In-House Lab

The Cat Clinic of Johnson County has a fully automated in-house lab to insure both quick and accurate diagnosis of many medical conditions that occur in cats. We also utilize the services of a couple of outside laboratories to run a certain series of tests that may be required on occasion. Most in-house results are ready within minutes after samples are drawn, which allows us to perform most surgeries, treatments, etc. the same day. Other results are usually available within 24 hours. This helps us get timely information to our clients so that with your input we can make quicker and more educated decisions regarding the care of your cat.

Some of the in-house tests done on a regular basis are:

• Feline leukemia/Feline Immunodeficiency “combo” test: This blood test is two tests in one and checks for the presence of two often fatal, infectious, viral diseases in your cat. The feline leukemia virus (FELV) and the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). This takes about 10 minutes.
• Feline Blood Screen: This is the most common blood screen performed before elective surgeries such as spays and neuters. This test screens for abnormalities in the liver and kidneys, as these are the organs that process the injectable drugs used for anesthesia. Should the values prove to be abnormal, surgery may be cancelled until these values are once again adequate.
• Urinalysis: This test examines the urine to look for infections of the upper (kidneys) and lower (bladder) urinary tract. A small sample of urine is examined both microscopically and chemically -- this test usually takes less than 10 minutes.
• Fungassay: Used to diagnose ringworm, a fungal infection. Affected hair samples are planted in a culture medium to stimulate fungal growth. If ringworm is present, a colony will grow and results will be ready in 3 days to 4 weeks.

These are just a few of the routine “in-house” tests that are used at the Cat Clinic. We also do other diagnostic testing, either in-house or by sending samples to an outside laboratory. If one of our doctors recommends a test that is not explained here, please ask her or one of the technicians about the test in detail before you leave. We want you to be fully aware and knowledgeable regarding any services we recommend for your cat.