NE Horse Labs

NE Horse Labs, also known as New England Horse Labs, is a dedicated equine specialty testing facility located at 7 Lenora St, Worcester, MA 01607, USA. Established in 1975 under its original name, DVM Labs, NE Horse Labs has over 40 years of experience serving the diagnostic needs of equine veterinarians across New England and throughout the continental United States. Their mission is to provide convenient and affordable testing services, coupled with excellent customer service, to assist veterinarians in caring for their equine patients.

You can contact NE Horse Labs by phone at (508) 757-9100 or via mobile at +1 508-757-9100. The lab is open 5 days a week, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for specimen drop-offs and pick-ups. They also offer weekend testing if needed, for client convenience, and it is best to call ahead for after-hours, weekend, or holiday drop-offs or pick-ups. Their mailing address for sending specimens is the same as their physical address.

NE Horse Labs operates out of a state-of-the-art facility in central Massachusetts. This facility is proudly USDA-APHIS inspected and approved, a critical accreditation that signifies adherence to rigorous national standards for animal health and safety. The USDA-APHIS approval ensures that the lab meets high benchmarks for quality control, laboratory practices, and biosecurity, providing veterinarians with confidence in the accuracy and reliability of their test results. While specific details on the interior aesthetics are not publicly detailed, the emphasis on "state-of-the-art" and "USDA-APHIS inspected and approved" points to a professional, clean, and technologically advanced laboratory environment designed for precise diagnostic work.

The strategic location in central Massachusetts allows NE Horse Labs to efficiently serve a wide geographic area. Their operational efficiency is also reflected in their daily routine testing and the availability of STAT services, ensuring timely results that are often crucial for managing equine health conditions. The process for submitting specimens is streamlined, requiring a completely filled-in form to accompany all samples, which helps in efficient processing.

NE Horse Labs is an equine specialty testing facility, meaning their services are highly focused and tailored to the unique diagnostic needs of horses and other large animals. Their primary offerings are crucial for compliance, disease management, and overall animal health monitoring.

• Coggins Testing (EIA): A cornerstone of their services, NE Horse Labs performs Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) tests, commonly known as Coggins tests. EIA is a federally regulated, viral disease of horses, and a negative Coggins test is often required for interstate travel, participation in shows, and changes of ownership. NE Horse Labs aims to provide fast turnaround times for Coggins results, with options for electronic results to expedite the process.
• Large Animal Fecal Testing: They specialize in fecal testing for a range of large animals, including:
  • Equine (Horses): This involves quantitative fecal analysis (McMaster's count) to identify common parasite species such as strongyle and roundworm and quantify the number of eggs per gram of feces. This information is vital for establishing baselines, monitoring the effectiveness of deworming programs, and guiding strategic deworming protocols to combat drug resistance.
  • Caprine (Goats): Fecal testing for goats helps identify and manage parasitic loads specific to these animals.
  • Ovine (Sheep): Similar to goats, fecal tests for sheep are crucial for parasite management within flocks.
  • Camelid (Llamas, Alpacas, etc.): NE Horse Labs also provides specialized fecal testing for camelids, addressing the unique parasitic challenges these animals may face.
• Diagnostic Insight: For fecal tests, while they effectively detect common intestinal parasites, they also advise that tapeworm and pinworm eggs are not commonly seen during routine fecal analysis and recommend consulting a veterinarian for specific tests if these parasites are suspected. They aim to empower veterinarians and horse owners with exact, counted numbers for accurate assessment of intestinal health.

NE Horse Labs' focus on these specific tests ensures a high level of expertise and efficiency in these critical diagnostic areas. They are a facility that supports veterinarians by providing the precise information needed for effective health management.

NE Horse Labs distinguishes itself through several key features that benefit its clientele, primarily equine veterinarians and, by extension, horse owners:

• Specialized Expertise: With over four decades in the business, the lab possesses deep expertise in equine and large animal diagnostics, particularly in Coggins testing and fecal analysis. This specialization means higher accuracy and efficiency in their core services.
• USDA-APHIS Approval: This accreditation is a strong indicator of the lab's commitment to quality, reliability, and adherence to federal standards, providing significant assurance to veterinarians relying on their results for regulatory compliance and health management.
• Convenience and Affordability: The lab prides itself on offering "convenient and affordable testing services." This is crucial for veterinary practices that manage many horses, allowing them to perform routine testing without excessive financial burden or logistical complexities.
• Fast Turnaround Times: Routine testing is performed daily, and STAT services are available, ensuring that veterinarians receive results promptly. This is especially important for pre-purchase exams, travel, or when dealing with active health issues.
• Dedicated Customer Service: NE Horse Labs emphasizes providing "the best customer service possible." This implies responsiveness, clear communication, and a willingness to assist veterinarians with their testing needs.
• Broad Reach: While based in Massachusetts, their services extend across the entire continental United States, making them a viable option for a wide network of equine veterinarians.

The facility serves as a vital resource within the equine health community, facilitating the health and movement of horses through accurate and timely diagnostic support. Their commitment to precise testing and customer service underscores their role as a trusted partner for veterinary practices.

NE Horse Labs primarily promotes itself through its dedication to affordability, convenience, and specialized service for veterinarians. While direct consumer promotions like those seen in companion animal hospitals are not typical for a specialized laboratory, their value proposition lies in supporting veterinary practices with cost-effective and efficient diagnostic tools. The lab highlights that it offers "convenient and affordable testing services" and "the best customer service possible" to assist veterinarians.

For veterinarians, the ease of sending specimens is key. NE Horse Labs provides specific instructions for sending samples, including requirements for Coggins blood (1ml clear serum), histopathology specimens (tissue in 10% buffered formalin), and fecals (5 grams of fresh feces in provided containers or zip-lock baggies). All specimens must be accompanied by a completely filled-in form. They also offer daily specimen pick-up for added convenience, further streamlining the process for busy veterinary practices.

The lab's website is a central hub for information on their services, contact details, and guidance on specimen submission. By providing clear communication and efficient logistical support for sample handling, NE Horse Labs makes it easier for veterinarians to integrate their diagnostic services into their practice, ultimately benefiting the health and welfare of horses and other large animals.