2026 Forecast: Trends Shaping the Future of Diagnostics

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to explore recent examples of diagnostic innovations that are improving patient care. Dr. Pritt also welcomes Matthew Schultz, Ph.D., a clinical biomedical geneticist at Mayo Clinic, to discuss how a novel test is delivering answers for patients with a recently identified peripheral neuropathy. Transplant testing innovations (00:57): Discover how advances in clinical diagnostics are improving transplant outcomes at Mayo Clinic. Advances reshaping rheumatoid arthritis diagnostics (06:06): Learn how early-stage research and emerging tools are reshaping care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. New test for peripheral neuropathy (08:18): A novel test created to support care for patients with a recently identified condition now supporting research to advance care. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.ResourcesRewriting the future of rheumatoid arthritis: How early detection is transforming preventionCultivating a comprehensive test menu for organ transplant patientsScreening test for sorbitol dehydrogenase deficiency-related neuropathy (SORD)Innovative SORD test provides clarity for two young patients: Justin Fugelsang and Zach Pedowitz

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss recent industry news and how collaborations are helping drive transformation in clinical diagnostics. Together, they explore:Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) delay (01:09): Dr. Morice shares what the latest delay of PAMA means for laboratories.FDA guidance on wearables (02:23): Learn about recent FDA guidance that allows more non‑invasive wearables to be classified as wellness devices. Collaboration as a driver of innovation (06:20): Discover why collaboration is critical to advancement in clinical diagnostics.Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.ResourcesGroundbreaking collaborationsMary Jo Williamson offers four steps to maximize collaboration benefitsDr. Bill Morice shares how a platform for collaboration transforms diagnostics“Answers From the Lab” podcast: “Forging Collaborations That Deliver Better Outcomes”

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) reform and celebrate an exciting milestone for Dr. Pritt’s “Creepy Dreadful Wonderful Parasites” blog. Later in the episode, Dr. Pritt welcomes Angie Reese-Davis, Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ director of operations, to explore how proactive monitoring, shipping workflows, teamwork, and ongoing process improvements all contribute to a resilient lab logistics system. PAMA reform update (00:34): Get the latest on PAMA delays and the new Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act.Creepy Dreadful Wonderful Parasites (04:24): Go behind the scenes of the 800 parasite cases Dr. Pritt has featured on her long-running blog.Logistics at Mayo Clinic Laboratories (08:09): Learn how the team manages and tracks the 40,000 samples that arrive each day.Process improvement and resiliency (12:49): Discover how the logistics team continues to innovate and evolve to support clients more efficiently and effectively.Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss 2026 trends. Together, they explore:  JP Morgan Healthcare Conference (00:34): Dr. Morice shares his top observations and takeaways after attending this year’s conference. Artificial intelligence (06:02): Anticipated benefits and risks of AI developments predicted in 2026.Reimbursement and regulation (13:43): Why reimbursement and regulation continue to be areas of significant interest in clinical diagnostics. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.ResourcesTransforming laboratory medicine through AI: From promise to practice"Answers From the Lab" podcast: Breakthroughs and Trends That Defined Lab Medicine in 2025"Answers From the Lab" podcast: PAMA Update and Accelerating Research and Development With BioPharma Diagnostics

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss direct-to-consumer testing. Then, Dr. Pritt welcomes Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D., a microbiologist and virologist and chief scientific officer of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, for a conversation about accelerating innovation without compromising quality or safety. Direct-to-consumer testing (00:38): Explore the rise of direct-to-consumer testing and the challenges that accompany it. Evolving expectations for innovation (05:38): Understand why patient and clinician expectations are rising and how that is reshaping diagnostics.Safeguarding advances (07:23): Learn the foundational principles that protect quality and safety amid rapid innovation.Strategies for accelerating innovation (10:33): Discover practical ways to responsibly deliver novel solutions more quickly.Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.ResourcesFive ways to move faster without compromising trust in diagnostics"Answers From the Lab” podcast: Breakthroughs and Trends That Defined Lab Medicine in 2025360Dx: 2025 highlights and takeaways for the clinical lab industry

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, welcomes William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to explore recent news updates and key advancements shaping the industry in 2025.Staying healthy during the holidays (00:18): Discover how to protect yourself and others as a new influenza strain, holiday gatherings, and increased travel raise the risk of spreading viruses. 2025 breakthroughs and trends (04:31): Learn more about the technologies, regulations, and innovation influencing the future of clinical diagnostics. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.Resources"Answers From the Lab” podcast: Innovations Set to Shape the Industry in 2025Dr. Morice shares trends and predictions for 2025Mayo Clinic Minute: How to prepare for the influenza seasonMayo Clinic Minute: Wash your hands for better healthVaccines and viruses: Protecting health across generations

Published Dec. 4, 2025In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) reform and the first reported death from alpha-gal syndrome. Later, Dr. Pritt welcomes Chris Garcia, M.D., Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ chief digital innovation officer and medical director of BioPharma Diagnostics, to explore how biopharma diagnostics advance research and development. PAMA reform update (00:33): Get the latest on where reform to PAMA stands following the federal government’s reopening.Alpha-gal syndrome case (03:22): Learn about the first known death from alpha-gal syndrome and diagnostic testing for this tick-bite-triggered red meat allergy.Biopharma’s role in research and development (07:52): Discover how biopharma diagnostics fuel innovation and how digital tools are expanding its future impact.  Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.ResourcesBioPharma Diagnostics: Connecting pharma and biotechTick-borne disease: An expanding geographic threat

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss recent news about Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) reform. Then, Dr. Pritt welcomes Trish Simner, Ph.D., a clinical microbiologist at Mayo Clinic, for an in-depth conversation about metagenomics. PAMA reform update and new RESULTS Act (00:30): Hear about options under consideration for PAMA reform, including the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act.When cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metagenomics benefit patient care (06:04): Explore how CSF metagenomics work and when it is appropriate to use this advanced diagnostic tool in clinical practice.Advancement and innovation in metagenomics (18:15): Discover how recent and upcoming innovation is expanding metagenomic testing capabilities. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.ResourcesAnswers From the Lab podcast: Developments for LDT Regulation and Laboratory Reimbursement: Bill Morice, M.D., Ph.D.Metagenomics: Identifying elusive pathogenic microorganisms

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, welcomes William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. Together, they discuss recent news about virus activity and explore the value of collaboration in shaping innovative diagnostic strategies.   Testing for viruses appearing closer to home (00:45): Gain insights on using available testing to manage measles and detect chikungunya, which was recently transmitted in the U.S. for the first time in years. Collaborating for more coordinated care and innovation (06:04): Explore how strategic partnerships in diagnostics foster innovation and enable a more integrated approach to clinical decision-making.Building successful collaborations (12:16): Discover practical insights into establishing and maintaining collaborations that deliver meaningful value to all involved. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.ResourcesAnswers From the Lab Podcast: How the Evolving Role of Diagnostics and Platforms Impact Healthcare: Bill Morice, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Bill Morice shares how a platform for collaboration transforms diagnosticsMary Jo Williamson offers four steps to maximize collaboration benefits

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss recent news about drug-resistant infections. Later, Paul Jannetto, Ph.D., director of the Clinical and Forensic Toxicology Lab, Clinical Mass Spectrometry Lab, and Metals Lab, joins Dr. Pritt for the deep dive segment. Together, they explore how diagnostics are shaping the future of therapeutics.  New podcast format launch (00:25): Drs. Morice and Pritt introduce the exciting new format for “Answers From the Lab,” including the addition of in-depth expert segments.   Drug-resistant infections (02:05): Discover how clinical diagnostics play a critical role in combating the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Diagnostics’ role in advancing precision medicine (13:28): Learn how diagnostics, specifically drug monitoring, are advancing personalized therapies and contributing to better outcomes. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Resources Therapeutics testing: A clear path to accurate answers Therapeutics testing at Mayo Clinic Laboratories WHO warns of widespread resistance to common antibiotics worldwide Tests for infectious disease detection and identification  Connect with Us Is there a question or topic you’d like us to explore in a future episode? Email us at [email protected]. Learn more about our hosts and guests and connect with them on social media.  Bobbi Pritt, M.D.  Bio  |  LinkedIn Bill Morice, M.D., Ph.D. Bio  |  LinkedIn Paul Jannetto, Ph.D. Bio  |  LinkedIn