Zoetis Introduces Blood Parasite Detection and Enhanced Cell Classification to Vetscan Imagyst® AI Blood Smear Capability

Zoetis Inc., the world’s leading animal health company, today announced an expansion of its Vetscan Imagyst point-of-care analyzer, updating its AI Blood Smear capability with parasite detection, expanded cell classification, and whole slide scanning. These improvements support recognition of clinically important pathogens and provide a wider breadth of information to help interpret hematological changes, helping veterinarians make informed decisions at the point of care.

By adding detection of microfilaria, linked to heartworm infection, and a dedicated red blood cell parasite inclusion clinical profile for key tick‑borne blood parasite (i.e. Babesia in dogs and cytauxzoon in cats), Vetscan Imagyst can help veterinarians identify blood‑borne parasites right in the clinic. The updated AI-assisted software reviews the entire blood smear, from the monolayer through the feathered edge, to help deliver results that align closely with expert assessment. Together, these enhancements provide fast, actionable findings, with final interpretation and any follow-up testing guided by the veterinarian’s clinical judgment.

“I’m excited to bring these expanded capabilities to clinicians, equipping them with more precise, actionable insights to support real-time diagnostic decision-making. Enhanced parasite detection and refined cell classification address common and clinically significant findings, helping build a more complete picture of patient health without adding complexity to in-clinic workflows,” said Jamie Brannan, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Zoetis. “The continued evolution of Vetscan Imagyst helps support smooth clinic workflows, with AI‑assisted analysis now providing fast, in‑clinic insights across blood, fecal, dermatology, urine sediment and common mass assessments,” Brannan adds.

Expanded cell classification supports confident clinical decisions

Enhanced cell classification improves detection of abnormalities with added atypical and nucleated cell identification. New canine spherocyte detection supports anemia and IMHA workups, and expanded analysis including the feathered edge captures platelet aggregates for greater diagnostic insight.

Familiar sample preparation and streamlined processes across Vetscan Imagyst’s seven functions help keep testing moving in busy clinical settings and support smooth workflows. This can enable earlier intervention for pets and deliver quick, clear answers for pet owners, with results clinicians can use confidently.

The updated capability is available today in all markets where Vetscan Imagyst is offered.

Veterinary perspective

Patricia Ibarrola, Hospital Director at Hospital Veterinario Delicias, a 24-hour emergency hospital in Madrid, Spain, was among a select group of veterinary professionals given an exclusive early look at the capability. Commenting on the update, she said: “The ability to recognize spherocytes is extremely important in the work-up of anemia cases, and it is something I had really been missing previously. The ability to detect and count abnormal circulating cells is also extremely valuable, as these cells can otherwise be missed, potentially leading to diagnostic errors. Detecting platelet aggregates in the feathered edge is another highly useful addition, so I’m really excited about this update.”

A complete hematology picture

Together with Vetscan OptiCell™, Zoetis’ automated complete blood count (CBC) hematology analyzer, Vetscan Imagyst provides an in-depth hematology picture, delivering both quantitative data and deeper morphological insight. Paired, the two systems support earlier detection of abnormalities and a more complete hematological picture, supporting more confident, informed clinical decision making and enhancing patient care.

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