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Test Results

Most test results come back within a week or so

Bloodwork/Urinalysis

Radiographs (x-rays)

Ultrasound

Computed Tomography (CT/CAT scan)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Cytology (Fine needle aspirate)

Biopsy (histopathology)

Culture and Sensitivity

Stone Analysis

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Bloodwork/Urinalysis

  • Complete Blood Counts, Serum Chemistry, and many in-house tests can be back within minutes to a few hours
  • Some types of tests sent out will be back in a day or two
  • Other tests may take a few weeks for final results

Imaging

  • Radiographs (X-rays)
    • Standard films generally only take minutes if they can be done on an unsedated pet
    • Films requiring sedation or anesthesia may take an hour or two to coordinate
      • Myelogram
      • Excretory urogram (aka Intravenous Pyelogram - IVP)
    • A barium series / upper GI contrast study will take several hours, and sometimes the final film is taken the next day
    • Radiologist review
      • If your films are sent to a radiologist to review, the report will not be back for a few hours, and possibly not until the next day
  • Ultrasound
    • 5 to 30+ minutes depending on the extent of the study; however, the timing when the study can be performed often must be worked into a doctor's busy schedule
    • If your films are sent to a radiologist or internal medicine specialist to review, the report will not be back for a few hours, and possibly not until the next day
  • Computed Tomography
    • Studies may take minutes or several hours.
    • Top of the line Vimago CT (available at the Animal Emergency and Referral Center), a study may literally take under a minute.
      • Your pet will need only light sedation rather full general anesthesia.
    1. If your films are sent to a radiologist to review, the final report will not be back for several hours, and possibly not until the next day
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
    • With the low-field magnets used by all of the MRI's in the veterinary hospitals in Brevard County, the studies may take several hours and result in limited diagnostic ability.
    • High-field magnet MRI studies are much more rapid and diagnostic.
      • Available at the University of Florida and other veterinary hospitals within a few hours.
      • Human MRIs are high field magnets, but most are unwilling to allow animals in their facilities. Maybe you have a connection that can facilitate this?

Cytology (fine needle aspirate, smears, or scrapings of cells on a slide)

  • In-house cytology can yield results in minutes
  • Samples sent to an outside laboratory should generally yield results within a day, but sometimes it is longer

Histopathology (biopsy samples sent to a pathologist)

  • Results are often available within 3-5 days. 
  • Stat results may expedite things by a day, but there are limitations, as the tissue has to fix/harden in formalin for a period of time before it can even be sectioned/cut and evaluated by the pathologist.
  • Bone and hard/calcified tissue may take 7-10 days to process
  • Immunohistochemistry, Special Stains, and other advanced testing may take a couple weeks more.

Culture and Sensitivity (testing for the presence of bacteria (or other organisms) and identifying which antimicrobials are appropriate

  • Prelimary results are often available within 3 days
  • Final results are usually available in 7 days
  • Fungal cultures may take 4 weeks to be deemed negative

Calculi (stone) analysis (generally for urinary bladder, gall bladder, or kidney stones)

  • University of Minnesota offers FREE testing, though it generally takes 12-18 days for a result. 
  • Free does not include shipping.
  • Faster results can be obtained elsewhere, but at additional cost

Generally speaking, if you are expecting results and have not heard back within a week, contact Dr. Christiansen to find out when you should expect answers

Contact

Superior Veterinary Surgical Solutions


Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital - (321) 752-7600

Please ask for Dr. Christiansen specifically to make sure you see me!

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "My Labradoodle, LuLu, needed knee surgery. Her health is my top priority, so I researched Veterinary Surgeons, and Dr. Christiansen was highly recommended to me. My experience with him has been wonderful, and Lulu loves him. His demeanor with her was so compassionate, you could really see how much he cares about animals.

    Lulu is fully recovered from her surgery, yet I still look to Dr. Christiansen as a source of advice and expertise regarding Lulu's well being."
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