IDEXX Stories
IDEXX Global Pathology Services deliver expertise within a powerful and collaborative diagnostic ecosystem
There’s an entire ecosystem at work behind every IDEXX Pathology result—whether biopsy, aspirate, or fluid. A carefully orchestrated set of rigorous steps and highly trained experts, all equipped with advanced technology designed to smooth workflows, reduce turnaround time, and ensure quality results. Exceptional talent within a culture focused on collaboration, input, and continuous learning. And a shared dedication to delivering the insights and guidance vets need to make the best decisions for the pets in their care. This is the vast network of resources veterinary professionals tap into when they partner with IDEXX pathologists around the world.
“Part of what drew me to IDEXX nearly two decades ago was the strong customer lens and the focus on employees,” says Jeremy Johnson, DVM, PhD, DAVCP, Vice President and General Manager, IDEXX Global Pathology. “Those things, and the notion that we could bring innovation to what some may think of as the ‘oldest and stodgiest’ specialty in veterinary medicine.”
Dr. Johnson found he was in the right place for innovation. Pathology leaders at IDEXX were at the forefront of developing digital capabilities for anatomic and clinical pathology samples, opening up a new world of possibilities in veterinary pathology—both for turnaround time to get results and for collaboration and access to specialised expertise. “When I started out as a pathologist, traditional samples were prepared on glass slides, making them very difficult to transfer around or to transfer from the source to the pathologist best equipped to read the sample,” says Dr. Johnson. “Digitalisation enabled the transportability of the sample itself, as digital samples can be read almost anywhere. Customers suddenly had access to deeper expertise because, behind the scenes, pathology teams are empowered to consult with colleagues anywhere in the world—colleagues with very specific expertise.” Federico Sacchini, MPhil, DipRCPath, DipECVCP, MRCVS, IDEXX Associate Director and Head of Pathology in the Asia-Pacific region, couldn’t agree more. “Digitalisation was revolutionary because before, all the pathologists used to work on-site in the lab. You had to ship glass slides—it was a nightmare! The development of digitalised pathology slides allowed us to recruit pathologists working remotely outside the lab. We were able to break free from location-specific barriers and attract and hire exceptional talent from around the world.”
Many of the veterinary pathologists that make up IDEXX’s global network have a specialised focus in particular areas such as cancer, ocular, dermatopathology, liver, reproductive pathology, avian and exotics, and many more.
“It also enables our pathologists to build their networks and continue to learn and grow, to become more specialised,” adds Dr. Johnson. The IDEXX Pathology network makes up the largest segment of IDEXX’s more than 700 medical specialists. Many of the veterinary pathologists that make up IDEXX’s global network have a specialised focus in particular areas such as cancer, ocular, dermatopathology, liver, reproductive pathology, avian and exotics, and many more. This globally distributed network has also allowed the team to begin to implement a “follow the sun” service model. With this method, pathologists can be assigned cases to read during their working day—cases that may have originated from a part of the world where it’s the middle of the night—a significant benefit to customers, particularly when dealing with critical cases.
But it’s not only about the pathologists who put their names and email addresses on IDEXX Pathology reports—this team of experts is supported by lab technicians dedicated to expertly preparing slides for digitalisation and reading. “There are so many people involved who execute really specialised steps with an incredibly high level of excellence,” notes Carrie Flint, DVM, DACVP, IDEXX Pathology Manager in North America. “There’s expertise required to ensure excellent sample preparation. A lot of work goes into that—unseen work that makes it possible for the pathologist to read the case.”
“I love being able to bring customers into the lab,” says Thelma Meiring, BA(SW), BVSc, MMedVet (Path), MVM, DACVP, MRCVS, IDEXX Head of Anatomic Pathology in Australia and New Zealand, “because they develop a new appreciation for the degree of rigour involved behind the scenes. Your most complicated cases and most challenging samples will be handled by a technician with the experience for the job.”
The ecosystem IDEXX pathologists can count on doesn’t end with the depth of expertise and support from the lab operations team. Pathologists contribute to and operate within IDEXX’s rich diagnostic ecosystem. “The value that a pathologist can offer across the breadth of IDEXX is legion,” points out David Maguire, MVB, BSc (Hons), MVetMed, FRCPath, DipACVP, MRCVS, IDEXX Director of Pathology in Europe and South Africa. “It’s everything from helping to validate assays to working with internal medicine and other partners to determine the best answer we can provide to a customer. We offer excellent in-house instruments like ProCyte One® and ProCyte Dx® haematology analysers. Those results tie into VetConnect® PLUS, providing visibility to our pathologists and internal medicine specialists. We can discuss the results as a team and consult with experts in oncology and dermatology or whatever the case requires. The wider ecosystem is greater than the sum of the parts.”
“We love our customers—we enjoy communicating with them and helping them. We come to work every day to help the pet, the owner, and the veterinary team.”
In North America, customers can create a highly personalised IDEXX Pathology experience. “Customers can set up a ‘preferred pathologist’ list,” shares Dr. Flint. “They can pick six to eight IDEXX pathologists they prefer and can be assured that most of their samples will go to those team members. We can help choose pathologists based on report style or which ones are from certain institutions—and customers can change this list at any time. We love our customers—we enjoy communicating with them and helping them. We come to work every day to help the pet, the owner, and the veterinary team.”
“We enjoy being an essential part of the clinical decision-making process,” says Matt Feirer, DVM, DACVP, IDEXX Pathology Manager in North America. “I see our role as being part of the extended veterinary care team. We use our knowledge to provide direction and guidance and to be part of the solution.”
IDEXX pathologists are not only devoted to customer success—they’re also devoted to the success of the veterinary pathology profession. “Not only do we want to advance what we deliver to customers, but we also want to advance the veterinary pathology community. We contribute to residency training programs in Europe and Asia Pacific, making IDEXX one of the largest training institutions for veterinary pathologists,” says Dr. Johnson. Additionally, IDEXX pathologists deliver dozens of educational sessions to colleagues each year, extending their expertise across the profession.
For more information about IDEXX Pathology Services, visit https://www.idexx.com.au/en-au/veterinary/reference-laboratories/pathology/.