How to Set Up Point-of-Care PCR Testing in Your Veterinary Clinic

The Case for In-House PCR Testing

Veterinary practices that bring molecular diagnostics in-house gain a powerful competitive advantage. In-house PCR testing transforms your practice from a sample collection and referral service into a complete diagnostic center capable of delivering gold-standard results within the same appointment.

The benefits are measurable:

• Faster treatment decisions: Results in under 60 minutes instead of 24 to 72 hours waiting for reference lab results
• Improved patient outcomes: Earlier diagnosis means earlier treatment initiation, particularly critical for conditions like canine parvovirus and feline FIP
• Increased revenue: Diagnostic testing becomes a direct revenue stream rather than a referral to an outside lab
• Client satisfaction: Pet owners receive answers during their visit, reducing anxiety and improving compliance
• Competitive differentiation: Position your practice as a technology leader in your market area

This guide walks you through everything you need to set up point-of-care PCR testing in your veterinary clinic, from equipment selection to workflow integration and ROI analysis.

Step 1: Choose the Right PCR Platform

The first and most critical decision is selecting the right PCR analyzer for your practice. Consider these factors:

Portability vs. Throughput

Do you need a handheld device that can move between examination rooms, or a benchtop unit that stays in one location? For most veterinary clinics, a portable platform offers maximum flexibility.

The CarryOn Portable PCR Analyzer weighs just 2.0 kg and operates on battery power, meaning it can be used anywhere in your facility — or taken on farm calls and house visits. No dedicated laboratory space is required.

Test Menu

Ensure the platform covers the diseases most relevant to your patient population:

• Small animal practices: Canine parvo, distemper, respiratory panels, tick-borne diseases; feline FIP, FeLV/FIV, upper respiratory infections
• Mixed practices: Add livestock panels (e.g., African Swine Fever, PRRSV)
• Shelter medicine: Prioritize intake screening panels (canine triple, feline triple)

The CarryOn platform offers comprehensive test chip panels covering all major companion animal diseases, with new panels continually in development.

Automation Level

Fully automated platforms dramatically reduce training requirements and human error risk. Look for systems where the entire workflow — extraction, purification, amplification, and detection — happens inside a sealed consumable with no manual intervention.

Reagent Storage Requirements

Cold chain requirements add complexity and cost. Platforms with room-temperature reagent storage (like the CarryOn) eliminate the need for dedicated refrigeration and reduce waste from expired reagents.

Step 2: Space and Infrastructure Requirements

One of the greatest advantages of modern portable PCR platforms is the minimal space they require. Here's what you'll need:

For Portable PCR Systems (e.g., CarryOn):

Minimum Space: A clean counter surface approximately 50cm x 40cm — essentially the footprint of a laptop. No dedicated room required.

Environmental Requirements:

• Standard room temperature (15-30 degrees C)
• No special ventilation or biosafety cabinet needed (closed-system testing)
• Away from direct sunlight
• Near a power outlet for charging (though the device operates on battery during testing)

Storage Space:

• One shelf or cabinet drawer for test chip inventory (room temperature storage)
• One small shelf for sampling accessories (swabs, transport tubes)

Waste Disposal:

• Standard biohazard waste container for used chips and swabs
• No chemical waste — all reagents are contained within the sealed chip

For Benchtop PCR Systems:

Minimum Space: Dedicated counter space of approximately 1m x 0.7m, plus adjacent space for sample preparation if the system requires manual extraction steps.

Additional Requirements:

• Dedicated power supply (some systems require uninterrupted power)
• Temperature-controlled storage (if reagents require refrigeration)
• Possibly a separate preparation area to prevent contamination

The Bottom Line: If space is a constraint — as it is in most veterinary clinics — a fully automated portable platform eliminates the need for a dedicated laboratory room entirely.

Step 3: Training Your Team

With Fully Automated Systems (CarryOn):

Training time: 30 minutes to 1 hour

The CarryOn platform is designed for use by any staff member, regardless of laboratory experience. The complete training program consists of:

1. Sample collection technique (5-10 minutes) — Proper swab technique for oral, nasal, and rectal samples; blood collection for applicable tests
2. Loading the chip (5 minutes) — Adding the sample to the microfluidic chip reservoir
3. Operating the device (10 minutes) — Inserting the chip, starting the test, reading the touchscreen results
4. Result interpretation (10 minutes) — Understanding positive/negative results, when to retest, when to refer
5. Maintenance (5 minutes) — Charging the device, storing chips, basic cleaning

Recommended approach: Train 2-3 staff members as primary operators, with all veterinarians trained on result interpretation.

With Manual/Semi-Automated Systems:

Training time: 4 to 8 hours minimum

Systems requiring manual extraction steps demand significantly more training:

1. Pipetting technique and accuracy
2. Sample preparation protocols
3. Contamination prevention procedures
4. Equipment calibration and maintenance
5. Quality control procedures
6. Troubleshooting common issues

Step 4: Integrate PCR Into Your Clinical Workflow

Successful implementation requires thoughtful integration into existing clinical workflows. Here's a recommended workflow model:

Pre-Visit Preparation:

• Review appointment notes for presenting complaints that may warrant PCR testing
• Ensure test chips are stocked for expected tests
• Verify device is charged (if using battery-powered platform)

During the Appointment:

Minute 0-5: Patient history and physical examination. Identify need for diagnostic testing.

Minute 5-10: Collect sample (swab, blood, etc.) during the examination.

Minute 10-12: Load sample into test chip, insert into PCR analyzer, start the test.

Minute 12-60: Continue with other appointments while the test runs. The CarryOn device will alert when results are ready.

Minute 60-65: Review results on the device touchscreen. Transfer results via WiFi to patient records.

Minute 65-75: Callback or in-person result discussion with pet owner. Begin treatment if indicated.

Key Integration Tips:

1. Run the test early in the appointment — this allows the PCR cycle to complete while you see other patients or complete the examination
2. Designate a testing area — even with portable devices, having a consistent location reduces errors
3. Create a test ordering protocol — establish clear guidelines for which presentations warrant PCR testing vs. rapid antigen testing
4. Document results systematically — use WiFi transfer or manual entry to ensure results enter the medical record

Step 5: Build Your Test Chip Inventory

Start with the panels that address your most common clinical needs:

Essential Starter Panel for Small Animal Practices:

Recommended Inventory Levels:

• High-turnover tests (parvo, FIV/FeLV): 10-20 chips on hand
• Moderate-turnover tests (respiratory, tick-borne): 5-10 chips on hand
• As-needed tests (specialized panels): 3-5 chips on hand

All CarryOn test chips store at room temperature with a 12-month shelf life, making inventory management straightforward.

Step 6: Cost Analysis and ROI

Equipment Investment:

Revenue Per Test:

The typical billing structure for in-house PCR testing:

• Your cost per test: $15-30 (chip cost)
• Client billing per test: $75-150 (typical market rate)
• Gross margin per test: $45-120

Break-Even Analysis:

Hidden Revenue Benefits:

Beyond direct testing revenue, in-house PCR testing generates additional value:

1. Reduced referral lab costs: You retain revenue previously sent to outside laboratories
2. Faster treatment initiation: Earlier diagnosis leads to shorter treatment courses and better outcomes, improving client retention
3. Increased case detection: Convenient in-house testing lowers the barrier to testing, resulting in more tests ordered per patient visit
4. Client loyalty: Practices offering advanced diagnostics retain clients who might otherwise seek referral centers
5. Shelter contracts: Shelters and rescue organizations increasingly require PCR testing for intake screening — position your practice as a testing partner

Step 7: Quality Assurance and Compliance

Daily Operations:

• Verify device charge level at the start of each day
• Check chip inventory and expiration dates weekly
• Ensure sample collection supplies are stocked
• Clean the device exterior according to manufacturer guidelines

Record Keeping:

• Log every test performed (date, patient, test type, result, operator)
• Maintain lot numbers for traceability
• Document any unusual results or device messages
• Keep calibration/maintenance records

Quality Control:

• Run positive and negative controls periodically per manufacturer recommendations
• Compare in-house results with reference lab results on a sample of cases
• Monitor for trends in positivity rates that might indicate testing issues
• Participate in external quality assurance programs if available

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure your facility's veterinary license covers in-house diagnostics
• Maintain CE certification documentation for the device and test chips
• Follow local regulations for biohazard waste disposal
• Keep Safety Data Sheets (SDS) accessible for any chemical components

Step 8: Marketing Your New Capability

Once your PCR testing program is established, communicate the capability to your client base:

Internal Marketing:

• Train reception staff to mention PCR testing availability during appointment scheduling
• Create examination room signage highlighting "Same-Day PCR Results"
• Add in-house PCR testing to your services menu and website

External Marketing:

• Update your Google Business Profile with "PCR testing" and "molecular diagnostics" services
• Post educational content about PCR testing benefits on social media
• Reach out to local shelters and rescue organizations about intake screening partnerships
• Offer introductory pricing for the first month to build testing volume

Common Concerns and Solutions

"We're too small for PCR testing."

With portable platforms like the CarryOn (2.0 kg, no lab required), even solo practitioners can offer PCR testing. The minimal space requirements and zero-training operation make it feasible for any practice size.

"The upfront cost is too high."

At $3,000-5,000 for the device, the CarryOn system costs less than most ultrasound machines. With gross margins of $45-120 per test, most practices recoup their investment within 2-6 months.

"We don't run enough tests to justify it."

In-house PCR testing actually increases testing volume. When results are available in 60 minutes instead of days, veterinarians order more tests because the results are clinically actionable during the appointment.

"Our staff doesn't have laboratory training."

The CarryOn's fully automated, closed-system design requires no laboratory training. A 30-minute training session is sufficient for any staff member.

Getting Started

Bringing PCR testing to your veterinary clinic is more accessible than ever. The CarryOn Portable PCR Analyzer eliminates the traditional barriers of cost, space, training, and infrastructure.

Your Action Plan:

1. Assess your needs — Identify the 3-5 diseases you most commonly need to diagnose
2. [Request a demo](/en/contact/) — See the CarryOn in action and evaluate it for your practice
3. Order your starter kit — Device plus initial test chip inventory
4. Train your team — 30-minute training session for operators
5. Start testing — Begin with high-impact cases and expand from there

Additional Resources

• CarryOn Device: Full Technical Specifications
• Complete Test Chip Catalog
• Microfluidic PCR Technology Explained
• Download the Product Catalog