Center for laboratory diagnostics

Our clinic’s laboratory performs a wide range of tests on your pets to quickly and efficiently determine the cause of the disease, as well as for preventive health check-ups.

The tests (biochemical, morphological) we perform include urinalysis, microscopy, culture, faecal (coprological tests performed by several methods according to the identification of the desired causative agent) and cytological tests of the skin, fluid blood, biopsy. Urgent tests are carried out in the clinic with new and modern IDEXX laboratory equipment.  Tests requiring certificates, for example rabies titres, are sent to the National Institute for Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment (NIVRA). Our clinic also cooperates with the LABOKLIN research centre in Germany.

A biochemical blood test is a test that shows the activity and abnormalities of the internal organs (kidneys, adrenal glands, liver, thyroid gland, etc.).

Morphological (complete) blood count – an initial prophylactic blood composition test that shows the number, volume, shape and distribution of blood form elements (erythrocytes, platelets, leukocytes) by type.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) – a test carried out by taking bronchial swabs, examined cytologically to assess inflammatory cells, helminthiasis, neoplastic processes. In case of suspicion, PCR tests are carried out and sent to a German laboratory to differentiate possible viral agents and protozoa. 

A complete blood count also indicates possible inflammation and determines the level of inflammation, anaemia and, in certain cases, may allow the differentiation between infections of bacterial origin and viral origin. In the case of blood parasites, the haematological sample is also microscopically examined to confirm the diagnosis.

The urinalysis is a quick and effective way to assess pathologies of the kidneys and urinary tract. 

A general urinalysis determines urine acidity, ketones, relative density, leucocytes and bacteria (kidney and urinary tract infection), protein and glucose, blood, bilirubin and urobilinogen, colour, and detects or excludes crystalluria, if present. 

Coprological examination – examination of faeces for parasites, protozoa.

Faecal cytology indicates general microflora, pathogenic bacteria, inflammation, some protozoa.

DNA profile test is required to have a healthy litter.

Cytology – a method of examination using a microscope to examine smears of blood, secretions, mucous membranes, various abdominal/thoracic fluid punctures or cells from various organs and their surfaces.

Histopathological examination – a method of examination which examines the composition of tissues and structures of cells – most commonly used to confirm or clarify oncological diagnoses. 

Serological test used to diagnose diseases: rabies, plague, brucellosis, parvovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, rotavirus, leishmaniasis, giardiasis, heartworm.

Antibiogram – Bacteriological culture - to isolate bacterial cultures from urine, skin, wounds etc. This is used to identify aerobic and/or anaerobic bacteria, as well as antibiotic susceptibility culture, which determines the susceptibility of the bacterial colonies to a specific antibiotic.

Skin scrapings – examination of dandruff, hair, skin layers for subcutaneous parasites, hair texture analysis.

Fungal culture – cultures of skin lesions, hair – culture of specific dermatophyte media and microscopic examination to identify or exclude a specific fungal agent.

Modified Knott’s Test is performed to search for heartworms – PCR test available if required, and sent to a German laboratory to detect/identify the exact species of heartworms. 

Allergy test, determination of hormone levels – allergy test is performed if allergens cause health problems and discomfort to the pet (blood samples are sent to determine allergens). Determination of hormone levels in the pet’s blood. Thyroid hormone levels are important to assess thyroid function. Sex hormone progesterone test to determine the time of estrus and parturition in female pets.

Allergy test, determination of hormone levels - this type of examination is particularly important in dermatology. Allergy testing consists of several profiles, i.e., environmental and food, and can be carried out as broadly as the animal owner wishes and/or as recommended by the specialist veterinarian. This type of test requires special preparation, so before deciding to carry out this test, you should consult a dermatologist and/or a specialist in laboratory diagnostics, who will provide you with information on how to correctly prepare for the allergy test so that the results are as accurate as possible. 

Determination of hormone level is also very important in the case of endocrinological disorders, as well as dermatological diseases. We can offer a wide range of tests to check the activity of hormones in the adrenal, thyroid and sexual-reproductive systems. Some tests are carried out in collaboration with a German laboratory. 

Molecular testing is a sufficiently accurate test to identify the causative agent of a virus and/or pathogen, whether or not it is present in the test sample. We can offer a wide range of tests for both dogs and cats, and even for lizards and rodents. 

If you have any questions about our tests and/or would like to have your pet tested, please do not hesitate to contact one of our laboratory diagnostics specialists who will be happy to advise you.

Tumour markers – we can offer a range of tumour marker tests – such as AFP, CEA, AMH, etc. 

*If you suspect that your pet needs to be tested for an ailment, but you are not sure what type of test you should have, or you would like some advice, you can always ask our laboratory specialist at 8drambliailab@gmail.com and she will be sure to advise you.