Both VCA Animal Hospitals Telemedicine and Antech Diagnostics Genetic Testing provide valuable services in veterinary care, with VCA focusing on accessible telemedicine and Antech specializing in comprehensive genetic testing and diagnostics. The choice depends on the specific needs of the veterinary practice or pet owner.
| Attribute | VCA Animal Hospitals Telemedicine | Antech Diagnostics Genetic Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Telehealth Service Availability | Offers telemedicine and tele-triage services via phone, text, internet chat, or video conferencing. Provides 24/7 live chat with credentialed veterinary technicians via the myVCA app. | VCA Animal Hospitals offers telemedicine services for non-emergency situations via video interface. |
| Genetic Testing Services Offered | Antech Diagnostics offers genetic tests including SearchLight DNA (tumor cell analysis), OncoK9 (early cancer detection), genetic screening for hereditary conditions, and Wisdom Panel DNA tests (processed through Antech for canine genetic health conditions, breeds, and traits). | Offers a range of genetic screening tests, including SearchLight DNA (next-generation genetic mutation test) and Canine Wisdom Panel™ Premium (tests for 267+ genetic health-associated variants and breed detection). |
| Specialty Veterinary Services | VCA has board-certified specialists in internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, and emergency care. | Provides consultations with board-certified specialists across 14 specialty areas. |
| Diagnostic Testing Capabilities | Antech Diagnostics provides clinical pathology, imaging services (X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), microbiology, and infectious disease testing, both in-house and reference laboratory diagnostics. | Offers clinical pathology, imaging services, microbiology, infectious disease testing, and molecular diagnostics for canine cancer. |
| Appointment Scheduling Options | Offers digital appointment booking online and via the myVCA app. | VCA Animal Hospitals allow online appointment booking. Telehealth consults can be scheduled as phone or video consultations. |
| Geographic Coverage | Operates over 1,000 hospitals in the U.S., Canada, and Japan. Antech Diagnostics has a large network of veterinary diagnostic labs across North America. | Operates over 60 reference laboratories across the US and Canada. |
| Customer Support Channels | Offers 24/7 live chat with veterinary technicians via the myVCA app. Can be contacted by phone, toll-free, or via a message form on their website. | Provides customer support via phone, email, and a customer support portal with how-to resources. |
| Data Security and Privacy Measures | Lyra Health (VCA partner) ensures data security. Antech Diagnostics retains diagnostic images, test results, and reports for one year unless otherwise specified. | Committed to valuing and respecting personal data, being transparent about data handling, and continually improving privacy and security practices. Adheres to Mars' Five Principles and the law. |
| Pricing and Payment Options | VCA CareClub members may receive free virtual visits. Antech provides routine supplies for specimen collection at no charge. | VHA members receive discounted pricing on Antech tests, with billing directly through Antech. Discounts are also available for employee testing. |
| Turnaround Time for Results | Turnaround times vary depending on the test; some results available in 1-3 days, others in 7-9 days. | Turnaround times vary; Canine Wisdom Panel™ Premium results take 14-21 days, SearchLight DNA™ takes 12-17 days, and Accuplex™ results are available in 1-2 days. |
| Integration with Veterinary Practices | Antech's HealthTracks system integrates into practice management systems. Integrations with NectarVet and ezyVet streamline test ordering and results delivery. | Integrates with practice management systems like NectarVet and ezyVet, and Antech's HealthTracks API streamlines the diagnostic process. |
| Accuracy and Reliability of Results | Antech Diagnostics is a trusted source in veterinary diagnostics for over 25 years, using state-of-the-art technology, quality assurance programs, and a team of experts. Considered a global leader in molecular genetic testing. | A trusted source in veterinary diagnostics committed to providing state-of-the-art technology. Invests in equipment, testing capabilities, and quality assurance programs. |