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What it is
Diagnosis starts here
Veterinary clinical analysis is the most objective diagnostic tool available. Where a physical examination reveals signs, tests give numbers: concrete values on the state of each organ, the immune system and hormonal balance.
At Rovira Veterinary Clinic, in Gràcia, Barcelona, we work with reference laboratories and process samples quickly so treatment can begin as soon as possible.
What we test
Types of analysis we carry out
Blood
Complete blood panel
Full blood count and serum biochemistry. Evaluates the state of the main organs — liver, kidneys, pancreas — the immune system, and levels of glucose, proteins and electrolytes. Essential before anaesthesia and in monitoring chronic conditions.
Urine
Urinalysis & sediment
Detection of infections, crystals, proteins and glucose in urine. Fundamental for diagnosing renal disease, cystitis, diabetes and Cushing's syndrome. Can be completed with culture and antibiogram.
Cells & tissue
Cytology & microbiology
Analysis of cells from skin, masses, fluids or body cavities. Allows orientation of diagnosis for tumours, infections and inflammatory conditions without needing a biopsy in many cases. Complemented by cultures and antibiograms when infection is present.
Specific diagnosis
Specific & hormonal tests
Measurement of thyroid hormones (T4), cortisol, insulin, vitamin B12, and infectious disease panels (leishmaniasis, ehrlichiosis, parvovirus, FIV/FeLV and others). Indicated when the general panel is not sufficient.
When we recommend it
In which situations do we request tests?
Preventive
Annual check & senior screening
In adult and senior pets we recommend periodic blood tests to detect subclinical changes before symptoms appear.
Pre-operative
Before any anaesthetic
We verify the patient can tolerate anaesthesia by assessing liver function, kidney function and general health before any procedure.
Diagnostic
Symptoms without a clear cause
When your pet is unwell but there is no clear diagnosis, blood tests are the first step to guide the investigation.
How we work
From sample to treatment plan
Receiving test results is not the end of the process — it is the beginning. What we do with that data — interpreting it, contextualising it and translating it into clinical decisions — is what makes the difference.
In Gràcia, Barcelona, we explain every result clearly, without unnecessary jargon, so you understand exactly what is happening with your pet and why we are recommending each treatment.
- 1 Clinical assessment before sample collection
- 2 Sample collection with minimal stress to the animal
- 3 Immediate processing at a reference laboratory
- 4 Clinical interpretation of results by the vet
- 5 Results communicated with a detailed explanation
- 6 Action plan based on the findings
Frequently asked questions
What people ask us most about clinical analysis
How long does it take to get blood test results?
Basic blood count and biochemistry results are available within 24–48 working hours. Cultures and antibiograms take 3–7 days. Specific hormonal tests may take 2–5 days depending on the parameter.
Does my pet need to fast before the blood test?
For a full blood panel with biochemistry we recommend a 6–8 hour fast, as some parameters such as glucose and triglycerides are affected by recent food intake. Fasting is not required for urinalysis or cytology.
How often should my pet have blood tests?
In healthy adult animals, once a year is sufficient as a preventive check. From age 7–8 we recommend every 6 months. In patients with chronic conditions or on certain medications, we set the frequency on a case-by-case basis.
What does a blood test show that a physical examination cannot?
A physical examination detects external signs: weight, temperature, heart rate, pain on palpation. Blood tests access what cannot be seen or felt: the state of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, immune system and hormone levels. They are complementary, not mutually exclusive.
Can I request just a blood test without a prior consultation?
We always carry out a brief clinical assessment before taking samples to make sure we order the right tests for each case. A blood test without clinical context can give results that are difficult to interpret or may miss the most relevant parameters.
What is an antibiogram and when is it needed?
An antibiogram identifies which antibiotics are effective against a specific bacterium. We request one when there is an active infection and we want to ensure we treat with the correct antibiotic — especially for recurrent infections or those resistant to previous treatments.
Need a blood test or unsure which panel to request?
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