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Solo Select Expands with USDA-Approved Coggins Lab & Advanced Equine Testing

Writer's picture: Melanie SmithMelanie Smith

Gainesville, Texas - Solo Select is proud to announce the launch of Solo Select Diagnostics, an in-house diagnostic laboratory that has officially received USDA approval to perform Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) testing using AGID and ELISA methods. Located in Gainesville, Texas, this expansion marks another step toward providing top-tier veterinary care with unmatched efficiency for the horses that reside on-site.


Infectious Disease Testing:

  • Coggins Test (EIA) – AGID & ELISA (USDA-approved)

  • Rapid PCR for Streptococcus equi ssp. equi

  • Rapid PCR for Salmonella

  • SAA (Serum Amyloid A) – Early infection detection


Reproductive Health Testing:

  • Serum Progesterone Levels (chemiluminescent immunoassay) – Cycle & pregnancy monitoring


General Health Testing:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Evaluates overall health, infection, anemia

  • Chemistry Panel – Assesses organ systems including hepatobiliary (liver), renal (kidney), muscular health, serum protein, and glucose

  • Serum Electrolyte Panel – Monitors hydration and electrolyte balance

  • Glucose Testing – Evaluates metabolic function and insulin regulation

  • Fibrinogen – Measures inflammation and clotting function

  • Serum Amyloid A (SAA) – Early infection detection


"Our growing lab allows us to run progesterone tests, Coggins tests, CBC and chemistries, among others," said Melanie Smith, owner of Solo Select. "This ensures we are providing top-level care as efficiently as possible for the horses in our program. We are excited to continue expanding our services to give incredible customer service to our clients."


Lab
Solo Select Diagnostics Lab

"We are proud to be USDA-approved to freeze and export semen globally while now delivering cutting-edge diagnostics through Solo Select Diagnostics. With USDA-approved Coggins testing, rapid PCR for Streptococcus equi and salmonella, progesterone tests, CBCs, chemistries, and advanced reproductive screening, we’re ensuring fast, accurate care for our horses. Our goal is to build a full-service diagnostic lab, eventually open to the public, setting new standards for biosecurity and equine health." – Melanie Smith, Solo Select

A Step Toward a Full-Service Diagnostic Facility


Solo Select Diagnostics is led by Dr. Kianna Spencer, DVM, MS, DACT, alongside Victoria Goodson, both of whom have completed official training and proficiency testing through the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL).The lab’s USDA approval enables Solo Select to process official Coggins tests, a critical service for horse owners requiring proof of EIA-free status for travel, sales, and competition. This includes the rapid 1-hour rapid Coggins tests.


Beyond Coggins testing, Solo Select Diagnostics is building a comprehensive diagnostic lab that will eventually provide a range of veterinary tests to support breeding, performance, and general equine health management.


"This is just the beginning," said Smith. "Our vision is to continue growing this facility and, in the future, likely open it to the public, ensuring more horse owners and breeders have access to quick and accurate diagnostics."


Expanding Diagnostic Capabilities with Cutting-Edge Technology


Solo Select Diagnostics continues to push the boundaries of on-site equine healthcare with advanced testing capabilities. The addition of the Fluxergy machine allows for rapid PCR testing for strangles and salmonella, reinforcing Solo Select's commitment to disease surveillance and prevention.


"Maintaining the highest standard of equine health is our priority," said Dr. Kianna Spencer, DVM, MS, DACT. "Our advanced testing capabilities allow us to proactively monitor our facilities and ensure they remain disease-free, providing a safe and biosecure environment for every horse in our program."


Additionally, Solo Select Diagnostics now offers in-house endometrial cytologies alongside uterine cultures, elevating the quality and speed of reproductive diagnostics.


"I am thrilled about the addition of Solo Select Diagnostics to our services!" said Dr. Spencer. "With our new state-of-the-art automated immunoassay machine, we can now obtain highly accurate, immediate serum progesterone levels in our mares. This technology allows us to closely monitor a mare’s cycle or pregnancy, enabling rapid intervention when necessary. The value of this information is truly immeasurable in ensuring the success of our breeding program."

Raising the Standard for Equine Veterinary Care


By bringing critical diagnostic capabilities in-house, Solo Select continues to set new standards for equine care, ensuring that its resident horses receive immediate and precise medical attention. This streamlined approach helps optimize breeding programs, improve performance monitoring, and ensure that all horses receive the highest level of veterinary oversight.


With the launch of Solo Select Diagnostics, Solo Select once again raises the bar for what a full-service equine facility can offer—proving that the commitment to "The Very Best" extends beyond sales and breeding to every aspect of horse care.


For more information about Solo Select Diagnostics and its services, visit SoloSelectHorses.com or contact drspencer@thesoloselect.com.

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