Laboratory Partnerships | Internationally Recognized Pet Diagnostics | Petcore Veterinary Clinic

*Disclaimer: The following information is for reference only. If your pet shows signs of illness or symptoms, please consult a veterinarian promptly for assessment and recommended testing.

In veterinary medicine, "accurate diagnosis" relies heavily on comprehensive, reliable, and traceable laboratory results. Petcore Veterinary Clinic maintains close partnerships with PathLab Medical Laboratories and Australia's Animal DNA Laboratory to provide clients with a wide range of internationally recognized diagnostic services. These collaborations help our veterinarians identify underlying causes more effectively, enabling tailored treatment plans and long-term health management strategies. [web:75][web:66][web:77]

Why is Laboratory Testing Important? (The Role of Diagnostics)

Many pet diseases present with similar early symptoms. For example, "lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in urination" could simultaneously indicate gastroenteritis, hepatobiliary issues, kidney disease, pancreatitis, endocrine disorders, infections, or toxicity. Through laboratory testing, veterinarians can differentiate between these possibilities using data, reducing the risks associated with trial-and-error treatments and ensuring timely referrals for imaging or specialist assessment when necessary.

For pet owners, lab reports also help establish a "health baseline," particularly for middle-aged to senior pets or those with chronic conditions. This facilitates future comparison of indicators, allowing for early detection of deteriorating trends and adjustments to medication or diet.

Our Laboratory Partners

PathLab Medical Laboratories

Established in 1975, PathLab Medical Laboratories is a leading diagnostic provider. It has been noted for its accreditation under the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) for ISO 15189 (Medical Testing), covering multiple testing disciplines. [web:66]

PathLab also offers molecular testing (PCR) services relevant to veterinary needs. Their information indicates that molecular testing can be applied to detect viruses, parasites, and bacteria, supporting the diagnosis and management of various clinical conditions. [web:72]

Animal DNA Laboratory (Australia)

Based in Australia, the Animal DNA Laboratory is dedicated to providing animal DNA testing services for breeders and pet owners, catering to needs related to genetics, pedigree verification, and specific hereditary traits. [web:77]

Common Laboratory Services (Arranged as Needed)

1) Basic Health Check (Blood / Urine)

Basic blood tests (such as Complete Blood Count, liver and kidney profiles, electrolytes, blood glucose) and urinalysis help assess organ function, inflammation or infection risks, hydration status, and the need for further imaging or specialist review. These are also crucial for pre-surgical assessment, long-term medication monitoring, and tracking chronic diseases.

2) Endocrine and Metabolic Testing

If a pet shows signs like "increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss despite good appetite, or poor energy," veterinarians may recommend hormone or metabolic testing to rule out diabetes, thyroid issues, adrenal gland disorders, etc. These tests are typically interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and other indicators.

3) Infectious Disease / Pathogen Testing (PCR / Serology)

When a pet presents with persistent fever, anemia, respiratory symptoms, gastroenteritis, neurological signs, or infection risks within a group (multi-pet households / boarding / new pet introduction), veterinarians may suggest pathogen testing. PathLab’s veterinary molecular testing information highlights that molecular tests are applicable for viral, parasitic, and bacterial detection. [web:72]

4) Allergy Testing (Case-Dependent)

For cases of chronic itching, recurrent ear infections, seasonal flare-ups, or suspected environmental/food triggers, allergy assessments may be required in conjunction with clinical history. Some laboratory test lists include examples of items related to common allergens affecting cats and dogs. [web:78]

5) DNA / Genetic Testing (Pedigree, Hereditary, Breeding)

DNA testing is a practical tool for breeding management, pedigree confirmation, hereditary disease risk assessment, or understanding specific genetic traits. The Animal DNA Laboratory mentions providing animal DNA testing services to meet the needs of breeders and owners. [web:77]

Submission Process (General Reference)

Before Visit: Preparation and Observation Records

• Record symptom onset, frequency, and severity (e.g., frequency of vomiting, stool consistency, presence of blood).
• Note changes in water intake/urination, weight trends, energy levels, and appetite.
• Inform us of any recent medications, supplements, diet changes, vaccination history, or travel/boarding history.

During Visit: Assessment and Recommendations

Testing isn't about "doing everything," but about "being targeted." Veterinarians will recommend the most appropriate test combination based on physical examination findings, clinical history, and risk factors, explaining the purpose and potential results of each test to the owner.

Sampling and Submission: Ensuring Sample Quality

Common samples include blood, urine, feces, swabs (oral/nasal/ear), skin scrapings, or hair. Different tests require specific preservation methods and timing. The clinic handles samples according to partner laboratory requirements to minimize errors caused by contamination or degradation.

Report Interpretation: Context is Key

A slight variation in the same indicator may have different meanings for pets of different ages, breeds, or chronic disease backgrounds. Therefore, reports must be interpreted alongside symptoms, imaging results, and response to treatment to formulate the best management and follow-up plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is laboratory testing mandatory?

Not necessarily, but when symptoms recur, persist, or involve risks to organ function (e.g., kidney/liver issues, anemia, persistent fever), testing provides clearer direction, making treatment more evidence-based.

Q2: Why send samples to external laboratories?

Some tests are specialized (e.g., specific PCR panels, certain hormones, genetic tests) and require specific equipment and quality control processes. Partnering with accredited laboratories allows us to offer a broader range of tests and meet international reporting standards. PathLab mentions its ISO 15189 accreditation and multi-disciplinary testing capabilities. [web:66]

Q3: How long does it take to get results?

It depends on the test type: general blood/urine tests are often faster; specialized PCR or DNA tests typically take longer. Actual turnaround times are subject to clinic arrangements and partner laboratory workflows.

Q4: Does a normal result mean everything is definitely fine?

Not always. Some diseases may not reflect in indicators during early stages or may require specific tests to capture. If symptoms persist, veterinarians may recommend re-testing, additional panels, or proceeding with imaging/specialist approaches.

Inquiries and Appointments

To learn more about available laboratory services, suitable test combinations for your pet, submission arrangements, and precautions, please call our clinic during office hours. Through our partnerships with PathLab Medical Laboratories and Australia's Animal DNA Laboratory, we aim to bring more comprehensive, diverse, and internationally recognized diagnostic services to every pet owner. [web:75][web:66][web:77]