VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC TESTING LIBRARY
Understand the test.
Understand the reason.
Learn why your veterinarian may recommend a test, what it can contribute, how to prepare and why results must be interpreted in the context of the individual animal.
Start with routine wellness diagnostics: an overview →TESTING SUPPORTS CLINICAL DECISIONS
Results are pieces of a larger picture.
Species, age, examination findings, medical history, medications, diet and trends over time all influence what a test means. These guides are designed to improve conversations—not teach owners to diagnose from numbers.
DIAGNOSTIC CATEGORY
Blood and laboratory
Complete Blood Count
A blood-cell assessment that helps veterinarians investigate anemia, inflammation, infection, clotting-related concerns and overall patient health.
Understand this test →OWNER EDUCATIONBlood Chemistry Panel
A group of blood measurements that helps evaluate kidney-related values, liver-related values, glucose, proteins, minerals and metabolic patterns.
Understand this test →OWNER EDUCATIONElectrolyte Testing
Testing of minerals such as sodium, potassium and chloride that help regulate hydration, muscle activity, nerve signaling and heart rhythm.
Understand this test →DIAGNOSTIC CATEGORY
Urine and parasite testing
Urinalysis
An examination of urine concentration, chemistry and microscopic sediment that complements bloodwork and helps investigate urinary and systemic disease.
Understand this test →OWNER EDUCATIONFecal Testing
Stool testing that helps detect intestinal parasites, Giardia and other concerns using methods selected for the animal’s history and risk.
Understand this test →OWNER EDUCATIONHeartworm Testing
Blood-based testing used to detect or assess heartworm infection, interpreted according to species, exposure history and preventive use.
Understand this test →OWNER EDUCATIONMicrofilaria Testing
Laboratory evaluation for microscopic immature heartworm stages circulating in the blood, used together with other heartworm information.
Understand this test →FeLV / FIVFeline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Testing
Blood testing that helps evaluate exposure to two important feline viruses while accounting for age, vaccination history and the limitations of individual results.
Understand this test →DIAGNOSTIC CATEGORY
Imaging
Radiographs (X-rays)
Imaging that helps evaluate bones, chest structures, abdominal patterns, heart silhouette and other anatomy when there is a relevant clinical question.
Understand this test →OWNER EDUCATIONUltrasound
Sound-wave imaging used to examine soft tissues, abdominal organs, fluid and other structures that may not be well characterized on radiographs.
Understand this test →CTComputed Tomography
Advanced cross-sectional imaging that can provide detailed views of complex anatomy when routine radiographs are insufficient.
Understand this test →MRIMagnetic Resonance Imaging
Advanced imaging that uses magnetic fields to evaluate selected neurologic, spinal and soft-tissue concerns.
Understand this test →DIAGNOSTIC CATEGORY
Heart and circulation
Blood Pressure Measurement
Noninvasive assessment of circulation that can help monitor kidney disease, endocrine disease, eye changes and other conditions.
Understand this test →ECGElectrocardiogram
A recording of the heart’s electrical activity used to evaluate heart rhythm, rate and selected conduction problems.
Understand this test →OWNER EDUCATIONEchocardiography
Specialized ultrasound imaging that evaluates heart structure, chamber size, valve movement, function and blood flow.
Understand this test →DIAGNOSTIC CATEGORY
Cells, tissue and infection
Cytology
Microscopic examination of individual cells collected from a lump, skin, ear, fluid or another site.
Understand this test →OWNER EDUCATIONHistopathology and Biopsy
Microscopic examination of tissue architecture by a pathologist, often providing more information than a sample of isolated cells.
Understand this test →OWNER EDUCATIONCulture and Sensitivity Testing
Laboratory testing that helps identify certain bacteria and determine which antimicrobial medications may be effective.
Understand this test →Source-backed veterinary education
American Animal Hospital Association clinical guidelinesLife-stage assessment, preventive care and diagnosis guidance for veterinary teams. ↗Companion Animal Parasite Council general guidelinesFecal examination methods, parasite testing and risk-based screening recommendations. ↗Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine feline health resourcesUniversity-reviewed explanations of feline disease, diagnostics and owner observations. ↗Choosing tests that answer different questions
Diagnostic tests are complementary tools rather than a ranking in which the most advanced test is always best. An examination and history help define the question first. Cell tests, organ-related chemistry, urine findings, images, and tissue samples each provide a different view. The useful next step depends on what remains uncertain and whether the answer could change treatment. Ask about preparation, limitations, and how follow-up will assess the response.
Routine care can identify hidden changes
A wellness examination evaluates body condition, comfort, and species-relevant structures alongside the owner's history. Tests are selected according to the patient, exposure, and clinical question rather than an identical package for every animal. The visit is also an opportunity to review diet, housing, prevention, and a practical emergency plan. Bring current product labels and treatment records. An outwardly healthy animal can benefit from a baseline, while a new concerning change should be assessed without waiting for the next scheduled routine visit.
Collect samples for the question being asked
A useful specimen depends on the test, collection method, freshness, storage, and contamination. Ask the clinic what is needed before collecting urine, stool, water, tissue, or other material. Mark the collection time and relevant history, and follow transport instructions. A convenient home sample may answer one question while a differently collected sample is needed for another. Do not postpone care for an unstable animal while trying to obtain a perfect specimen; the team can arrange an appropriate collection when safe.