We recently added an in-house chemistry machine.  This will allow us to run a full blood chemistry panel in under 15 minutes.  You now have the option to have a pre-anesthetic blood screen run, which may reveal hidden organ problems which will allow us to delay the anesthesia/surgery or adapt our anesthetic regimen.   We can also use the unit to help make a quick diagnosis for sick pets, or for follow-up monitoring of sick pets.  Ideally, for accurate results, your pet should be fasted overnight.  This is  not a problem for anesthesia/surgery pets because they will already be fasted.  But, if your pet is sick and coming for an appointment, try not to feed them overnight if possible.