ADLM Past President Dr. Paul Jannetto on AI, automation and the future of laboratory medicine

As I look across our ADLM expo floor, there are a ton of exciting and emerging technologies that are coming out, and they range from mass spectrometry to molecular diagnostics to new Alzheimer’s diagnostics and biomarkers, and also cancer screening.

The technology that I think is going to have the greatest impact on laboratory medicine is data analytics and AI.

As you know, the laboratory develops a lot of data. And by using data analytics and AI, not only are we going to be able to improve operational efficiency, but also the accuracy of diagnostic care for our patients.

While there are rapid advances in automation, AI, and digital pathology, I think all three of those are actually going to impact us positively.

AI, unfortunately, takes a lot of time to develop, validate, and verify, and also, once you start to implement it, requires post-implementation monitoring. So that's going to take a little bit longer.

Digital pathology, while scanning can be done quickly, still requires the development of tools and AI to actually validate and use it effectively.

So, therefore, I probably think automation is going to have the most immediate impact. It's also where laboratories probably have the most expertise because there's already automation going on in laboratories today. And so that's going to be able to be implemented and continue to help augment the workforce shortage we have today.

While the ADLM2026 meeting showcased hundreds of technologies, what's really made me confident that we're moving in the right direction is that it's being led by laboratory professionals.

And laboratory professionals know how to properly evaluate and test out this new technology prior to implementing it. So, we know how to validate it, earn trust, and ensure responsible use of it as we move forward to positively impact patient care.

How are data, automation, and artificial intelligence shaping the future of laboratory medicine at ADLM 2026?

Data, automation, and artificial intelligence are converging to shape the future of laboratory medicine by advancing diagnostics and improving efficiency. At ADLM 2026, Dr. Paul Jannetto highlights how these technologies support innovations across laboratory workflows, helping labs address workforce challenges and ultimately deliver better outcomes for patients.

What innovations in diagnostics, from molecular testing to digital pathology, does Dr. Paul Jannetto discuss at ADLM 2026?

At ADLM 2026, Dr. Paul Jannetto discusses innovations in diagnostics that span molecular testing and digital pathology. These advances demonstrate how new technologies are transforming laboratory medicine, enabling more sophisticated diagnostic capabilities and supporting laboratories in improving efficiency and patient care.

How can clinical laboratories harness new technologies to improve efficiency and patient outcomes?

According to the ADLM 2026 presentation, laboratories can harness new technologies — such as automation, data-driven tools, and artificial intelligence — to streamline processes, address workforce challenges, and enhance diagnostic capabilities. By adopting these innovations, labs can operate more efficiently and deliver better outcomes for patients.