In-House Laboratory in ApopkaIn-House Veterinary Laboratory in Apopka, FL

When your pet is sick, every hour counts. At Pet Xpert Animal Clinic, our in-house veterinary laboratory allows Dr. Alex to run diagnostic tests right here at our clinic — delivering faster results, faster answers, and faster treatment for your pet. From routine bloodwork and heartworm testing to feline leukemia and FIV screening, we have the diagnostic capability to assess your pet’s internal health without sending samples to an outside lab. Call (407) 886-7387 to schedule an appointment today.

Fast, Accurate In-House Pet Diagnostics

Internal health issues are often invisible from the outside. A pet can appear relatively normal while experiencing significant changes in organ function, blood cell counts, or infection markers. Laboratory diagnostics allow Dr. Alex to look beneath the surface and get a complete picture of what’s happening inside your pet’s body — guiding accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

At Pet Xpert Animal Clinic in Apopka, FL, our in-house laboratory capabilities mean we can perform many diagnostic tests on the same day as your visit. This is especially important in urgent or emergent situations, where quick results can make a life-saving difference. Rather than waiting days for an outside lab to return results, our team can often have findings available within minutes to hours of collection.

Our in-house lab is capable of running a wide range of tests, including:

  • Complete blood count (CBC) — evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to detect anemia, infection, and inflammation
  • Blood chemistry panels — assesses organ function including kidney, liver, and pancreatic health, as well as glucose and electrolyte levels
  • Heartworm testing — detects the presence of heartworm antigen in dogs; essential for annual prevention protocols and diagnosis
  • Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and FIV testing — important screening for cats, particularly those with outdoor access or exposure to other cats
  • Urinalysis — evaluates kidney function, detects urinary tract infections, diabetes indicators, and other conditions
  • Fecal parasite testing — checks for intestinal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, giardia, and coccidia
  • Pre-anesthetic bloodwork — a critical safety measure performed before any procedure requiring anesthesia or sedation

Having these diagnostics available in-house is a key part of our commitment to comprehensive, efficient care. It also works seamlessly alongside our other services — bloodwork results combined with findings from our digital X-ray system and EKG monitoring give Dr. Alex a thorough view of your pet’s health before recommending any surgical or medical intervention.

Annual lab work is strongly recommended as part of every pet’s wellness exam. Baseline values established in healthy years make it much easier to identify abnormal changes early — when conditions are most treatable. We especially recommend annual bloodwork for senior pets, pets on long-term medications, and any animal scheduled for anesthesia. Ask Dr. Alex which lab panels are right for your pet at your next visit.

In-House Laboratory FAQs

What types of lab tests can you run at Pet Xpert Animal Clinic?

Our in-house laboratory can run complete blood counts (CBC), comprehensive blood chemistry panels, heartworm tests, FeLV and FIV tests for cats, urinalysis, fecal parasite screenings, and pre-anesthetic bloodwork. For complex or specialized testing, we can also send samples to an outside reference laboratory when needed.

Why is in-house lab testing better than sending samples to an outside lab?

In-house testing means faster results — often within the same appointment. This is especially valuable for sick pets who need treatment quickly, or for pre-surgical patients who need bloodwork clearance before going under anesthesia. Faster results mean faster diagnoses and faster care for your pet.

How often should my pet have bloodwork done?

We recommend annual bloodwork as part of your pet’s yearly wellness exam. Senior pets (generally 7 years and older for dogs and cats) benefit from twice-yearly testing to monitor for age-related changes. Establishing baseline values while your pet is healthy makes it much easier to spot deviations early.

Is pre-anesthetic bloodwork really necessary?

Yes — and we strongly recommend it for all pets undergoing anesthesia. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork screens for hidden conditions like kidney or liver dysfunction that could make anesthesia risky. It helps Dr. Alex customize the anesthetic protocol to minimize risk and ensure the safest possible experience for your pet during any surgical procedure.

Can you test for heartworm at your clinic?

Yes. We perform in-house heartworm antigen testing for dogs. Annual heartworm testing is recommended for all dogs, even those on year-round prevention, to verify the medication is working and to catch any early infections. Heartworm disease in Florida is a year-round risk due to our warm climate and active mosquito population. Learn more about our heartworm and flea preventative options.

What is FeLV and FIV testing, and why does my cat need it?

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are serious viral diseases that can significantly shorten a cat’s life expectancy. FeLV spreads through direct contact with infected cats; FIV is primarily transmitted through bite wounds. Testing is recommended for all new kittens, cats with unknown history, and cats that go outdoors or have exposure to other cats.

Do you test for intestinal parasites?

Yes. Our fecal parasite testing screens for common intestinal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, giardia, and coccidia. Annual fecal testing is recommended for all pets, as many intestinal parasites are zoonotic — meaning they can be transmitted to humans. This is especially important in households with young children, elderly individuals, or immunocompromised family members.