Advanced diagnostic tool is launched in Europe

Zoetis is expanding the availability of its advanced, point-of-care veterinary hematology analyzer into Europe. The Vetscan OptiCell is the first cartridge-based diagnostic tool powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and is already available in the US, the United Kingdom, and Australia, according to the animal health company.1

“With Vetscan OptiCell—and the innovation behind it—we are supporting veterinary teams to elevate patient care, enhance clinical decision-making, and drive value in practice,” Abhay Nayak, president of global diagnostics at Zoetis, said in a news release. “Animal health and the well-being of veterinary professionals are central to our focus on building a truly comprehensive and connected diagnostics platform…. I’m really excited that veterinary teams and their patients across Europe will be able to benefit from the tool’s advanced capabilities.”

Demand for veterinary care has increased rapidly in recent years, according to Richard E. Goldstein, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, senior vice president and chief medical officer of global diagnostics at Zoetis and a former professor at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. In a dvm360 article, he cited a combination of pet population growth and a global shortage of veterinarians as reasons for this growth.2 In 2022, workplace burnout cost the industry an estimated $2 billion, with veterinarians reporting a "lack of resources and support" (73%) and "not enough time and energy" (72%).2.3

RELATED: How AI is shaping veterinary hematology

Vetscan OptiCell provides fast and accurate insights through complete blood count (CBC) analysis.4 According to Zoetis, this diagnostic tool features TEF, the company’s proprietary microfluidic technology. TEF aligns cells in a single layer, enabling sharp focus imaging, minimizing errors, and allowing veterinarians to identify platelet recognition within a clump.1

Vetscan OptiCell’s single-use cartridge system contains the blood sample, reagents, and waste. According to Zoetis, this system is unique in that it offers ease of use, minimal maintenance, no calibration requirement, and no cross-contamination with samples.1

According to Dr Michelle Larsen, head of medical platforms, clinical studies, and medical education for Zoetis, this diagnostic tool offers precise, high-quality results and enhances clinical efficiency with its compact, user-friendly design. “By leveraging advanced AI image recognition, it enables an expert-level accuracy in blood cell characterization, moving beyond traditional size-based analysis…. This advancement marks a significant milestone in our hematology journey and reflects Zoetis’ continued commitment to supporting animal health and the professionals who care for them,” Larsen said in the release.1

Zoetis announced the late 2024 launch of Vetscan OptiCell in the US, UK, and Australia during the early fall of that year.5 In Europe, the tool will initially launch in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Spain. Later in 2025 and in 2026, Zoetis plans to expand availability into the remaining countries in Central and Eastern Europe.1

For a complete hematology picture, CBC results from Vetscan OptiCell can be paired with Zoetis' Vetscan Imagyst AI blood smear, according to the release. These tools are supported by experts through the ZoetisDx portal and within the Zoetis Virtual Laboratory. The company also continues to offer Vetscan HM5, Zoetis’ first hematology analyzer.1

References

1. Zoetis launches AI-powered hematology analyzer Vetscan OptiCell across Europe. News release. Zoetis. September 25, 2025.
2. Data on file, Study No. DHXMZ-US-24-235, Zoetis Inc.
3. Goldstein RE. Beyond the microscope: what’s behind veterinary technology. dvm360. January 3, 2025. Accessed September 25, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/beyond-the-microscope-what-s-behind-veterinary-technology-
4. Nolen RS. Artificial intelligence poised to transform veterinary care. American Veterinary Medical Association. May 29, 2024. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/artificialintelligence-poised-transform-veterinary-care
5. McCafferty C. Zoetis to unveil new diagnostic too. dvm360. September 17, 2024. Accessed September 25, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/zoetis-to-unveil-new-diagnostic-tool