Exciting Update: Skin, ear, and fecal home diagnostic test kits now available for seamless ordering on Vetster

IMPORTANT NOTE: As of February 28, 2025 test kits are no longer available from My Simple Pet Labs. Stay tuned for updates as new home diagnostic tools become available.

At-home diagnostics are becoming more popular with consumers. Thanks to our partnership with My Simple Pet Lab (MSPL), we have expanded the number of kits we offer. These test kits are integrated into our platform, making it easier than ever for you to provide excellent care and enhance client satisfaction across the continental United States.

In addition to our popular stool test kits for both dogs and cats, you may now also select from:

• NEW Dog skin and itch test kits
• NEW Ear infection test kits
• NEW Cat ear infection test kits

With only a couple of clicks in VetsterRx at the bottom of each appointment page, you can recommend the appropriate kit and have it mailed directly to your client. Their cost of $99USD + tax covers the MSPL kit and a follow-up appointment to review the results with you.

*Important Information: Home diagnostic test kits are available without a prescription and ordering one does not constitute the establishment of a professional relationship. Not available in Alaska or Hawaii *

Ordering a test kit is simple and can be done during or after a virtual appointment. Head to VetsterRx at the bottom of the appointment page and scroll down to find the “Add Vetster Diagnostic Kit + Follow-up” field. Click “Select test” to see the options available for your client, based on the species of their pet.

For dogs, you can choose:

1. Skin & itch test kit
2. Ear infection test kit
3. Routine stool test kit

The options for cats are:

1. Ear infection test kit
2. Routine stool test kit

After selecting a test, you’ll be taken to a page showing you more details about the test including the cost, what it tests for, and what’s included in the kit.

This feature is available on desktop and mobile web during the call experience as well as after for all appointments where both the vet and the client are in the continental US. Home diagnostic kits can be ordered for any and all appointments on our platform, whether you are providing telemedicine services within a professional relationship and have a VCPR, or are providing general advice only. You can return to VetsterRx to order more tests as indicated.

• NEW* Ear infection diagnostic test kit. This simple, fast, and accurate ear cytology test kit for both dogs and cats allows for identification of mites, yeast, and bacteria. It includes step-by-step instructions so clients can collect good samples from both ears and all the supplies they need to send them to the lab.
• NEW* Skin & itch test kit. As with all MSPL test kits, this kit for dogs includes everything clients need to collect and submit useful skin cytology samples to look for mites, yeast, bacteria, and red and white blood cells:
• Instructions and a kit activation code
• Rubber gloves for sample collection
• Two swab packets (for two skin sites)
• Biohazard bag for sample submission
• Return shipping supplies

Routine stool diagnostic test kit. This kit is available for both cats and dogs and screens for:

• Fecal ova and parasites: roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, giardia, coccidia
• Giardia antigen by ELISA

After activation of the purchased tests, you and your client also have the option to select an upgrade that includes these additional tests, for an additional fee paid directly to My Simple Pet Lab:

• PCR for microbes for dogs and cats
• Fecal Egg Count (FEC) for hookworms for dogs only

MSPL uses solid scientific processes and strives to ensure their test kits are easy for pet owners to use correctly so you can get accurate and reliable results in a timely manner. This veterinarian-owned professional laboratory has been a member of the Veterinary Laboratory Association (VLA) since 2022 and participate in their VLA Quality Assurance Program (VLA-QApⓇ). More details about MSPL, the kits, and their processes can be found on their website. You may also direct clients with additional questions to the MSPL Learning Center.

Clients can expect their test kit to arrive within 2-3 business days from when they complete the order. Results are emailed to the client within 24 hours of when the lab receives the kit, and also uploaded to the Follow-up appointment for your review.

Once results come back, Vetster’s support team reaches out to the client to let them know it’s time to schedule. Just like any other appointment on Vetster, home diagnostic kit follow-ups are scheduled at a time that works for both you and your client. Review the results ahead of time, then log on and start the appointment the same as you would for a regular consultation. When the follow-up appointment is completed you’ll be compensated at a flat rate of $50 less standard platform fees.

Veterinarians in the continental US with a VCPR can use MSPL tests and results to support their diagnostic and treatment plans at their discretion and as permitted by law. Vetster trusts vets to use their professional judgement to provide care that’s legal, ethical, and leads to positive patient outcomes.

Veterinarians in the continental US can also provide valuable information while discussing lab results outside of a VCPR. These consultations are for informational purposes only and no professional relationships are established as long as you limit your interpretation to  “general advice”:

• Explain what the findings mean and their significance
• Discuss the impact of the results on general pet well-being or potential zoonotic risks
• Describe common symptoms and conditions associated with different results
• Provide a summary of any additional diagnostic recommendations, treatment options, prognoses, and expectations associated with the pet’s results.

When providing general advice the goal is to make sure the pet parent has the information they need to decide what to do next. Sign up for Vetster’s Virtual Care master class to learn more about providing top-tier virtual care whether you have a VCPR or not.

Questions? Learn more in Vetster’s Help Center, or feel free to reach out to our Support team via live chat or email us at support@vetster.com.

You may create an account as a veterinary professional, or learn more here.