Pet Blood Work in North Hills, Raleigh, NC, From Your Local Vet
In-house lab tests that turn guesses into answers, often the same day.
Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - North Hills is a vet in North Hills, Raleigh, that does blood work and lab testing for dogs and cats. Many tests run in the clinic's own lab, so results are often ready during the visit. Other tests are sent to an outside lab and come back in a few days.
Lab tests show what can't be seen or felt in an exam: how the kidneys and liver are working, whether there is infection, and whether parasites are present.
Call (984) 983-4900 or book online. Walk-ins are welcome.
What can blood work tell the vet?
At Petfolk North Hills, the most common blood tests are:
Complete blood count (CBC). Counts red cells, white cells and platelets to check for anemia, infection and clotting problems.
Chemistry panel. Checks kidney and liver values, blood sugar, protein and electrolytes (body salts).
Thyroid test. Often run for older cats that lose weight while eating well.
Heartworm and tick-borne disease test. Across Petfolk, this is the single most-ordered in-house lab test (Oct 2025 to Sep 2026).
Other common tests include a urinalysis for bladder and kidney problems, and a stool test for worms and other parasites.
When does my pet need lab tests?
The vet at Petfolk North Hills suggests lab work when the answer would change what happens next. Common times:
A sick pet, to find the cause of vomiting, weight loss, drinking more or low energy.
Before anesthesia, for surgery or a dental cleaning, to check that organs can handle it.
Senior wellness, once a year or more, to catch kidney, liver and thyroid changes early.
Long-term medicine, to check that the drug isn't stressing the liver or kidneys.
The yearly heartworm and tick test, important in a state with heartworm and Lone Star ticks.
Looked down her throat 2 times, felt her thyroid, took blood work, urine sample and all came back negative.
Rosalie M., Google review
A normal result is useful too. It rules things out and gives a baseline to compare against next year.
Why ticks make testing important in North Carolina
North Carolina ranked eighth for heartworm cases in the American Heartworm Society's 2025 incidence survey. The NC Division of Public Health says ehrlichiosis, a bacterial infection that affects both people and animals, is spread by Lone Star ticks found in North Carolina. Dogs who walk wooded trails or spend time in leafy backyards around North Raleigh can pick up ticks even on prevention. A yearly in-house test can catch exposure early, often before signs show.
How much does pet blood work cost?
Lab costs depend on which tests are run and whether they go to an outside lab. Petfolk North Hills always quotes tests first. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. Lab tests are added to an exam, and a wellness exam at Petfolk North Hills starts at $99, while a sick exam starts at $135.
Making the blood draw easy
Every Petfolk clinic uses Fear Free handling. The team draws blood with a gentle hold, uses treats and distraction, and can do it with your pet on a mat or in your lap. Ask whether your pet should skip breakfast before a lab visit, since some tests are more accurate after fasting.
For urine tests, bring a fresh sample in a clean container if you can, or the team can collect one at the clinic.
When results point to something serious
If lab results show a problem, the vet at Petfolk North Hills explains what it means and the next steps the same day when possible. If your pet becomes weak, stops eating and drinking, or collapses while you wait for results, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as BluePearl Pet Hospital on Paragon Park Road in Raleigh.
See also heartworm testing in North Hills and senior pet care in North Hills.
Book lab work
Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - North Hills is at 631 E Six Forks Rd, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27609. Call (984) 983-4900, book online or walk in.
Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - North Hills, or see all veterinary services in North Hills.
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Lab testing in North Hills