General
VETSCAN IMAGYST is a first-of-its kind technology, offering multiple applications for companion animal and equine diagnostics—all in a single platform. IMAGYST’s equine capabilities include artificial intelligence (AI) fecal egg count (FEC) analysis and digital cytology image transfer. Using a compact scanner along with AI technology and a network of remote, expert clinical pathologists, VETSCAN IMAGYST delivers fast, efficient equine fecal and cytology results to veterinary hospitals and clinics, so veterinary healthcare teams can make important treatment decisions sooner.1,2 As new VETSCAN IMAGYST applications become available, they will be easily integrated with existing testing capabilities.
VETSCAN IMAGYST is a multiuse platform that enables real-time, expert medical services and results through an AI and digital microscopy solution. It is the only in-clinic diagnostic platform with AI FEC analysis and digital cytology image transfer capabilities. VETSCAN IMAGYST integrates image recognition technology with advanced AI and digital access to expert clinical pathologists within the Zoetis network so you can provide the best possible care. With a small in-office footprint, VETSCAN IMAGYST delivers a streamlined approach to AI FEC analysis and digital cytology image transfer.
All VETSCAN IMAGYST customers have access to Virtual Laboratory by Zoetis for complimentary consultations with our global network of clinical specialists. Want to discuss results or a complex case? Simply book an appointment through ZoetisDx to connect via video, audio or email.*
*The use of VETSCAN® FUSE plus at least one Zoetis Diagnostics instrument or service, such as VETSCAN IMAGYST, required.
VETSCAN IMAGYST is a single system for multiple applications that uniquely combines expert diagnostics with AI capabilities, delivering efficient, actionable results.
The VETSCAN IMAGYST system can also bring value to customers. Horse owners can see the images on the final report, adding value not typically available with current testing methods. The images can make the results more tangible and provide an opportunity for excellent communication between you and your client. This may, in turn, lead to improved compliance by horse owners.
All VETSCAN IMAGYST customers have access to Virtual Laboratory by Zoetis for complimentary consultations with our global network of clinical specialists. Want to discuss results or a complex case? Simply book an appointment through ZoetisDx to connect via video, audio or email.*
*The use of VETSCAN® FUSE plus at least one Zoetis Diagnostics instrument or service, such as VETSCAN IMAGYST, required.
Current equine capabilities with VETSCAN IMAGYST include AI FEC analysis and digital cytology image transfer. As new applications become available, they will be easily integrated with existing VETSCAN IMAGYST testing capabilities.
All VETSCAN IMAGYST customers have access to Virtual Laboratory by Zoetis for complimentary consultations with our global network of clinical specialists. Want to discuss results or a complex case? Simply book an appointment through ZoetisDx to connect via video, audio or email.*
*The use of VETSCAN® FUSE plus at least one Zoetis Diagnostics instrument or service, such as VETSCAN IMAGYST, required.
With a small in-office footprint, VETSCAN IMAGYST delivers a streamlined approach to blood smear, cytology and fecal testing.
VETSCAN IMAGYST AI fecal egg count (FEC) analysis has an easy sample preparation process and delivers consistent, expert-level results.1 The equine FEC analysis application uses a technique similar to that of the modified McMaster, but with a concentration method for egg collection rather than counting in a chamber.
VETSCAN IMAGYST AI equine FEC analysis is powered by deep-learning image recognition technology to help veterinarians make accurate intestinal parasitic diagnoses in medically relevant time frames, complementing the work of a veterinary professional at the point of care.
FEC results are provided in eggs per gram (EPG) to identify low, medium and high shedders as described by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Internal Parasite Control Guidelines.3 Results from verification studies showed that the algorithm performed comparably to and closely matched that of an expert clinical parasitologist. Results are provided in about 7 minutes.1
The IMAGYST digital cytology image transfer application is the fast, convenient approach to expert clinical pathology. With efficient review of common cytology specimens, such as joint fluid, uterine culture, bronchoalveolar lavage and abdominocentesis, VETSCAN IMAGYST helps veterinarians provide the best possible care. Simply prepare and scan slides and then submit for expert results within 2 hours.2* Submissions are prepared in clinic using traditional methods, but submitted digitally, rather than sending physical slides to a laboratory.
All VETSCAN IMAGYST customers have access to Virtual Laboratory by Zoetis for complimentary consultations with our global network of clinical specialists. Want to discuss results or a complex case? Simply book an appointment through ZoetisDx to connect with a specialist via video, audio or email.†
*The average turnaround time for digital cytology results is under 30 minutes.
†The use of VETSCAN® FUSE plus at least one Zoetis Diagnostics instrument or service, such as VETSCAN IMAGYST, required.
We are here to help! Contact us at Dxsupport@Zoetis.com or 1-888-963-8471.
A high-speed internet connection is needed to best experience the benefits of VETSCAN IMAGYST. The recommended internet bandwidth specification is 10 to 20 Mbps upload speed. This can be confirmed by visiting speedtest.net and should be done as part of the preinstall checklist. A minimum internet upload speed of 10 Mbps is recommended. Slower internet upload speeds may result in increased analysis time.
IMAGYST is compatible with select practice information management software (PIMS) systems. Contact your Zoetis representative for the full list of compatible software.
AI FEC analysis: VETSCAN IMAGYST uses AI to deliver results in minutes.
Digital cytology image transfer: VETSCAN IMAGYST delivers fast digital access to clinical pathologists—with a benchmark turnaround time of within 2 hours.2
AI FEC Analysis
Counting Chamber4
- Modified McMaster Technique
- Moredun Method
- FECPAKG2
- FLOTAC
- Mini-FLOTAC
Test Tube and Coverslip4
- Stoll Technique
- Wisconsin Method
- Cornell-Wisconsin Method
There are numerous factors that can influence the accuracy of parasitic detection and use of fecal flotation, including how much fecal material is examined, whether or not a centrifuge is used, type of flotation solution and length of the flotation process. In addition, there is “the personal factor,” which considers varying levels of individual technical proficiency even when staff follow the same set of directions.5
Flotation solutions are used to concentrate and separate internal parasite eggs, cysts and oocysts from fecal debris. There is no perfect flotation solution for detecting all the different parasitic elements—each has advantages and disadvantages. Some things to consider when selecting a solution are the specific gravity (SG) of the solution, the viscosity of the solution and the rate of plasmolysis caused by the solution (which can cause degradation of parasitic elements).6,7
If the flotation solution is too low in SG, many of the parasitic elements will not float and will settle at the bottom of the solution. Alternately, if a flotation solution is too high in SG, it can lead to increased debris floating along with the parasitic elements, resulting in decreased efficiency of the test. In addition, a high SG can lead to plasmolysis and potentially rupture the parasite eggs, cysts or oocysts of interest.7
- If the SG is too low7:
- No or fewer parasite eggs/cysts/oocysts float
- If the SG is too high7:
- More fecal debris floats
- Hyperosmotic solution may damage eggs
- Solution on slide dries up rapidly
Again, there is no solution that is perfect for detection of all parasites and parasitic elements. The benefits and drawbacks of each should be considered when selecting a solution.6 This is summarized in the table below, which was adapted from Veterinary Clinical Parasitology (8th ed).6



Studies have shown that sugar solutions are often more efficient than other types for recovery of equine parasites. Specific findings include the following:
- Sugar solutions were found to recover a higher EPG for strongyles and ascarids and have a lower coefficient of variation (CV%) than using salt solutions via the Mini-FLOTAC and modified McMaster techniques8
- Sugar solutions were found to recover a higher EPG for ascarids and have a lower CV% than salt solutions utilizing the modified McMaster technique8,9
VETSCAN IMAGYST can identify strongyles and Parascaris spp. in horses.1
The VETSCAN IMAGYST AI FEC analysis application can identify hookworm (Ancylostoma spp.), roundworm (Toxocara spp.), and tapeworm (Taeniidae) eggs in dogs and cats; whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) in dogs; coccidia (Cystoisospora spp.) oocysts in dogs and cats; and Giardia spp. cysts in dogs and cats.10,11
Currently, the VETSCAN IMAGYST AI equine FEC analysis is only verified for equine fecal samples.
The following supplies, not provided by Zoetis, are required to process an equine FEC analysis:
- Disposable cups
- Food scale (with gram measurements)
- Graduated cylinder or syringe
- Tongue depressors (act as collection and stir sticks)
- 2-ply cheesecloth (or 2-ply, 4”x 4” gauze)
- Flotation solution (Sheather’s sugar solution is recommended [SG 1.26])
In addition to these supplies, the VETSCAN IMAGYST AI Equine Fecal Kit, which can be ordered from Zoetis, contains the following supplies:
- Glass slides
- VETSCAN IMAGYST fecal coverslips
- Transfer loops
- Slide template
The Grundium Ocus® 40 scanner is required for the scanning and processing of the prepared fecal slide.
The steps for sample collection are as follows:
- Using a gram scale, measure out 4.0 g of manure into a clean, labeled disposable cup.
- Add 26 mL of flotation solution to the cup containing 4.0 g of manure.
- Using tongue depressor, mix the manure and solution well for 30 seconds.
- Filter the mixture through 2-ply cheesecloth or gauze into a clean disposable cup.
- Once strained, discard the manure and cheesecloth/gauze. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 5 minutes to allow eggs to float on the surface of the solution; do not stir or disturb the solution.
- Place the glass slide into the IMAGYST slide template. Make sure that the name or barcode on the slide is positioned toward the top.
- Obtain sample from the top surface of the disposable cup using the IMAGYST transfer loop. Make sure to skim the entire top layer of the sample.
- Place 1 loop of the collected fluid onto the glass slide, distributing sample around the edge of target circle.
- Place coverslip, with IMAGYST readable in the lower left-hand corner, onto the slide over the targeted area of the slide template.
- Place the slide on the IMAGYST scanner. Make sure to position the coverslip on the left-hand side of the scanner.
- Choose the correct Test Type and select SCAN.
- Select a scanner, and make sure the tray is open.
- Unlock the slide holder and place the slide (with coverslip) on the slide tray.
- Place any label or writing toward the right side of the slide tray and lock the slide holder.
- Select SCAN SLIDE.
- Open the sample results, review any captured images and select examples for inclusion in the report.
- Add any comments and select FINALIZE.
- Select VIEW REPORT to view a shareable PDF or review results in a FUSE-connected software system.
There are many flotation solutions that can be utilized to concentrate and separate internal parasite eggs, cysts and oocysts from fecal debris. There is no fecal solution that is perfect for detection of all parasites and parasitic elements, and the advantages and disadvantages of each should be considered when selecting one.6
Three flotation solutions were tested for their recovery sensitivity using the VETSCAN IMAGYST AI equine FEC analysis application: Apafix sugar solution, sodium nitrate NaNO3 (SG 1.22), and Sheather’s sugar solution (SG 1.26). All 3 solutions can be utilized with the FEC analysis application; however, the recommended flotation solution is Sheather’s sugar solution (SG 1.26). Sheather’s sugar solution is easy to produce in clinic, commercially available for purchase, had fewer complications when used, and showed an excellent recovery sensitivity for strongyles and Parascaris spp.1,12
The table below shows the recovery sensitivity results from 3 verification studies for the VETSCAN IMAGYST AI equine FEC analysis application. All samples were read by an expert clinical parasitologist. In this data, the sensitivity is the key performance indicator, as it measures the proportion (%) of actual infected samples (positives), which are correctly identified as infected. This data will be discussed in further detail later; however, the Sheather’s sugar solution (SG 1.26) had the highest recovery sensitivity for both target parasites.1



95% Jeffreys confidence interval.
Samples read by an expert clinical pathologist.
*Compared to modified McMaster technique.
†Compared to Mini-FLOTAC Method.
‡Excludes Mini-FLOTAC <15 EPG.
The analysis by the convolutional neural network is done in the cloud. The time for scanning and analysis is mostly influenced by internet speed. At an upload speed of 10 Mbps, the equine FEC analysis will be completed in about 6.5 minutes. This is faster than the expected 9 minutes for canine and feline samples at the same upload speed, as the equine FEC algorithm is only scanning 1 layer of fecal matter compared to 2 layers for canine and feline.
Assuming a 10 Mbps upload speed, total time from sample preparation to result is about 14 minutes. This includes the 7.5 minutes for sample preparation and about 6.5 minutes for scan time. The hands-on time is minimal after sample collection and preparation, because the scanner is performing the analysis, freeing the veterinary professional to focus on other tasks.
Note that the analysis time and total time to results are dependent on internet speed for upload of the slide image.
Digital Cytology
Digital cytology uses digital image transfer for the microscopic evaluation of individual cells or groups of cells to identify their origin and any changes characteristic of disease using digital whole slide imaging (WSI).
With VETSCAN IMAGYST, the benchmark turnaround time for digital cytology results is within 2 hours.2
WSI refers to the scanning of conventional glass microscope slides to produce digital images. VETSCAN IMAGYST uses the Grundium Ocus®40 slide scanner to capture high-resolution images of the entire slide. The upload of the image to the cloud enables an expert clinical pathologist to examine the specimen as if they were looking at the slide through a microscope at the veterinary clinic.
- Grundium Ocus®40 slide scanner
- Standard microscope glass slide
- Romanowsky-type stains (eg, Diff-Quik™)
- Immersion oil
- Coverslip (24 x 60 mm)
Digital cytology image transfer can be utilized to examine the same tissues and fluids as traditional cytology.
The tissues that can be examined include:
- Lymph nodes
- Visceral organs (eg, liver, kidney, pancreas, intestines, spleen)
- Musculoskeletal (eg, muscle, bone, joints)
- Skin
- Masses
- Reproductive (eg, ovaries, uterus, mammary, prostate, testes)
- Brain
- Eyes/adnexa
The fluids that can be examined include:
- Joint
- Abdominal
- Urine
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
- Aqueous/vitreous humor
- Effusions
- Blood
- Transtracheal wash (TTW)/Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
Cytology samples from all veterinary species can be submitted for evaluation by VETSCAN IMAGYST digital cytology image transfer.
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References: 1. Data on file, Study No. DHX6Z-US-22-131, 2022, Zoetis Inc. 2. Data on file, Study No. TI-08898, 2022, Zoetis Inc. 3. American Association of Equine Practitioners. Internal Parasite Control Guidelines. Updated 2019. Accessed July 25, 2022. https://aaep.org/document/internal-parasite-control-guidelines. 4. Nielsen MK. What makes a good fecal egg count technique? Vet Parasitol. 2021;296:109509. doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109509. 5. Ballweber LR, Beugnet F, Marchiondo AA, et al. American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists’ review of veterinary fecal flotation methods and factors influencing their accuracy and use—is there really one best technique? Vet Parasitol. 2014;204(1-2):73-80. doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.05.009. 6. Zajac AM, Conboy GA. Fecal examination for the diagnosis of parasitism. In: Zajac AM, Conboy GA, eds. Veterinary Clinical Cytology. 8th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2012:3-27. 7. Foreyt WJ. Diagnostic parasitology. In: Veterinary Parasitology Reference Manual. 5th ed. Blackwell Publishing; 2001:3-10. 8. Silva P, Luz A, Rolim A, et al. Comparison study between four coprological methods and two flotation solution in Sorraia horse (Equus ferus caballus) - preliminary results. Poster presented at: 18th International Conference “Life Sciences for Sustainable Development”; September 26-28, 2019; Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Accessed February 21, 2023. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.31104.79362. 9. McQueary CA. Prevalence of equine gastrointestinal parasites in Montana, correlation of Parascaris equorum egg per gram counts and worm burdens, and comparison of two parasite egg counting techniques for equine feces. Dissertation. Montana State University; 1976. Accessed February 21, 2023. https://scholarworks.montana.edu/xmlui/handle/1/5702. 10. Nagamori Y, Sedlak RH, DeRosa A, et al. Evaluation of the VETSCAN IMAGYST: an in-clinic canine and feline fecal parasite detection system integrated with a deep learning algorithm. Parasit Vectors. 2020;13(1):346. doi:10.1186/s13071-020-04215-x. 11. Nagamori Y, Sedlak RH, DeRosa A, et al. Further evaluation and validation of the VETSCAN IMAGYST: in-clinic feline and canine fecal parasite detection system integrated with a deep learning algorithm. Parasit Vectors. 2021;14(1). doi:10.1186/s13071-021-04591-y. 12. Data on file, Study No. DHX6Z-US-21-081, 2021, Zoetis Inc.
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