Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

For veterinarians, researchers, and animal owners across Georgia, accurate and timely diagnostic services are the cornerstone of effective animal care. Whether it’s diagnosing a common illness in a beloved pet or identifying a new disease in a livestock herd, having access to a reliable, professional laboratory is crucial. The Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, a key component of the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has established itself as a premier resource in this field. Serving the entire state and beyond, this laboratory is a vital part of Georgia's animal health infrastructure, offering a comprehensive suite of services that are essential for safeguarding both animal and public health.

The Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is a sophisticated facility with a rich history, operating as one of two fully accredited laboratories in the Georgia Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories (GVDL) system. It is part of the University of Georgia (UGA) and a core member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), which means it plays a significant role in national disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness. For over two decades, the lab has been a trusted partner to veterinary clinics across the state, providing accurate and professional diagnostic services. As a medical laboratory, it is equipped with highly trained staff, including board-certified pathologists and infectious disease experts, who offer consultations both before and after sample submission. This level of expertise ensures that clients not only receive test results but also professional interpretation and guidance.

The lab's reputation is built on its commitment to quality, efficiency, and affordability. It is fully accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), an accreditation based on the internationally recognized ISO/IEC 17025 standard. This rigorous standard guarantees the competence of personnel, the proper function of equipment, and the accuracy of all tests and processes. For Georgian veterinarians and animal owners, this accreditation provides a high degree of confidence in the quality of the lab's services and the reliability of their test results.

The Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is located on the UGA campus at 501 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602. While it is attached to the main College of Veterinary Medicine building, it has a separate entrance at the rear, designed for convenient sample drop-offs. For those making a quick visit, there is short-term parking available along the curved curb next to the main entrance. For longer visits, the nearby Carlton Street deck is available.

The facility is designed with accessibility in mind, providing a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilet. This ensures that all visitors can navigate the building comfortably. Payment for services can be made with credit or debit cards, offering flexibility for clinics and individuals. The lab's location on a major university campus also provides an environment of continuous learning and access to cutting-edge research, which is a significant benefit to the diagnostic process.

The Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory offers a wide array of services for a variety of animal species, from companion pets to livestock and even aquatic and zoo animals. Their multidisciplinary labs are equipped to handle an extensive catalog of tests.

• Pathology and Necropsy: Comprehensive services including surgical biopsies and full-body necropsies to determine the cause of disease or death.
• Microbiology: Testing for a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that cause illness, including those involved in canine respiratory diseases and foreign animal diseases.
• Virology and Immunology: Specialized testing for viral diseases and immune system function.
• Parasitology: Identification of internal and external parasites.
• Molecular Diagnostics: Advanced molecular tests, such as PCR panels, for the rapid and specific detection of infectious agents.
• Toxicology: Analysis for the presence of toxins and poisons.
• Serology: Blood testing to detect antibodies or antigens to diagnose infectious diseases.
• Disease Surveillance: Participation in state and national surveillance programs to monitor the health of animal populations and prevent outbreaks.

This extensive list of services highlights the lab's role as a comprehensive diagnostic hub, providing veterinarians with the tools they need for an accurate diagnosis.

Choosing the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory comes with a host of significant features and highlights that make it a top-tier choice for animal health professionals and owners alike.

• Unwavering Professionalism and Accuracy: Client testimonials consistently praise the lab for its professionalism and accuracy, stating that they have been a trusted partner for over 20 years. This long-standing reputation is a powerful endorsement of their quality and reliability.
• Reasonable Pricing: The lab's commitment to offering services that are "reasonably priced" makes high-quality diagnostic testing accessible, which is a major benefit for both clinics and pet owners.
• Expert Staff and Consultation: The presence of board-certified pathologists and highly trained laboratory professionals means that the lab provides more than just results; they provide expert interpretation and consultation, helping veterinarians make informed decisions.
• National Accreditation: As a fully AAVLD accredited laboratory and a member of the NAHLN, the Athens lab operates at the highest level of national and international standards. This assures clients that the results are of the highest quality and can be trusted.
• Commitment to Public Health: The lab's involvement in disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness demonstrates a dedication to the health of the broader community, not just individual animals.
• Convenience and Accessibility: The easy-to-access location with dedicated parking for sample drop-offs and a fully accessible facility make the process of submitting samples simple and efficient.

These features all contribute to the lab's standing as a leading institution in animal diagnostics.

For more information or to send a sample for testing, you can contact the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory using the details below.

Address: 501 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA

Phone: (706) 542-5568

Mobile Phone: +1 706-542-5568

For veterinarians and animal owners in Georgia, what is truly worth choosing about the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is the confidence and peace of mind it provides. This is not just a commercial lab; it is an institution backed by the extensive resources and expertise of the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine. The stellar reviews from long-term clients who value the lab's accuracy, professionalism, and affordability speak for themselves. The lab’s role in public health and disease surveillance means that by using their services, you are also contributing to the health and safety of the larger animal population in the state.

The fact that the lab provides expert consultations and is equipped with advanced technology ensures that every sample is handled with the utmost care and precision. The ability to use a facility that is a part of the national animal health network offers a level of trust and reliability that is hard to match. They make it simple to get the answers you need, whether it's for a sick pet, a complex case in a veterinary clinic, or a herd-level issue on a farm. In essence, the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is an indispensable resource for anyone serious about animal health in Georgia, providing professional, accurate, and reasonably priced diagnostic services that make them an excellent choice.

Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

501 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA