The Value of In-House Lab Work for Your Pet’s Health

At Summit Veterinary Care, we are proud to serve the Northern Virginia community with thoughtful, high-quality veterinary care in a warm and welcoming environment. We believe that great medicine starts with clarity, communication, and timely answers. That’s why we’ve invested in advanced in-house laboratory technology: so we can better understand your pet’s health in real time and make informed decisions when it matters most.

What Is In-House Lab Work?

In-house lab work means we can run diagnostic tests right here in our hospital, rather than sending samples out to an external laboratory. This allows our team to evaluate your pet’s health quickly and accurately, often during the same visit!

When your pet isn’t feeling well, time matters. Having immediate access to diagnostic results helps us begin treatment sooner, reduce uncertainty, and provide a more seamless, less stressful experience for both you and your pet.

Why It Matters

Pets can’t tell us how they’re feeling, so diagnostics play a crucial role in understanding what’s happening beneath the surface. In-house lab work allows us to:

• Detect illness earlier
• Monitor ongoing conditions
• Evaluate organ function
• Ensure your pet is safe for anesthesia or surgery
• Quickly assess urgent or emergency situations

Instead of waiting days for results, we’re often able to review findings with you during your appointment and talk through next steps together.

Our Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities

At Summit Veterinary Care, we use trusted technology from IDEXX Laboratories to provide accurate and reliable results. Our in-house lab allows us to perform a wide range of diagnostic tests, including:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
 A CBC evaluates your pet’s red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This test helps us detect infections, inflammation, anemia, and other underlying conditions.

Blood Chemistry Panel (Chemistry)
 This test gives us insight into organ function, including the liver, kidneys, and electrolyte balance. It’s an essential tool for both routine wellness screenings and diagnosing illness.

Coagulation Testing (PT/PTT)
 These tests assess your pet’s ability to clot blood properly. They are especially important before surgical procedures or if there are concerns about bleeding disorders.

Cortisol Testing & Endocrine Diagnostics
 Hormonal imbalances can have a major impact on your pet’s health. We offer in-house cortisol testing, including:

• ACTH Stimulation Testing – used to diagnose and monitor conditions like Addison’s disease and Cushing’s disease
• Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression (LDDS) Testing – a key diagnostic tool for identifying Cushing’s disease

These tests allow us to evaluate how your pet’s adrenal glands are functioning and guide precise, individualized treatment plans.

Cytology Testing (Ear, Skin, and Blood Cytology)
 Using the IDEXX inVue Dx Analyzer, we can examine samples at a microscopic level with enhanced digital imaging and AI-assisted analysis. This technology helps us quickly identify bacteria, yeast, inflammation, and other cellular changes in ear infections, skin conditions, and blood samples, often within minutes. Faster identification means faster, more targeted treatment for your pet.

A Better Experience for You and Your Pet

We know that veterinary visits can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when your pet isn’t feeling their best. Our in-house lab is part of how we create a more supportive, efficient experience.

With faster answers, we can:

• Reduce the need for multiple visits
• Begin treatment sooner
• Keep you informed every step of the way

We take the time to explain results in a way that makes sense, so you always feel confident about your pet’s care plan.

Partnering in Your Pet’s Health

At Summit Veterinary Care, caring for your pet is an ongoing journey that goes beyond just a single visit. Diagnostics like in-house lab work allow us to be proactive, not just reactive, and to support your pet through every stage of life.

Whether your pet needs routine screening or immediate medical attention, our team is here to provide answers, guidance, and compassionate care when you need it most.