If you’ve ever been in the middle of a packed schedule, samples piling up, and your in-house analyzer suddenly throws an error code that looks more like a license plate number than helpful information… you’re not alone.

Most veterinary hospitals rely heavily on in-house lab analyzers and other equipment from IDEXX, Heska, and Abaxis. These analyzers are incredible tools, but when something goes wrong, the immediate reflex is often: “Ugh. Who’s calling support this time?”

Here’s a handy little secret: many of those calls are avoidable.

Let’s peek behind the curtain of animal hospital AI, specifically tools like ChatGPT, and the growing role of veterinary AI inside modern practices.

Used correctly, ChatGPT can act like a calm, knowledgeable partner for your team, helping to interpret error codes, think through next steps, and often resolve issues before you ever pick up the phone.

Let’s talk about how…

First, a mindset shift: ChatGPT isn’t replacing support, it’s triage

Important disclaimer upfront: ChatGPT isn’t a substitute for IDEXX, Heska, or Abaxis support. But it is an incredibly useful first line of troubleshooting.

Think of veterinary AI like this:

It helps you understand what the error likely means
It helps you rule out common causes
And when you do call support, you’re far more prepared
That alone can save time and frustration.

Let’s break it down…

Step 1: Feed ChatGPT the right information

Veterinary AI is only as good as the details you give it. When an error pops up, avoid typing something vague like “My oxygen concentrator has an error.” Instead, input specifics.

True story: Lilli, a seasoned veterinary team member from Baker Vet Services, reached out recently.

“I have a question that we were wondering if you could help with. Our oxygen concentrator shows a power failure, but the cord is fine. Is there anything you can do to try to fix it? We’ve checked the cord, filters, and outlets.”

After some encouragement to enter the problem, make, and model number into ChatGPT, Lilli was relieved to discover it was the fuse causing the trouble and was able to quickly get it fixed.

Step 2: Ask ChatGPT to explain the error like you’re a tech on the floor

One of the biggest advantages of veterinary AI is its translation capabilities. Manufacturer manuals are thorough… but not always quick to interpret in the middle of a busy day.

Try prompts like:

“Explain this Abaxis VetScan error code in simple terms.”
“What does this Heska analyzer error usually indicate during sample processing?”
“What are the most common reasons this IDEXX error occurs?”

ChatGPT won’t just repeat the error; it will often explain why it happens, which is key for preventing repeat issues.

Step 3: Use veterinary AI to create a step-by-step troubleshooting checklist

This is where things get really powerful for hospital operations.

Ask ChatGPT: “Create a step-by-step troubleshooting checklist for this error, starting with the most common and least invasive fixes.”

For example, veterinary AI might suggest:

Checking reagent expiration dates
Inspecting sample volume and quality
Running a clean cycle
Power cycling the analyzer properly

Many of these are things experienced technicians already know—but in the moment, stress can cloud logic. Animal hospital AI helps slow things down and bring clarity.

Step 4: Ask how to prevent the error from happening again

This is the step most teams skip. Once the issue is resolved, ask:

“What maintenance steps help prevent this error in the future?”
“Is this error commonly caused by user technique, environment, or consumables?”
“What daily or weekly checks reduce the likelihood of this happening again?”

Over time, this turns ChatGPT into a training assistant, not just a troubleshooting tool.

Step 5: Document smarter (and faster)

Here’s an underrated benefit: veterinary AI can help your team document issues clearly.

What ChatGPT should not be used for.

Veterinary AI has limits. Your team should still call support when:

The analyzer instructs you to stop use immediately
There’s a repeated mechanical failure
Patient safety could be compromised

Animal hospital AI is a guide, not a green light to override manufacturer safety protocols.

Why this matters for practice owners

For veterinarians and practice owners, this isn’t just about convenience. Using veterinary AI effectively can:

Reduce analyzer downtime
Minimize unnecessary support calls
Decrease frustration
And most importantly, it helps your team feel supported, even when things go sideways.

Veterinary AI as a partner in crime

Animal hospital AI isn’t replacing people; it’s simply giving smart, capable teams better tools to think, troubleshoot, and move forward with confidence. Anything that helps a tech avoid standing on hold while samples stack up is a win in anyone’s book.

The opportunity is sitting right in front of you. It just needs to be used intentionally.

Because sometimes, the fastest support line is the one already in your pocket.

Featured

Meet Brad Haven, Jr. The Owner of newvetequipment.com

More than 750 veterinary clinics have partnered with us across all 50 states, Canada, and beyond.

The veterinarians who use newvetequipment.com spend more time diagnosing pets and less time shopping for equipment quotes or chasing down support and training people.

My customers are able to maintain more cases in clinic rather than referring out their best customers, as they have the diagnostic tools and training to treat those animals. Changes in your staff personnel will have minimal impact on your diagnostic equipment utilization because we offer continued support throughout the growth of your animal hospital.

At newvetequipment.com, we’re here for you.

How Veterinary Teams Can Use ChatGPT as a Troubleshooting Partner for In-House Lab Analyzers