Purpose
Shepherd’s IDEXX integration allows you to order and administer IDEXX services directly from a SOAP, with results automatically syncing back into patient records. This saves time, ensures accurate invoicing, and keeps diagnostics organized within Shepherd.
All labs must be ordered and administered in a SOAP for the integration to function properly. This includes initial tests, add-ons, repeat labs, and drop off labs/samples.
Ordering IDEXX Services
Adding and Administering IDEXX Services
To order an IDEXX service:
Open the patient’s active SOAP.
If a Comprehensive SOAP:
Go to the Plan section.
Scroll to Order Treatments.
If a Quick SOAP:
Scroll to Order Treatments.
Search for and select the IDEXX service.
Click Add to include it in the treatment plan.
Click the Administer icon to open the IDEXX modal.
Ordering Reference Lab Services
When ordering reference services, the IDEXX modal will prompt you to:
Select the veterinarian (or enter their name).
Add specimen details and collection method, if required.
Enter clinical history and notes (optional).
Select Order.
A requisition form will open in a new tab, ready to print and send with samples.
Ordering In-House Services
For in-house services:
Add the services to the treatment plan as above.
Click Administer Treatments.
In the IDEXX modal, select the IVLS device.
Click Save to send the orders to the VetLab Station.
If you are ordering several in-house IDEXX tests, select the blue Administer Treatments button to administer them in bulk (available only in Comprehensive SOAP). This will group the tests into one order and send it to your IDEXX VetLab Station.
Removing a Service from a SOAP
If an IDEXX service needs to be removed from a treatment plan:
Open the SOAP.
If a Comprehensive SOAP:
Go to the Plan section.
Open Tx History
If a Quick SOAP:
Open Tx History.
Click Undo under Actions.
Select Yes to confirm the cancellation.
You’ll still need to cancel the test in VetConnect PLUS.
Ordering Without the Integration
To record a service already ordered in VetConnect PLUS:
Add the IDEXX service in the SOAP
Select the Edit icon under Actions.
Toggle on Administer Without IDEXX Integration.
Adjust details if needed, then click Save.
This ensures the service is included on the invoice without sending a duplicate order.
Ordering IDEXX Add-On Tests
Add-on tests must always be ordered and administered in the Comprehensive SOAP to ensure proper integration and invoicing. The process varies depending on when and how the add-on is requested.
At the time of visit with a primary panel
If you know an add-on test will be needed during the same visit as the primary panel:
Add both the primary test and the add-on test to the SOAP.
Use Confirm Treatments to process them together.
If you attempt to administer them separately, you will receive the error message: This service is an invalid add-on.
After the sample was sent (no new sample required)
If the original sample is still viable and no additional sample is needed:
Call IDEXX to request the add-on test. They will attach it to the original requisition.
Re-open the SOAP that contains the primary test.
If the SOAP is Locked, update the status back to Active.
If the Invoice is Checked Out, update it back to Active.
Add the add-on test in the Plan section.
Select Edit from the Actions column.
Toggle Administer Without IDEXX Integration on to ensure the charge is reflected in Shepherd.
Save and administer the treatment.
After the sample was sent (new sample required)
If a new sample is required for the add-on test:
Re-open the SOAP with the original test.
If the SOAP is Locked, update the status back to Active.
If the Invoice is Checked Out, update it back to Active.
Go to Assessment → Diagnostics and locate the primary test panel.
Click the three dots under Actions and select Add or Edit.
In the IDEXX modal, select the new add-on test(s).
Click Update.
This will:
Generate a new requisition form that includes both the primary and add-on tests.
Automatically update the invoice with the add-on charge.
Viewing IDEXX Results
Dashboard: Diagnostics
All ordered and completed IDEXX services appear in the Diagnostics tab on the dashboard. From here you can:
View the SOAP.
View, download, or print the result.
Syncing Results
Shepherd syncs with IDEXX every 15 minutes.
You can also trigger a manual sync
From the dashboard: select the three dots in the Actions column for the patient, and choose Sync.
From the patient SOAP: select the three dots in the Actions column for the test, and choose Sync.
Viewing Results in the Patient Record
Results can be accessed from:
The Diagnostics dashboard.
The Assessment tab in the Comprehensive SOAP.
The Lab tab in the patient profile.
The Lifecycle view in the patient profile.
Mapping Orphaned Results
If a result arrives without being tied to a SOAP (orphaned):
Confirm the SOAP you want to map to is active.
Locate the orphaned result in Diagnostics.
Click the Actions icon -> Map to SOAP.
Select the client, patient, and SOAP.
Click Save.
Test Statuses
Created: Service started.
Preparing: Added to Tx plan but not sent.
Pending: Sent to device, awaiting processing.
Completed: Results available.
Orphaned: Ordered outside Shepherd, needs mapping.
Orphaned (mapped): Successfully mapped to a SOAP.
Canceled: Service canceled in IDEXX.
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