Zoetis Expands Vetscan OptiCell™ Capabilities

 Zoetis Inc., the world’s leading animal health company, announced today it is expanding the capabilities of Vetscan OptiCell™, its cartridge-based, artificial intelligence-powered hematology analyzer, marking the next step in the platform’s evolution. With this update, Vetscan OptiCell will become the first point-of-care hematology analyzer to offer cellular hemoglobin concentration mean (CHCM) – a parameter previously available only in reference labs.

The award-winning platform’s first update since its launch in 2025 brings reference lab level complete blood count (CBC) insights directly in-clinic, reaffirming Zoetis’ commitment to innovation that delivers real value to veterinarians. The expansion of Vetscan OptiCell’s diagnostic capabilities – which includes CHCM and plateletcrit (PCT) – will increase its total number of parameters to 24, while delivering the same meaningful time, cost, and space savings for veterinary care teams. 

“This latest progression in Vetscan OptiCell’s capabilities further advances the impact that Zoetis diagnostic innovation brings veterinary teams in providing pets and pet owners with the best possible care,” said Abhay Nayak, President of Global Diagnostics at Zoetis. “Expanded parameters such as CHCM and PCT deliver deeper insights at the point of care and reflect our broader portfolio strategy to deliver a robust pipeline of impactful diagnostics that strengthen clinical decision-making.” 

‘Meaningful diagnostic depth’

The addition of CHCM gives clinicians a direct measurement of the average hemoglobin concentration within individually analyzed red blood cells. Unlike mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), which is a calculated value, CHCM is measured optically – providing a more reliable indicator1 needed when a patient is anemic and when endogenous interferents, such as hemolysis, are present. 

PCT provides the volume percentage of blood occupied by platelets – functionally similar to how hematocrit (HCT) reflects the red blood cell fraction. PCT helps clinicians better assess platelet production, consumption, and evidence of destruction. Both new parameters are expected to be available to Vetscan OptiCell users in 2026.

“CHCM and PCT add meaningful diagnostic depth to the CBC, helping clinicians better understand red blood cell and platelet abnormalities in sick patients,” said Dr. Michelle Larsen, Head of Medical Platforms, Clinical Studies, and Medical Education, Global Diagnostic Platforms at Zoetis. “Providing this level of insight in clinic supports clearer interpretation and more responsive case management. I’m excited to see how these additional parameters will help clinicians reach earlier, more confident diagnoses in general practice.”

VEF technology

Vetscan OptiCell combines expertly trained artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms with viscoelastic focusing (VEF) technology to count hundreds of thousands of cells during every sample run and analyze them against hundreds of unique parameters for precise cellular classification in minutes.2

Its proprietary microfluidic technology, VEF, allows the analyzer to align cells in a single layer for sharp focus imaging, providing accurate platelet recognition, even within clumps – a challenge encountered by traditional hematology analyzers.

Dr. Sue Ettinger is a veterinary cancer specialist based in New York, leading the oncology service at Guardian Veterinary Specialists. 

“The VEF technology reads through platelet clumps and gives reliable counts, even in cases like lymphocytosis,” said Dr. Ettinger. “Being able to trust that first CBC and not having to send it out to a reference lab for confirmation, means I can talk to pet owners right away and make timely decisions in the room, saving time and expense.”

Compared to reagent pack-based technologies, Vetscan OptiCell’s single-use cartridge-based system - which contains the blood sample, reagents and waste - is easier to use, requires minimal maintenance, eliminates calibration, and prevents cross-contamination.  

For a complete hematology picture, CBC results from Vetscan OptiCell can be paired with Vetscan Imagyst® AI Blood Smear, together with expert support via Imagyst Digital Cytology and the Zoetis Virtual Laboratory, within the ZoetisDx portal. 

To view the full diagnostics portfolio, visit www.zoetisdiagnostics.com/us