months or years before visible signs appear. Early diagnosis allows us to intervene with more effective, less invasive, and often less costly treatment. Normal blood work results are equally valuable as they create a baseline that our veterinarians can use as a reference if your pet becomes sick in the future.

Our in-house laboratory can provide recommended wellness testing such as:

Complete blood count (CBC) — This test assesses your pet’s red and white blood cell count, cell size and shape, platelets, hemoglobin, and their blood concentration. The CBC can identify anemia, infection, inflammation, dehydration, and some cancers.

General chemistry profile — The chemistry evaluates your pet’s organ function including the kidneys, liver, and pancreas.

Urinalysis — The urinalysis is particularly beneficial in senior pets to assess the kidney’s ability to filter toxins and glucose, which can be present in diabetic pets.

For specialized or advanced testing, we partner with large external veterinary reference laboratories to ensure no stone is left unturned when it comes to your pet’s diagnosis.

Digital radiography

When we need to see beyond the surface, digital radiography (i.e., X-ray) provides a clear and convenient computerized image of your pet’s internal structures—including their bones, joints, heart, lungs, and abdominal organs. Compared to traditional X-rays, digital radiography reduces your pet’s radiation exposure because images can be edited and adjusted on a screen after the initial exposure—rather than having to be retaken. Digital radiographs can easily be shared with a radiologist if a specialist’s opinion is needed.