- Previously available only in reference labs, CHCM provides a direct measurement of the average hemoglobin concentration within individually analyzed red blood cells.
- CHCM and the addition of plateletcrit (PCT) will support clearer assessment of red blood cell and platelet activity.
- Continued evolution of Vetscan OptiCell automated complete blood count (CBC) capabilities driven by Zoetis’s commitment to meaningful innovation.
PARSIPPANY, N.J.– April 21, 2026 – Zoetis Inc., the world’s leading animal health company, announced today it is expanding the capabilities of Vetscan OptiCell, its cartridge-based, artificial intelligence-powered hematology analyzer, marking the next step in the platform’s evolution. With this update, Vetscan OptiCell will become the first point-of-care hematology analyzer to offer cellular hemoglobin concentration mean (CHCM) – a parameter previously available only in reference labs.
The award-winning platform’s first update since its launch in 2025 brings reference lab level complete blood count (CBC) insights directly in-clinic, reaffirming Zoetis’ commitment to innovation that delivers real value to veterinarians. The expansion of Vetscan OptiCell’s diagnostic capabilities – which includes CHCM and plateletcrit (PCT) – will increase its total number of parameters to 24, while delivering the same meaningful time, cost, and space savings for veterinary care teams.
“This latest progression in Vetscan OptiCell’s capabilities further advances the impact that Zoetis diagnostic innovation brings veterinary teams in providing pets and pet owners with the best possible care,” said Abhay Nayak, President of Global Diagnostics at Zoetis. “Expanded parameters such as CHCM and PCT deliver deeper insights at the point of care and reflect our broader portfolio strategy to deliver a robust pipeline of impactful diagnostics that strengthen clinical decision-making.”
‘Meaningful diagnostic depth’
The addition of CHCM gives clinicians a direct measurement of the average hemoglobin concentration within individually analyzed red blood cells. Unlike mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), which is a calculated value, CHCM is measured optically – providing a more reliable indicator1 needed when a patient is anemic and when endogenous interferents, such as hemolysis, are present.
PCT provides the volume percentage of blood occupied by platelets – functionally similar to how hematocrit (HCT) reflects the red blood cell fraction. PCT helps clinicians better assess platelet production, consumption, and evidence of destruction. Both new parameters are expected to be available to Vetscan OptiCell users in 2026.
“CHCM and PCT add meaningful diagnostic depth to the CBC, helping clinicians better understand red blood cell and platelet abnormalities in sick patients,” said Dr. Michelle Larsen, Head of Medical Platforms, Clinical Studies, and Medical Education, Global Diagnostic Platforms at Zoetis. “Providing this level of insight in clinic supports clearer interpretation and more responsive case management. I’m excited to see how these additional parameters will help clinicians reach earlier, more confident diagnoses in general practice.”
VEF technology
Vetscan OptiCell combines expertly trained artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms with viscoelastic focusing (VEF) technology to count hundreds of thousands of cells during every sample run and analyze them against hundreds of unique parameters for precise cellular classification in minutes.2
Its proprietary microfluidic technology, VEF, allows the analyzer to align cells in a single layer for sharp focus imaging, providing accurate platelet recognition, even within clumps – a challenge encountered by traditional hematology analyzers.
Dr. Sue Ettinger is a veterinary cancer specialist based in New York, leading the oncology service at Guardian Veterinary Specialists.
“The VEF technology reads through platelet clumps and gives reliable counts, even in cases like lymphocytosis,” said Dr. Ettinger. “Being able to trust that first CBC and not having to send it out to a reference lab for confirmation, means I can talk to pet owners right away and make timely decisions in the room, saving time and expense.”
Compared to reagent pack-based technologies, Vetscan OptiCell’s single-use cartridge-based system - which contains the blood sample, reagents and waste - is easier to use, requires minimal maintenance, eliminates calibration, and prevents cross-contamination.
For a complete hematology picture, CBC results from Vetscan OptiCell can be paired with Vetscan Imagyst® AI Blood Smear, together with expert support via Imagyst Digital Cytology and the Zoetis Virtual Laboratory, within the ZoetisDx portal.
To view the full diagnostics portfolio, visit www.zoetisdiagnostics.com/us
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About Zoetis
Zoetis is the world’s leading animal health company, driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. With a legacy of nearly 75 years, Zoetis continues to pioneer ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness, supporting veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners in over 100 countries. We integrate deep scientific expertise, data-driven R&D, advanced manufacturing, and commercial excellence to deliver meaningful innovation across medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, biopharmaceuticals, and digital solutions. Guided by our vision to be the most trusted and valued animal health company, Zoetis is committed to setting new standards for the future of animal care through innovation, customer obsession, and purpose-driven colleagues. To learn more, visit Zoetis.com.
Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the current views of Zoetis with respect to: business plans or prospects, expectations regarding products and other future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or actions. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if management's underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by a forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Zoetis expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. A further list and description of risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections thereof captioned “Forward-Looking Statements and Factors That May Affect Future Results” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our Current Reports on Form 8-K. These filings and subsequent filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.zoetis.com, or on request from Zoetis.
- Stockham, S. L., & Scott, M. A. (2025). Erythrocytes, analytical principles, and interpretation of RBC indices. In Fundamentals of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (3rd ed., Chapter 3). Wiley-Blackwell.
- Data on file, Study No. DHXMZ-US-24-235, Zoetis Inc.
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