About
Vetscan Imagyst AI Fecal is an advanced point-of-care diagnostic solution from Zoetis Diagnostics that brings specialist-level fecal parasitology directly into veterinary clinics. Powered by deep-learning artificial intelligence, it delivers rapid, accurate detection of parasitic infections without the need to send samples to an external laboratory, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment decisions. The system identifies specific parasite ova, cysts, and oocysts in canine and feline patients, covering key species including Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, Tapeworms, Coccidia, and Giardia. Its AI-driven analysis achieves accuracy comparable to that of trained diagnostic parasitology experts, giving veterinarians the confidence to act on results immediately. Vetscan Imagyst AI Fecal features tailored slide preparation protocols for consistent, reproducible results and integrates a streamlined workflow to maximize clinic efficiency. Complimentary specialist support is available for evaluation of challenging or complex cases, ensuring clinicians are never without expert guidance. As one of seven available tests on the Vetscan Imagyst platform, it forms part of a comprehensive in-clinic diagnostics ecosystem that also covers masses evaluation, urine sediment, dermatology, blood smear, digital cytology, and equine fecal egg count. The platform connects to Vetscan Hub and Covetrus Pulse for digital connectivity and data management. Vetscan Imagyst AI Fecal is ideal for general practice veterinary clinics seeking to elevate their parasitology capabilities while reducing turnaround time and reliance on reference laboratories.
Key Features
- Deep-Learning AI Parasite Detection: Identifies parasite ova, cysts, and oocysts using AI trained to perform at the level of expert diagnostic parasitologists.
- Broad Species Identification: Detects and differentiates Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, Tapeworms, Coccidia, and Giardia in dogs and cats.
- In-Clinic Rapid Results: Provides actionable diagnostic results on-site, eliminating the wait time associated with reference laboratory submissions.
- Tailored Slide Preparation: Guided slide preparation protocol ensures consistent, high-quality sample processing for reliable AI analysis every time.
- Specialist Case Support: Complimentary access to veterinary parasitology specialists for assistance with complex or challenging diagnostic cases.
Use Cases
- Routine in-clinic fecal parasite screening for dogs and cats during wellness or sick visits without waiting for reference lab results.
- Rapid diagnosis and same-visit treatment initiation for pets presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms suspected to be parasite-related.
- Monitoring treatment efficacy in pets undergoing parasite therapy by comparing pre- and post-treatment fecal results in-house.
- Reducing reference laboratory costs and turnaround times for veterinary practices with high volumes of fecal testing.
- Providing specialist-level parasitology capabilities in general practice clinics that lack access to on-site veterinary parasitologists.
Pros
- Expert-Level Accuracy In-House: AI performance comparable to diagnostic parasitology experts means clinics no longer need to send fecal samples to outside labs for confident results.
- Faster Patient Care: Rapid in-clinic turnaround allows veterinarians to diagnose and begin treatment during the same visit, improving patient outcomes.
- Part of a Comprehensive Platform: As one of seven tests on the Vetscan Imagyst system, it integrates seamlessly into a broader suite of AI-powered in-clinic diagnostics.
- Specialist Backup Available: Complimentary expert support gives veterinarians a safety net for difficult cases, combining AI efficiency with human expertise.
Cons
- Hardware Investment Required: Requires purchase of the Vetscan Imagyst analyzer hardware, representing a significant upfront capital cost for smaller clinics.
- Limited to Dogs and Cats: The AI fecal analysis is validated specifically for canine and feline patients, limiting use in exotic animal or mixed-species practices (though an equine FEC module exists separately).
- Ongoing Consumables Cost: Running fecal tests requires proprietary slide preparation consumables, adding per-test costs beyond the initial hardware investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What parasites can Vetscan Imagyst AI Fecal detect?
It detects and identifies specific parasite ova, cysts, and oocysts including Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, Tapeworms, Coccidia, and Giardia in dogs and cats.
How accurate is the AI compared to a specialist?
The deep-learning AI has been validated to deliver diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of expert diagnostic parasitologists, as supported by peer-referenced clinical studies.
Does the tool replace the need for a reference laboratory?
For routine fecal parasite screening in dogs and cats, yes — it enables expert-level results in-clinic. For complex or unusual cases, complimentary specialist support is available.
Is Vetscan Imagyst AI Fecal a standalone product?
No, it is one of seven diagnostic modules available on the Vetscan Imagyst platform. The analyzer hardware supports multiple AI-powered tests including urine sediment, dermatology, blood smear, and more.
What connectivity options are available?
The Vetscan Imagyst system integrates with Vetscan Hub and Covetrus Pulse for digital data management and practice connectivity.
