A sick pet and no answers is one of the most helpless feelings a pet owner can face. At Eastwaye Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Symphony Roberson, DVM, and our veterinary team work to change that by offering on-site blood testing through our in-house laboratory, so you are not left waiting days to find out what is wrong. We process blood samples right here at the clinic, often delivering results within the hour. That speed allows us to act quickly, start treatment sooner, and give your pet a stronger chance at feeling better fast.
In-House Laboratory
Why Blood Testing Is a Standard in Veterinary Diagnostics
Blood testing has become a cornerstone of modern veterinary medicine because it provides objective, measurable data that a physical exam alone cannot. A pet can appear stable on the outside while an organ is under stress, an infection is building, or blood sugar is dangerously out of range. Blood work closes that gap by giving veterinarians a direct look at what is happening internally.
Veterinarians rely on blood panels because they cover a broad diagnostic range in a single test. A complete blood count (CBC) measures red and white blood cells and platelets, reflecting immune function and oxygen delivery. Chemistry panels assess organ health, hormone and electrolyte balance, blood sugar, cholesterol, and digestive enzyme levels. Screening for diseases, infections, and parasites is also part of the process. Together, these markers either confirm a diagnosis or identify areas that need further investigation, making blood testing one of the most efficient diagnostic tools in veterinary care.
Benefits of In-House Laboratory
Stress-Free Testing for Your Pet
Veterinary visits can be stressful enough for animals without adding the uncertainty of off-site sample handling. Because we process blood work right here at the clinic, your pet goes through the process once, with no repeat trips, no prolonged waiting, and no unnecessary disruptions to their routine. A calmer experience during testing also means more reliable results, since stress hormones can affect certain blood values.
Reliable Results You Can Act On
Our in-house laboratory equipment is calibrated specifically for veterinary diagnostics, which means the results we receive are precise and clinically relevant. There is no risk of sample degradation from transport or delays caused by a third-party facility’s workload. When Dr. Roberson reviews your pet’s blood panel, she is working from data that is accurate, timely, and ready to inform a real treatment decision.
Catch Hidden Conditions Before They Worsen
Some of the most serious health conditions in pets, including kidney disease, diabetes, and liver disorders, show up in blood work well before any visible symptoms appear. Routine blood testing gives our veterinary team the opportunity to identify these changes early, when treatment options are broader and outcomes tend to be better. Acting on early indicators is far less disruptive to your pet’s health than responding to a condition that has already progressed.
A Clearer Baseline for Long-Term Health Tracking
Every pet has a unique biological makeup, and what is normal for one animal may not be normal for another. Running blood panels consistently over time builds a personalized reference point for your pet, making it easier to spot meaningful shifts in their values. This long-term data is especially useful as pets age, helping our team distinguish between expected changes and signs that warrant closer attention.
Supports Accurate Medication Dosing
Certain medications place demands on the liver, kidneys, and other organs responsible for processing them. Blood work allows our team to monitor how well your pet’s body is handling a prescribed medication and whether any adjustments are needed. This is particularly important for pets on long-term treatments, where the right dosage can make a significant difference in both effectiveness and safety.
How We Use Our In-House Laboratory to Diagnose Your Pet
Why Choose Us
Many pet owners have experienced the frustration of leaving a veterinary appointment without answers, told to wait for results from an outside lab before anything can be done. At Eastwaye Veterinary Clinic, that experience is not something you will encounter here. Our in-house laboratory keeps the entire diagnostic process contained within a single visit. Your pet is examined, blood is collected, results are analyzed, and a care plan is discussed, all without stepping foot outside our clinic or waiting on a third party.
Having everything under one roof also means our team maintains full oversight of your pet’s diagnostic data from start to finish. Dr. Roberson is the one reviewing the results, not a technician at a remote facility. That direct involvement allows for faster clinical decisions, more personalized interpretation of findings, and a level of continuity that is difficult to achieve when diagnostics are handled elsewhere. For pet owners who want straightforward, connected care without unnecessary gaps, our in-house laboratory is built with exactly that in mind.
Put Your Pet’s Health in Capable Hands Today!
Diagnostic care should not end the moment results are printed. Dr. Symphony Roberson, DVM, and the team at Eastwaye Veterinary Clinic are committed to being present at every stage, from the first blood draw to the follow-up panel that confirms your pet is on the right track. That kind of continuity is what separates a one-time visit from a care relationship that actually makes a difference in your pet’s long-term health.
Pet owners who want that level of involvement know where to find us. Book an appointment directly at 919.778.3058, and stay connected with our team on Facebook and Instagram, where we regularly share pet health tips, clinic news, and updates that keep you informed between visits.
FAQs
Does pet insurance cover blood tests?
Many pet insurance plans do cover diagnostic blood tests, though coverage depends on your specific policy and the reason for testing. Wellness plans often include routine blood panels, while accident and illness policies typically cover blood work ordered in response to a health concern. It is a good idea to review your policy details or contact your insurance provider before your visit. Our team can also provide itemized invoices to support your claim submission.
What is a pet blood test?
A pet blood test is a diagnostic tool that analyzes a sample of your animal’s blood to assess their overall health. It typically includes a complete blood count (CBC) and a biochemistry panel, which together reveal information about red and white blood cells, organ function, blood sugar, electrolytes, and more. Blood tests are used for routine wellness monitoring, illness diagnosis, pre-surgical screening, and medication safety checks. They are one of the most informative and non-invasive diagnostics available in veterinary medicine.
How to test a dog's blood sugar?
Testing a dog’s blood sugar requires a small blood sample, which a veterinarian collects, most commonly from a vein in the leg or neck. The sample is then analyzed using a glucose meter or run through a full blood chemistry panel. At-home glucose monitoring devices designed for pets are also available for dogs managing diabetes, but professional testing provides the most accurate and comprehensive results. Your veterinarian will guide you on the best approach for your dog’s specific needs.
Can a blood test detect epilepsy in dogs?
A blood test alone cannot diagnose epilepsy, but it plays an important role in the evaluation process. Blood work helps rule out underlying conditions such as liver disease, low blood sugar, or toxin exposure that can cause seizure-like symptoms. This process of elimination is a key step before an epilepsy diagnosis is made. Additional diagnostics such as neurological exams or imaging may be recommended if blood work does not identify a cause.
How to test blood sugar in cats?
Blood sugar in cats is measured using a small blood sample, typically drawn from the ear tip or a leg vein in a clinical setting. Veterinarians use a glucose analyzer or run a chemistry panel to get accurate readings. For cats already diagnosed with diabetes, at-home monitoring with a feline-specific glucose meter is sometimes recommended between clinic visits. Regular testing is essential for managing feline diabetes and adjusting insulin dosages safely and effectively.
How long does a cat blood test take?
When processed in an in-house laboratory like ours, cat blood test results are typically available within 30 to 60 minutes of sample collection. The actual blood draw itself takes only a few minutes and is minimally invasive for most cats. Results that are sent to an external laboratory may take one to three business days. At Eastwaye Veterinary Clinic, our in-house capabilities mean you rarely have to wait, so we can discuss findings and next steps during the same appointment.
