General
VETSCAN IMAGYST is a first-of-its kind technology, offering AI fecal analysis, AI blood smear, AI dermatology and digital cytology image transfer in a single platform to veterinary practices. Using a compact scanner along with artificial intelligence (AI) technology and a network of remote expert clinical pathologists, VETSCAN IMAGYST delivers efficient dermatology, blood smear, fecal and cytology results so you can make important treatment decisions sooner.
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 fecal analysis, AI blood smear, AI dermatology 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 fecal analysis, AI blood smear, AI dermatology 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 mobile, video chat 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. Pet 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 pet 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 mobile, video chat or email.*
*The use of VETSCAN® FUSE plus at least one Zoetis Diagnostics instrument or service, such as VETSCAN IMAGYST, required.
VETSCAN IMAGYST currently offers AI fecal analysis, AI blood smear analysis, AI dermatology 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 mobile, video chat or email.*
*The use of VETSCAN® FUSE plus at least one Zoetis Diagnostics instrument or service, such as VETSCAN IMAGYST, required.
The VETSCAN IMAGYST AI dermatology application is an efficient and accurate way to perform in-clinic dermatologic cytology analysis within minutes–giving you more time with patients. The IMAGYST can aid in the detection and diagnosis of skin infections through use of advanced AI technology and deliver consistent results, regardless of personnel, training or microscope performance. The AI Dermatology application reviews impression smears, ear swabs and skin swabs to detect the presence of yeast, inflammatory cells and bacteria as well as differentiate between cocci and rods. Application users also have the option to have their cytology image submitted for expert review by our network of board-certified pathologists through Virtual Laboratory by Zoetis (additional costs may apply).
With the AI blood smear application, simply prepare a slide using traditional methods, then scan using the IMAGYST scanner for AI to perform the analysis. VETSCAN IMAGYST can:
- Clarify abnormalities to supplement complete blood count (CBC) results
- Provide an estimated platelet count and identify the presence of platelet clumps (which may impact platelet counts)
- Verify a white blood cell (WBC) differential (%) and estimated count (relative count of each cell type). You also have the option to submit digital blood smear image for expert review by a clinical pathologist with Virtual Laboratory by Zoetis (additional costs may apply)
- Identify and count polychromatophils (immature red blood cells—an indicator of a potential regenerative process) and nucleated red blood cells (nRBC)
AI fecal analysis for VETSCAN IMAGYST was developed to provide a simple, easy and systematized fecal examination that is less influenced by different fecal preparation methods or the skill level of an examiner. By leveraging deep learning, the fecal application uses cutting-edge algorithm identification technology to improve fecal in-clinic diagnostics and enhances the diagnosis process by reducing user variability and human error, expediting treatment intervention and maintaining shareable records for future needs. Two peer-reviewed open access studies published in Parasites & Vectors demonstrated that VETSCAN IMAGYST AI fecal analysis performs well vs a parasitologist evaluating the same sample with expert focus and attention—something that is less likely to be done with each in-office fecal exam.1,2
The digital cytology application is the fast, convenient approach to expert pathology. With efficient review of common cytology specimens, such as fine-needle aspirates, VETSCAN IMAGYST helps veterinarians provide the best possible care. VETSCAN IMAGYST accelerates the process for expert clinical pathology review—simply prepare and scan slides and then submit for expert results within 2 hours.3 Submissions are prepared in clinic using traditional methods, but submitted digitally, rather than sending physical slides to a laboratory.
With a small in-office footprint, VETSCAN IMAGYST delivers a streamlined approach to blood smear, cytology and fecal testing. As new applications become available, they will be easily integrated with existing VETSCAN IMAGYST testing capabilities.
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.
IMAGYST is compatible with select practice information management software (PIMS) systems. Contact your Zoetis representative for the full list of compatible software.
AI dermatology, AI blood smear analysis and AI fecal 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.3
AI Blood Smear
The VETSCAN IMAGYST AI blood smear application is verified for canine and feline blood smear evaluations. The profile includes a monolayer detector, which is where the AI algorithm quantifies and counts the cells for the blood smear analysis.
In addition, the VETSCAN IMAGYST AI Blood Smear algorithm provides the following parameters for each blood smear analysis:
- AI Monolayer Detection
- A WBC differential/estimated count*
- Neutrophils
- Lymphocytes
- Monocytes
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
- AI platelet estimated count*/identifies medium and large platelet clumps
- AI identifies and counts polychromatophils and nucleated red blood cells (nRBC)
*Option to submit digital slide image to our network of clinical pathologists as needed. Additional costs may apply.
Yes, if more information is needed in addition to the VETSCAN AI Blood Smear profile, the scanned whole slide image (WSI) can be sent to a clinical pathologist for analysis with an add-on expert review. The process for doing this follows the exact same workflow as submission of a digital cytology sample.*
The add-on expert review will evaluate cellular morphology that is not reported on the AI Blood screening test and in-house hematology analyzer, such as:
- WBC—left shifts, toxic changes, inclusions, malignancy
- RBC—shapes, inclusions, parasites
- PLT—macroplatelets
These additional findings may provide important additional information that may guide diagnosis and/or treatment.
*Option to submit digital slide image to our network of clinical pathologists as needed. Additional costs may apply.
AI Fecal Analysis
VETSCAN IMAGYST applies a deep-learning, object-detection algorithm that evolves over time, learning the most differentiating features between classes of eggs, allowing the algorithm to perceive and distinguish the morphology of parasite eggs from other objects on fecal flotation slides.1,2,4
The VETSCAN IMAGYST deep-learning algorithm is also robust because it can learn to ignore the features that can flaw computer classification.2
Due to the busy nature of veterinary practices and the complexity of microscopic examinations of fecal slides, it’s possible that users may conduct the analysis incorrectly.
In fact, fecal flotation examinations performed in private practice could be missing up to half of infected dogs because of either user error or inherent limitations of the passive flotation technique.5
The VETSCAN IMAGYST system consists of three components:
- Fecal preparation device that uses centrifugal flotation and includes a transfer loop for easy transfer of the sample to a microscope slide1
- Scanner for review of the sample by Whole Slide Imaging (WSI)
- Analysis performed by a cloud-based, deep-learning algorithm that locates, identifies, and classifies parasite eggs and cysts found on fecal microscopic slides1
The verification was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of VETSCAN IMAGYST to correctly identify parasite eggs and cysts in feces of naturally infected dogs and cats, compared to a manual identification by a parasitologist.4
A secondary objective was to compare the performance of the IMAGYST sample preparation methods to standard reference methods of centrifugal and passive fecal flotation.6
In 2 studies, the algorithm performance of VETSCAN IMAGYST closely matched that of an expert, board-certified parasitologist, with the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the comparison ranging from 75.8% to 100% and from 80.4% to 100%, respectively, across 6 genera/family of parasites: Ancylostoma, Toxocara, Trichuris, Taeniidae, Cystoisospora and Giardia.1,4
At this time, VETSCAN IMAGYST can detect: Ancylostoma (hookworm) in dogs and cats, Toxocara (roundworm) in dogs and cats, Trichuris (whipworm) in dogs, Taeniidae (tapeworm) in dogs and cats, Cystoisospora (intestinal disease) in dogs and cats, and Giardia in dogs and cats.1,6
The deep-learning nature of the VETSCAN IMAGYST algorithm will allow for evolution and increased functionality over time. In the future, the algorithm will be able to classify additional parasites.1,4
The VETSCAN IMAGYST fecal preparation device is an innovative, self-contained fecal parasite concentrator that allows for clean and efficient sample recovery.1
The VETSCAN IMAGYST fecal preparation device offers health and safety benefits to veterinary staff, with the only closed system with prefilled tubes all in a single-use device to eliminate cross-contamination.1
In 2 studies, the performance of the VETSCAN IMAGYST specialized fecal preparation device was analyzed. The egg, cyst and oocyst recovery performance of the VETSCAN IMAGYST preparation device with centrifugation was compared to the recovery performance of a conventional centrifugal flotation reference method. All samples were read by an expert, board-certified parasitologist.1,4
In the first study, agreement (defined as the number of true positives and true negatives divided by the total number of samples) between the 2 methods was 94.5%.4 In the second study, agreement between the 2 methods was 94.3%.1
AI Dermatology
The AI dermatology application delivers fast, efficient skin cytology analysis through the evaluation of impression smears, ear swabs and skin swabs. Using AI technology, VETSCAN IMAGYST can identify the presence of yeast, inflammatory cells and bacteria to aid in the detection and diagnosis of infections as well as differentiate between cocci and rods. With accuracy comparable to that of board-certified clinical pathologists, users can expect consistent, reliable results for each analysis regardless of personnel, training or microscopic performance.7
- Grundium Ocus®40 slide scanner
- Standard microscope glass slide
- Romanowsky-type stains (eg, Diff-Quik™)
- Immersion oil
- Coverslip (24 x 60 mm)
- Skin impression smears
- Skin swabs
- Ear swabs
The VETSCAN IMAGYST AI dermatology application analyzes skin impression smears, ear swabs and skin swabs and is a powerful tool to quickly, reliably, and accurately:
- Qualitatively identify the presence of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils
- Qualitatively identify the presence of infectious agents such as cocci bacteria, rod bacteria, and yeast
- Differentiate between cocci and rods
At this time, skin cytology samples from dogs and cats can be analyzed by the VETSCAN IMAGYST AI dermatology application.
Yes, if more information is needed in addition to the VETSCAN IMAGYST AI dermatology profile, the scanned whole slide image (WSI) can be sent to a clinical pathologist for analysis with an add-on expert review. The process for doing this follows the exact same workflow as submission of a digital cytology sample.*
These additional findings may provide important additional information that may guide diagnosis and/or treatment.
*Option to submit digital slide image to our network of clinical pathologists as needed. Additional costs may apply.
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.3
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:
- 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.
The diagnostic expertise of VETSCAN IMAGYST also includes equine applications
References: 1. 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. 2. 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):89. doi:10.1186/s13071-021-04591-y. 3. Data on file, Study No. TI-08898, 2022, Zoetis Inc. 4. Data on file, Study No. D870R-US-19-078, Zoetis Inc. 5. Gates MC, Nolan TJ. Comparison of passive fecal flotation run by veterinary students to zinc-sulfate centrifugation flotation run in a diagnostic parasitology laboratory. J Parasitol. 2009;95(5):1213-1214. doi:10.1645/GE-2058.1. 6. Data on file, Study No. D870R-US-19-008, Zoetis Inc. 7. Data on file, Study No. D870R-US-22-053, 2023, Zoetis Inc.
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