IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. has announced the Australian launch of its IDEXX Cancer Dx Panel, bringing early cancer detection capabilities into routine veterinary practice, starting with lymphoma screening in at-risk dogs.
The blood test can be incorporated into both diagnostic workups for unwell patients and routine wellness screening, with results returned to clinics within two to four business days. Pricing is expected to begin from $29 for veterinarians, positioning the test as an accessible addition to preventive care protocols.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in adult dogs, with around one in four expected to be diagnosed during their lifetime. Lymphoma alone accounts for a significant proportion of these cases.
The IDEXX Cancer Dx Panel is designed to detect a lymphoma signal up to eight months before clinical signs appear, potentially allowing veterinarians to investigate earlier and intervene sooner.
Jason Johnson said the launch reflects a broader shift in veterinary medicine toward proactive care.
“As veterinary medicine continues to move toward earlier insight and preventive care, tools that support screening are becoming increasingly important,” he said.
A key feature of the test is its integration into existing workflows. Using a single blood draw, clinicians can add the screening panel to routine diagnostics without additional complexity.
Performance data indicates 79 per cent sensitivity and 99 per cent specificity, supporting its use in both clinically unwell and apparently healthy at-risk patients.
The test also provides qualitative lymphoma results, with additional classification (B-cell or T-cell phenotype) in many positive cases – supporting more informed clinical decision-making.
Early data suggests the test may also have a role in monitoring remission in dogs undergoing CHOP chemotherapy, offering a potential tool for ongoing case management.
Each result is supported by access to IDEXX medical consultants, along with client communication resources to help veterinarians navigate discussions around cancer screening and next steps.
Since its initial launch in North America in 2025, the test has been adopted by nearly 6,000 veterinary practices across the United States and Canada, reflecting strong uptake of preventive oncology tools.
Research also indicates growing interest locally, with Australian veterinarians and pet owners showing willingness to adopt cancer screening where it is simple, accurate and recommended by their vet.
IDEXX Laboratories plans to expand the IDEXX Cancer Dx Panel over the next three years to cover a broader range of canine cancers.
The Australian rollout marks another step toward embedding early cancer detection into everyday veterinary care – shifting the focus from reactive treatment to earlier diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
