The findings from a 2026 survey conducted by Advisory Board and sponsored by Mayo Clinic Laboratories highlight a laboratory industry that is preparing for growth despite significant challenges. Laboratory and health system leaders reported plans to strengthen laboratory services over the next five years, with 64% expecting to increase laboratory budgets in the near term.

The survey identified the most pressing challenges facing laboratories today, as well as the four strategies organizations are using to position themselves for long-term success:

• Prioritizing test value in response to payer pressures. Payer-driven cost controls are the top challenge facing laboratories. In response, organizations are working to better understand how payers and laboratory benefit managers assess lab test value and refining ordering and coding processes to demonstrate value more effectively.
• Investing in automation to ease workforce strain. Staff constraints remain a significant challenge. Leaders report responding with a mix of strategies, including automation. However, 70% of respondents report that upfront implementation costs remain an obstacle.
• Investing in outreach labs to capture revenue. Demand for laboratory services is expected to grow through 2033. Many survey participants report already experiencing that growth, prompting them to invest in outreach programs to make better use of capacity and capture new market share.
• Adding innovative tests to meet growing demand. Advances in genetic testing, emerging therapies, and point-of-care technologies are creating new opportunities. Leaders are evaluating how to thoughtfully incorporate innovative diagnostics into their test menus.

View the full survey report.