Dr. Bill Morice predicts clinical diagnostic trends for 2026
As 2026 begins, the clinical diagnostics industry is navigating a period of rapid innovation alongside uncertainty. In a recent article for Fierce Healthcare, William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, shared his thoughts on the forces that will shape opportunities and challenges for the industry in 2026.
Patient-driven diagnostics are gaining momentum as wearable devices and at-home testing become more sophisticated and widespread. Miniaturization enables real-time health insights and expands testing beyond traditional clinical settings, making diagnostics more accessible and personalized. However, this shift raises concerns about data privacy, test accuracy, and appropriate clinical oversight, while physicians face increasing responsibility for interpreting patient-initiated results and coordinating follow-up care.
Artificial intelligence also remains a major driver of progress. The industry is shifting from an experimental period toward practical applications that improve patient outcomes. A key opportunity lies in combining AI with structural biology.
“With progress accelerating at an extraordinary pace, AI capabilities by the end of 2026 will far surpass what’s possible today,” says Dr. Morice.
Meanwhile, growing data connectivity is creating opportunities for multi‑omics diagnostics that integrate diverse biological data for more comprehensive insights. At the same time, increased reliance on shared platforms introduces vulnerabilities related to data security, privacy, and system resilience, highlighted by recent data center disruptions and heightened national security concerns.
Dr. Morice also predicts that investment in diagnostic innovation will remain cautious beyond multi-cancer detection and AI as the industry navigates an uncertain economic landscape and global reimbursement and regulatory complexity.
As 2026 unfolds, the clinical diagnostics industry sits at the intersection of innovation and uncertainty, creating both risk and opportunity. Realizing its transformative potential will require healthcare professionals to stay engaged, adaptable, and focused on the people they serve.
