Magentus has acquired Labflow, a developer of cloud-native pathology software, as part of its strategy to create a unified digital ecosystem for pathology providers globally. The move brings together Magentus’s Evolution vLab system with Labflow’s modular pathology software to serve public and private laboratories across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, India, and Southeast Asia.

Expanded capability

The combination of Evolution vLab and Labflow’s products will support both large, centralised pathology networks and smaller, independent laboratories. Both platforms underpin diagnostic and operational workflows with real-time data, interoperability, and a modular approach that supports a range of disciplines, including microbiology, anatomical pathology, transfusion medicine, and genomics.

Evolution vLab remains widely adopted within Australia’s public health sector and is being deployed across several NHS boards in the UK. Its vendor-neutral integration enables it to connect to multiple laboratory devices, hospital EMRs, and third-party systems, enabling unified reporting and streamlined operations, according to the company.

Labflow’s contribution

Labflow, founded in Melbourne and also operating from Chennai, came to prominence during the pandemic by helping process more than half the COVID-19 PCR tests in New South Wales at its height. Its platforms are used in Australia and India, with ongoing implementations in Malaysia and Singapore. Labflow’s architecture enables Magentus to offer tailored solutions across diverse markets and to scale deployments in response to local requirements.

Labflow’s previous recognition includes being named a Top 5 Tech Innovator by KPMG. The company’s expertise in high-volume laboratory workflows and cloud native technology complements Magentus’s offering for larger enterprise and national pathology networks.

Product integration

Magentus intends to build a pathology platform that offers intelligent automation and AI readiness within its core operations. The process will embed features that reduce manual effort and speed up result turnaround, while maintaining an emphasis on interoperability, with the LabConductor integration platform supporting connections to analysers, EMRs, and third-party systems. The company indicated that this approach will enable secure, real-time data exchange while ensuring compliance with privacy and national healthcare standards.

On an annual basis, the combined platforms process millions of laboratory tests. The solutions have been designed for resilience and compliance, especially in health systems aiming to modernise under increasing pressure to enhance efficiency and safety.

Global presence

Headquartered in Melbourne, Magentus employs around 800 people and is active in several regions, notably Australia and the UK, including as a technology partner to major NHS pathology networks. The company has expanded through a series of acquisitions and, in 2023, consolidated its portfolio under the Magentus brand, with backing from Pacific Equity Partners since 2020.

Labflow adds further expertise and a presence in the Asia region, supporting Magentus’s ambition to extend its reach, especially into emerging markets with differing operational requirements.

“This is a pivotal moment for Magentus and for pathology providers globally,” said Martin Hayden, Chief Strategy Officer, Magentus.

“Labflow’s modular innovation and proven interoperability unlock new opportunities for us to serve a broader spectrum of labs – from national networks to smaller agile providers – while accelerating our mission to deliver smarter, safer, and more connected care,” said Hayden.

“Joining Magentus allows us to amplify our impact,” said Ben Richardson, CEO, Labflow. “Together, we’re building a modular, future-ready pathology platform that combines speed, configurability, and clinical insight. Our goal is to help labs embrace the future – delivering faster results, reducing administrative burden, and improving patient outcomes.”