VetChroma Classic vs. VetChroma 3: What’s the Difference?

The VetChroma Classic has been a popular canine progesterone testing platform for breeders and reproduction professionals for years. Now the VetChroma line is moving into its next generation with the VetChroma 3.

The original VetChroma Classic is being phased out for new machine sales and replaced by the VetChroma 3. The change does not mean existing Classic machines suddenly need to be replaced. Instead, VetChroma 3 takes the established VetChroma testing platform and adds a more modern, higher-capacity benchtop workflow.

Boditech is currently promoting VETCHROMA 3 as part of its veterinary diagnostic product lineup.

VetChroma Classic vs. VetChroma 3 Quick Comparison

FeatureVetChroma ClassicVetChroma 3

GenerationOriginal VetChromaNew-generation VetChroma

Current PositionBeing phased out for new machine salesCurrent replacement platform

Canine ProgesteroneYesYes

Quantitative ResultsYesYes

Approx. Neo Test Time~10 minutes~10 minutes

Serum TestingYesYes

Whole Blood TestingYes with compatible Neo workflowYes with compatible Neo workflow

Testing StyleCompact single-test workflowHigher-capacity benchtop workflow

IncubationSeparate incubation workflowBuilt-in incubation

External IncubatorTraditionally usedNot required for normal workflow

Testing CapacityTraditional individual workflowUp to 3 tests at once

TouchscreenCompact touchscreenLarger 7-inch touchscreen

PrinterBuilt-inBuilt-in

PowerAA-battery portabilityAC-powered benchtop platform

PortabilityExcellentModerate

WeightLightweightApprox. 3.44 kg / 7.6 lb

Best ForExisting owners and mobile testingNew buyers, clinics and higher-volume programs

K9's existing VetChroma guidance positions the platform around approximately 10-minute testing, serum/whole-blood flexibility and strong long-term testing control.

VetChroma Classic

The Original Portable VetChroma

The VetChroma Classic built its reputation around portability and a relatively simple in-house progesterone workflow.

It's small, easy to move and can operate using standard AA batteries, which made it particularly attractive to breeders who didn't want their progesterone machine permanently tied to one testing station.

K9's current product guidance specifically highlights the Classic VetChroma's battery portability along with its approximately 10-minute current-generation progesterone workflow.

Why Breeders Still Like the Classic VetChroma

• Compact design

• Easy to transport

• AA-battery operation

• Quantitative progesterone results

• Approximately 10-minute testing with VetChroma Neo

• Serum and whole-blood capability with the appropriate workflow

• Built-in printer

• Long history in canine reproduction

• Familiar workflow for existing VetChroma users

If you already own a Classic VetChroma and it is functioning properly, the introduction of VetChroma 3 does not automatically mean you need a new machine.

VetChroma 3

The New-Generation VetChroma Platform

The VetChroma 3 moves the system away from the ultra-compact portable format and toward a more professional benchtop diagnostic workstation.

This is a substantial hardware redesign rather than simply a cosmetic update.

VetChroma 3 measures approximately 186 mm wide × 320 mm deep × 206 mm high and weighs approximately 3.44 kg / 7.6 lb.

The platform also includes an integrated printer and connectivity for USB, LAN and RS-232, along with its dedicated power connection.

The Biggest Upgrade: Built-In Incubation

One of the biggest workflow differences is incubation.

The Classic VetChroma traditionally uses a separate incubation workflow.

VetChroma 3 integrates incubation into the analyzer itself.

That means a new VetChroma 3 testing station requires fewer separate pieces of equipment and provides a more integrated workflow from sample preparation through result.

For reproduction facilities testing frequently, that's a meaningful improvement.

VetChroma 3 Can Handle More Testing

The Classic VetChroma was primarily designed around testing one sample through an individual workflow.

VetChroma 3 is designed to manage up to three tests simultaneously.

That changes who the machine makes the most sense for.

If you're testing one female periodically, the Classic workflow may have been completely adequate.

If you're running a reproduction clinic or testing several dogs throughout the day, VetChroma 3 provides much more room to grow.

This Makes VetChroma 3 Better Suited For:

• Canine reproduction clinics

• Higher-volume breeders

• Veterinary practices

• Multiple-dog testing

• Professional progesterone-testing services

Bigger Touchscreen

The new VetChroma 3 also provides a larger 7-inch touchscreen.

The Classic machine prioritizes a small footprint.

VetChroma 3 prioritizes ease of operation at a permanent workstation.

For customers processing multiple tests, viewing results and managing a larger testing workload, the larger interface makes more sense.

Both Have Built-In Printing

Printing remains available on both platforms.

VetChroma 3 continues that feature with a built-in printer integrated into the analyzer. Its current product diagrams also show the rear power, RS-232, LAN and USB connections.

So users moving from Classic into VetChroma 3 don't lose the ability to print their quantitative results.

VetChroma Neo Progesterone Testing

The analyzer hardware isn't the only part of the VetChroma platform that has evolved.

VetChroma has also transitioned away from the older refrigerated progesterone reagents toward VetChroma Progesterone Neo.

K9's current guidance notes that the older refrigerated VetChroma tests are discontinued while the newer Neo tests use room-temperature storage and an approximately 10-minute workflow.

That gives current VetChroma users a much more practical reagent workflow than the older generation of refrigerated tests.

Which Machine Is More Portable?

VetChroma Classic wins.

This is one area where newer does not automatically mean better.

The Classic machine is considerably smaller and was specifically attractive because of its AA-battery operation.

If you regularly move your analyzer between kennels or locations, Classic is extremely convenient.

VetChroma 3 is portable enough to relocate, but it is better thought of as a compact benchtop analyzer than a truly mobile progesterone machine.

At roughly 7.6 lb, VetChroma 3 is substantially more of a workstation.

Which Machine Is Better for Higher Volume?

VetChroma 3 wins.

The combination of:

built-in incubation + multiple-test capability + larger touchscreen + larger benchtop design

makes VetChroma 3 a significantly better fit for a busy reproduction environment.

This is probably the biggest reason for an established VetChroma owner to consider upgrading.

Does VetChroma 3 Make the Classic Inaccurate?

No.

A newer machine being introduced doesn't suddenly mean an older working analyzer is producing bad results.

The Classic VetChroma has a long history in canine reproduction, and K9 has historically positioned VetChroma around testing control and consistency.

The case for VetChroma 3 is primarily about:

newer hardware, integrated incubation, increased capacity, easier workflow and the future of the VetChroma platform.

Should Existing Classic VetChroma Owners Upgrade?

Not necessarily.

Keep Your Classic VetChroma If:

Your analyzer is working correctly.

You mostly test one dog at a time.

You like the existing workflow.

You value maximum portability.

You regularly use battery power.

Your current testing volume doesn't justify a larger analyzer.

In that situation, there may be very little reason to rush into replacing a machine that already works for you.

Upgrade to VetChroma 3 If:

You're running more progesterone tests.

You're testing multiple dogs.

You operate a reproduction clinic.

You want built-in incubation.

You want fewer separate pieces of equipment.

You want a larger interface.

You are buying a new VetChroma anyway.

You want the current-generation VetChroma platform.

What About Other Veterinary Tests?

VetChroma 3 is also positioned as a broader veterinary diagnostic platform rather than simply a canine progesterone machine.

Current VetChroma 3 product material shows canine and feline testing categories including hormones, organ-function markers, cardiac testing, infection, diabetes and other veterinary biomarkers.

That makes the new system more interesting to veterinary clinics and reproduction facilities that may eventually want to run additional veterinary assays beyond progesterone.

Which VetChroma Would We Buy Today?

If you already own a Classic VetChroma, we'd keep using it if it is functioning properly and still fits your testing volume.

But if you're purchasing a new VetChroma today, the choice is much easier:

VetChroma 3

The Classic machine is being phased out, while VetChroma 3 is designed to become the next-generation platform.

You're getting:

Built-In Incubation

Higher Testing Capacity

Larger Touchscreen

Built-In Printer

Modern Connectivity

Broader Veterinary Testing Capability

The Current-Generation VetChroma Platform

Bottom Line

VetChroma Classic

Portable • Proven • Compact • Familiar

Still a strong machine for existing owners, especially anyone who values portability and primarily performs individual progesterone tests.

VetChroma 3

Modern • Integrated • Higher Capacity • Built for Growth

The better choice for most new VetChroma buyers, reproduction clinics and higher-volume testing operations.

The Classic VetChroma helped establish the platform.

VetChroma 3 is where the platform is going next.

Shop VetChroma

VetChroma 3

The current-generation VetChroma veterinary analyzer for canine progesterone and additional veterinary diagnostics.

SHOP VETCHROMA 3

VetChroma Neo Progesterone Tests

Compatible current-generation progesterone testing supplies for the VetChroma platform.

SHOP VETCHROMA NEO TESTS

Already own a Classic VetChroma and have questions about the transition?

Call or Text: (951) 420-7332
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