Techcyte has announced that a validation study conducted by the Contra Costa County Public Health Laboratory (CCPHL) on its AI-powered ova and parasite (O&P) workflow is set to be featured at the APHL 2026 Annual Conference. The study, titled “Validation of the Techcyte/Pramana Platform for the Detection of Parasites in Stool Specimens in a County Public Health Laboratory,” will be presented in the form of a poster, which will become publicly accessible on the APHL website following the conference.
The research evaluates the implementation of Techcyte’s parasitology suite, which includes trichrome and wet mount solutions, in conjunction with an automated whole slide imager developed by Pramana, now known as Evident. Traditionally, O&P testing has relied on manual microscopy, a process that demands significant expertise and training. In response to increasing specimen volumes and staffing limitations, CCPHL explored an AI-assisted digital workflow to enhance its existing screening processes and boost operational efficiency.
During the study, 549 cases, comprising patient samples with paired trichrome and wet mount slides, were successfully analyzed. The evaluation demonstrated a 97% accuracy rate, with sensitivity and specificity rates of 98% and 97%, respectively. These results were compared against traditional microscopy methods and included both new patient specimens and archived cases. The study highlighted that integrating the platform into CCPHL’s workflow in January 2026 led to a noticeable reduction in turnaround times, improved workflow efficiency, and decreased staff fatigue.
The authors of the study suggest that incorporating AI technology into public health laboratory processes could address workforce shortages without compromising diagnostic standards. In this implementation, traditional light microscopy remains the method for final confirmation of positive cases. Tyler Rippy, Techcyte’s Account Executive, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, “We’re encouraged by the results and the role this study plays in advancing the use of AI-assisted workflows in parasitology labs.”
Founded in 2013, Techcyte offers a comprehensive digital parasitology solution that supports various staining methods, including trichrome, wet mount, and modified acid-fast (MAF), within a single workflow. The company aims to revolutionize pathology practices by digitizing lab workflows and introducing AI tools that enhance diagnostic testing efficiency and accuracy. Techcyte will showcase its AI-powered digital pathology solutions at the APHL 2026 Annual Conference in Baltimore from May 4–7, 2026. Interested parties can visit Booth 201 to learn more about their offerings. Techcyte’s platform is designed for research use only within the United States.