A significant development in public health laboratory practices has emerged with the announcement that a validation study conducted by the Contra Costa County Public Health Laboratory on Techcyte’s AI-assisted ova and parasite (O&P) workflow will be showcased at the APHL 2026 Annual Conference. This study, which highlights technological advancements in parasitology, will be presented in a poster format and made available on the APHL website post-conference.
The research, titled “Validation of the Techcyte/Pramana Platform for the Detection of Parasites in Stool Specimens in a County Public Health Laboratory,” investigates the application of Techcyte’s parasitology suite. This suite combines trichrome and wet mount solutions with an automated whole slide imager from Pramana, now known as Evident. Traditionally, O&P testing has relied heavily on manual microscopy, a method that demands significant expertise and training. However, with an increase in specimen volumes and ongoing staffing challenges, the Contra Costa County Public Health Laboratory explored the use of AI-assisted digital workflows to enhance their operational efficiency.
During the evaluation, 549 patient sample cases, comprising paired trichrome and wet mount slides, were analyzed, yielding impressive results with 97% accuracy, 98% sensitivity, and 97% specificity. The study incorporated both new and archived specimens, comparing the AI-assisted results to those obtained via traditional microscopy. The introduction of this platform into the lab’s workflow in January 2026 has been linked to reduced turnaround times, enhanced workflow efficiency, and decreased staff fatigue.
The authors of the study suggest that integrating AI into public health laboratory operations could be a viable solution to the ongoing workforce shortages without compromising on diagnostic accuracy. Although the AI platform facilitates the initial screening process, final confirmation of positive cases still relies on traditional light microscopy methods. Tyler Rippy, an Account Executive at Techcyte, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with the Contra Costa County Public Health Laboratory and the promising outcomes of the study, which further the advancement of AI-assisted workflows in parasitology labs.
Techcyte, founded in 2013, is at the forefront of transforming pathology practices with its digital solutions designed to support various staining methods like trichrome, wet mount, and modified acid-fast within a singular workflow. The company aims to enhance the health of humans, animals, and the environment through AI technology, working in partnership with leading laboratories and solution providers worldwide. Visitors can learn more about Techcyte’s innovations at Booth 201 during the APHL 2026 Annual Conference, scheduled for May 4–7 in Baltimore.