Zoetis Inc., a global leader in animal health, is reshaping veterinary diagnostics with the Vetscan OptiCell™, a cutting-edge hematology analyzer powered by advanced AI technology. This revolutionary device delivers fast, lab-quality CBC results, enabling veterinary teams to elevate patient care with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency.

Dr. Michelle Larsen, Head of Diagnostic Medical Platforms & Education at Zoetis, shared exclusive insights into this innovation during a Vet Candy interview, highlighting how the Vetscan OptiCell™ is setting a new standard in veterinary diagnostics.

1. How does the AI technology in the Vetscan OptiCell™ differ from traditional hematology analyzers?

Dr. Larsen:
“With our Vetscan OptiCell™ analyzer, expert-trained AI algorithms count hundreds of thousands of cells using hundreds of cellular parameters in minutes. Traditional hematology methods typically focus on one or two cell characteristics, like size. Our AI is benchmarked against reference-lab analyzers to ensure optimal and accurate performance, providing results that match lab quality, but at the point of care.”

2. How does the Vetscan OptiCell™ integrate with other AI-powered tools for a comprehensive diagnostic platform?

Dr. Larsen:
“The Vetscan OptiCell™ delivers an automated CBC with 22 parameters, including reticulocytes, but CBC analysis is just the beginning. When abnormalities are detected or a sick patient is being evaluated, we recommend a blood smear for detailed assessment of cell size, shape, and morphology.

This is where Vetscan Imagyst® comes in. It uses advanced AI technology to review blood smears in just 10 minutes, verifying automated counts and providing additional insights. If more detailed analysis is needed, the Imagyst blood smear can be sent electronically with one click to a board-certified pathologist via our ZoetisDx platform, ensuring a seamless, comprehensive diagnostic process.”

3. Which veterinary cases benefit most from the Vetscan OptiCell™, and how does it impact outcomes?

Dr. Larsen:
“The Vetscan OptiCell™ is ideal for any patient requiring a CBC, whether they are healthy or presenting with illness. Its accuracy and speed make it invaluable for detecting conditions like high white blood cell counts, abnormal cell morphology, or platelet clumping.

By coupling the Vetscan OptiCell™ with Vetscan Imagyst® and our Virtual Laboratory services, veterinarians gain access to university-level diagnostic support in real-time. This eliminates delays associated with reference labs and allows for quicker diagnoses and treatment plans. With reliable results in minutes, veterinarians can act swiftly and confidently, improving outcomes for their patients.”

A Game-Changer for Veterinary Clinics

The Vetscan OptiCell™ is a revolutionary tool that addresses key challenges in veterinary diagnostics: speed, accuracy, and accessibility. By reducing reliance on reference labs, clinics can save time and costs while ensuring high-quality patient care. Whether for routine wellness checks or critical cases, this analyzer provides a comprehensive solution for modern veterinary practices.

Innovation Backed by Research

Zoetis has validated the performance of the Vetscan OptiCell™ with rigorous clinical testing. Benchmarking against reference-lab analyzers ensures that its AI-driven technology delivers consistent, reliable results. Veterinarians now have a powerful ally in their diagnostic arsenal, empowering them to elevate the standard of care with every test. For more information about the Vetscan OptiCell™ and Zoetis’ suite of AI-powered diagnostic tools, visit Zoetis.com or chat with your Zoetis rep.