In-House Veterinary Laboratory in Copake Falls, NY
When your pet is sick, waiting days for lab results is the last thing you want. At Copake Veterinary Hospital in Copake Falls, NY , our fully equipped in-house laboratory allows us to run diagnostics right here in our clinic — delivering fast, accurate results so we can diagnose and begin treating your pet without unnecessary delay. From routine bloodwork to urgent diagnostic testing, our lab is a critical part of how we deliver high-quality care every day.
request an appointmentWhy In-House Lab Testing Matters
The speed and accuracy of diagnosis directly affect the quality of care your pet receives. When test results are available within minutes rather than days, our veterinarians can:
- Begin treatment sooner: Faster results mean less time in discomfort for your pet and a quicker path to recovery.
- Make more informed decisions: Having lab data during the appointment allows our veterinarians to adjust their assessment and treatment plan in real time.
- Monitor results over time: For pets with chronic conditions, regular in-house testing allows us to track trends and respond to changes quickly.
- Reduce stress for your pet: Your pet can receive diagnostic testing and treatment in a single visit rather than requiring multiple trips.
Diagnostic Tests Available In Our Laboratory
Our in-house laboratory is equipped to perform a comprehensive range of diagnostics, including:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) — Evaluates red and white blood cells and platelets to detect infection, anemia, immune disorders, and other systemic conditions.
Biochemistry (Blood Chemistry) Panel — Assesses organ function including kidney, liver, and pancreatic values, as well as blood glucose and electrolytes. Essential for diagnosing internal diseases and monitoring patients on medications.
Urinalysis — Evaluates kidney function, detects urinary tract infections, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
Fecal Testing — Screens for intestinal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Giardia, and Coccidia. We recommend routine fecal testing as part of your pet’s annual wellness exam.
Heartworm and Tick-Borne Disease Testing — Rapid in-house panels detect heartworm disease and common tick-transmitted diseases including Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichiosis.
Cytology — Microscopic evaluation of cells from the skin, ears, or masses to identify infections, inflammation, or abnormal cell types.
Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork — Performed before any procedure involving anesthesia — including surgery, dental cleanings, and spay/neuter — to assess organ function and ensure your pet is a safe candidate.
Supporting Every Stage of Your Pet’s Care
Our in-house lab supports nearly every aspect of what we do at Copake Veterinary Hospital. For sick patients, it helps us reach a diagnosis quickly. For surgical patients, it ensures pre-anesthetic safety. For chronic disease patients, it enables ongoing monitoring. And for healthy pets at annual visits, baseline bloodwork establishes normal values that make future comparisons more meaningful.
To schedule an appointment or ask about our laboratory services, call us at (518) 329-6161 or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our In-House Laboratory
Does Copake Veterinary Hospital have an in-house laboratory?
Yes. We have a fully equipped in-house laboratory that allows us to perform bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal testing, heartworm testing, cytology, and more right here at our Copake Falls, NY clinic. Results are typically available within minutes, allowing faster diagnosis and treatment.
When would my pet need laboratory testing?
Lab testing may be recommended during annual wellness exams, when your pet is ill or showing unusual symptoms, before surgery or dental procedures, when monitoring a chronic condition, or when starting or managing long-term medications. Our veterinarians will let you know when testing is appropriate for your pet.
What is a complete blood count and what does it check?
A complete blood count (CBC) measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your pet’s blood. It helps detect infection, anemia, immune system disorders, and other systemic conditions. It is one of the most common and informative tests in veterinary medicine.
What is a chemistry panel and why is it important?
A blood chemistry panel assesses organ function — specifically kidney, liver, and pancreatic health — as well as blood glucose and electrolyte levels. It is essential for diagnosing diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, liver disease, and Addison’s disease, and for monitoring pets on medications that can affect organ function.
Does my pet need bloodwork before surgery?
Yes. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is a standard safety requirement before any procedure involving anesthesia at Copake Veterinary Hospital. It confirms that your pet’s organ function is adequate to safely process anesthetic drugs. This is especially important in senior pets, though we recommend it for patients of all ages.
How do you test for parasites at Copake Veterinary Hospital?
We perform fecal flotation testing to detect intestinal parasites and use in-house antigen testing for heartworm disease and common tick-borne diseases. We recommend annual fecal testing for all pets as part of routine preventative care and parasite prevention.
Can baseline bloodwork help even if my healthy pet seems fine?
Absolutely. Establishing a baseline panel for a healthy pet is one of the most valuable things you can do. When we have a record of your pet’s normal values, we are far better equipped to recognize subtle changes in future testing — often catching health problems at the earliest, most treatable stage.