OUR SERVICES - PATHOLOGY
IN-HOUSE BLOOD TESTING
Blood tests provide valuable insights into your pet’s health. At Toukley Vet Clinic, our in-house laboratory allows us to test blood samples on-site and deliver fast results, helping us make informed decisions about your pet’s care.
Blood tests can give us a wealth of information about your pet’s health
Our Central Coast vets assess dehydration, kidney function, liver changes, and blood cell health to diagnose underlying issues and deliver better care for your pet.
What happens when we take a blood sample?
We usually collect blood from the jugular vein in your pet’s neck. This vein is large, which lets us take a good sample quickly. Fast collection matters because blood begins to clot when exposed to air, and that can affect test results.
Most pets stay calmer when we use the jugular vein, but if needed, we can take a smaller sample from a vein in the leg.
After collecting the blood, we apply pressure to the vein for about a minute to prevent bruising—though this can be tricky with wriggly patients!
We place the blood into tubes based on the tests needed. Our in-house lab handles most tests, but we send some samples to an external lab if they require specialised equipment.
