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IDEXX Lab Integration: Setup

Shepherd’s IDEXX integration connects VetConnect PLUS and VetLab Station with patient records so you can add services, invoice, and view results seamlessly.

Updated over a week ago

Purpose

Shepherd’s IDEXX integration connects your practice management system with IDEXX VetConnect PLUS and in-house VetLab Station (IVLS) devices. This allows you to order, invoice, and receive diagnostic results directly in patient records, reducing manual entry and saving time. The integration also supports IDEXX employee discounts and device syncing, giving your team efficient, streamlined workflows from order to results.

Integration Overview

With IDEXX connected to Shepherd, you can:

  • Add services - Configure IDEXX diagnostic services as products in Shepherd.

  • Order tests - Place IDEXX lab requests directly from a patient’s record.

  • Invoice automatically - Ensure services are billed when ordered.

  • View results - Completed results flow back into the SOAP for review.

  • Sync devices - Connect your IDEXX VetLab Station to Shepherd for direct results.

  • Apply employee discounts - Add IDEXX employee affiliation directly to lab requisitions.

What You Need

Before setup, gather your IDEXX VetConnect PLUS login credentials:

  • Username

  • Password

  • LIMS ID

Setting Up the Integration

  1. In Shepherd, navigate to Admin → Integrations.

  2. Select IDEXX Laboratories Diagnostics Integration from the list.

  3. On your practice’s IDEXX integration page:

    • Toggle Credentials to Active.

    • Enter your VetConnect PLUS Username, Password, and LIMS ID.

    • Click Save to validate your credentials.

If your credentials are not recognized, double-check and try entering them again. If the issue continues, reach out to IDEXX for help.

Once credentials are validated, the integration will be enabled and diagnostic services will begin downloading into Shepherd under Admin → Products → Lab Integration Products → IDEXX Products.

The initial sync typically takes 5–30 minutes depending on your internet speed.

Adding IDEXX Services

While you’ll have access to IDEXX’s full diagnostic library, your practice may not need every service. You can selectively add and customize services in Shepherd.

Best Practice

If you already have IDEXX services in Shepherd that are not mapped, we recommend:

  • Renaming them to make it clear they are not mapped to IDEXX, or

  • Deactivating them to avoid confusion.

You must complete IDEXX integration setup before adding services.

Adding a Service

  1. Go to Admin → Products → Lab Integration Products → IDEXX Products.

  2. Toggle Show Mapped off to view unmapped IDEXX services.

  3. Search by lab name or code for the service you want to add.

  4. Click Edit in the Actions column.

  5. Toggle Active on to add the service.

  6. Select Product Settings to adjust the test name, pricing, and other options.

Adding Multiple Services at Once

  • Use the checkboxes to select multiple services, then click Add to Products.

  • Re-enable Show Mapped to edit and customize the newly added services.

Editing or Updating a Service

  1. Go to Admin → Products → Lab Integration Products → IDEXX Products.

  2. Search for the service.

  3. Click Product Settings to edit details.

Changing Product Status

  • If you set a product Inactive, it moves to the Inactive list but remains mapped.

  • To reactivate:

    • Filter mapped products by Inactive status.

    • Mark the product Active again.

    • Edit details as needed.

Pricing and Markup

  • You can set a default markup on the main IDEXX Products page. This markup applies automatically to new services as they are mapped.

  • Updating the default markup later will not retroactively adjust already mapped services.

  • The markup is applied to IDEXX’s standard list price.

Device Syncing

Once credentials are validated, a Devices box will appear under your IDEXX Integration settings in Admin -> Integrations -> IDEXX Laboratories Diagnostics Integration. Use the Sync Devices button to connect your IDEXX VetLab Station.

For onboarding accounts

Before syncing, consult with your Account Manager to avoid interrupting your current PIMS setup. They will advise you on the best timeline for syncing your in-house devices with Shepherd.

Failing to Sync?

If the connection between your IDEXX VetLab Station (IVLS) and Shepherd is failing to sync:

  1. Confirm IDEXX SmartService is active.

  2. Confirm you have the same IDEXX VetConnect Plus credentials entered into the IVLS and Shepherd.

  3. Restart the IVLS PC.

  4. Once restarted, select Sync Devices to ensure all connected hardware is recognized.

If the issue persists, attempt another restart and call IDEXX Support (1-800-248-2483) for additional assistance.

Installing a Replacement IVLS PC

If you are setting up a new IVLS PC:

  1. Install the new IVLS PC.

  2. Activate IDEXX Smart Service.

  3. Log into VetConnect PLUS on the IVLS with the same credentials used in Shepherd.

  4. Restart the IVLS PC.

  5. In Shepherd, select Sync Devices to ensure all connected hardware is recognized.

IDEXX Employee Pet Discounts

Shepherd supports IDEXX employee pet discounts directly on lab requisitions, eliminating the need for discount stickers or separate use of VetConnect PLUS.

To configure:

  1. Go to Admin → Users.

  2. Select the user profile.

  3. Under IDEXX Discount Clients, associate the user with the correct client account.

The user’s practice affiliation (Staff Member or Veterinarian) will automatically print on requisitions based on their Shepherd license type.

Ordering and Results

Need Help?

The IDEXX team is ready to assist with setup and support:

  • In-house Support: 1-800-248-2483

  • Reference Lab Support: 1-888-433-9987

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