Mayo Clinic Laboratories > Insights > Education > Webinars > Future Direction of Lab Medicine

Future Direction of Lab Medicine

This forward-looking series of upcoming and on-demand webinars explores emerging trends and innovations shaping the field of laboratory medicine and pathology. These sessions feature Mayo Clinic experts discussing cutting-edge technologies, evolving methodologies, and clinical applications that are influencing the future of testing and diagnostics. Designed for laboratory professionals and clinicians, this resource supports strategic insight and innovation to help elevate diagnostic practice.

Hosted the third month of the quarter, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. C.T.

Upcoming webinars

Metagenomic sequencing: A revolutionary approach to aid in the diagnosis of serious and complex infections featured image
Metagenomic sequencing: A revolutionary approach to aid in the diagnosis of serious and complex infections

Join Mayo Clinic Laboratories for our webinar exploring the expanding role of precision diagnostics in the evaluation of serious and potentially life-threatening infections. Focusing on metagenomic sequencing available from Mayo Clinic Laboratories, including the Karius Spectrum plasma test, which is offered by Mayo Clinic Laboratories in collaboration with Karius, participants will gain an overview of microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) metagenomic sequencing, including clinical decision-making around test ordering, appropriate clinical indications, and how to interpret and apply results to support timely diagnosis and patient management.

By Robin Huiras • August 28, 2026
The Role of GFAP and Its Clinical Use Cases featured image
The Role of GFAP and Its Clinical Use Cases

Learn how GFAP testing is emerging as a biomarker to support diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis in neurological diseases.

By MCL Education • September 17, 2026

On demand webinars

Technologist works in laboratory
Autoimmune Neurology: Phenotype-Based Testing
May 19, 2026

This webinar will discuss how autoimmune neurology testing has changed with expanding antibody discovery and why a patient-first, phenotype-specific approach improves test selection and interpretation.
Quality in the AI Era featured image
Quality in the AI Era
June 10, 2026

This webinar will explore quality in the AI era—and how strong quality foundations are essential for safe, reliable and scalable AI and automation.
Gloved hands fill two test tubes using a dropper.
Real-time Quaking-induced Conversion Assays: From prion disease to emerging neurodegenerative diagnostics
March 10, 2026

PACE/FL. This webinar introduces real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assays that are now available at Mayo Clinic for diagnosing human prion disease.

Pharmacogenomics header, with credit offered
Pharmacogenomics: Why is everyone talking about DPYD?
December 10, 2025

The rapidly evolving field of pharmacogenomics, the DPYD gene and its significance in oncology.
Fingers holding a vial.
Streamlining lab visits: Can patient self-collected blood improve the phlebotomy experience?
September 10, 2025

PACE/State of FL - Presentation Recording Coming Soon - This presentation explores the distinctions between capillary and venous collection and compares home-based versus clinic-based sampling, with attention to delayed processing and shipping stability. 
A professional medical microscope is above a table full of slide photos. There is a banner stating "Credit Offered."
Making the Promise of AI a Reality in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
June 26, 2025

PACE/State of FL - How artificial intelligence and digital pathology have the potential to revolutionize the clinical laboratory landscape.
Credit offered tag. A desk with a gloved hand on a computer mouse and a test tube by the keyboard.
Autoimmune Peripheral Neuropathy: A New Paradigm Shift
March 13, 2025

PACE/State of FL - This webinar will discuss the advantages of using electrophysiology results to guide the selection of axonal or demyelinating testing for peripheral neuropathy. This approach can help identify specific antibodies associated with the condition, providing a more precise diagnosis, and improving patient outcomes. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, as the therapeutic approach varies based on the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy.
Credit Offered flag above a graphic representing DNA, with G, T, C or A labeled on various points.
Optimizing Cancer Care: ASCO Guidelines for Germline Genetic Testing
October 9, 2024

PACE/State of FL - The latest ASCO guidelines for selection of germline genetic testing panels for cancer patients.
Sickle cell disease: How new technologies are transforming patient lives featured image
Sickle cell disease: How new technologies are transforming patient lives
August 6, 2024

PACE/State of FL - The current knowledge regarding sickle cell disease from its genetic cause to the myriads of effects it can have for affected individuals.

Close-up of several laboratory blood test tubes with colorful caps being held by someone in a holder.
Doing More with Less: The Advantages of Optimizing Blood Collection Volumes for Laboratory Testing 
March 12, 2024

Implementation of new analyzers and replacement of automation equipment in the Central Clinical Laboratory at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, prompted the laboratory to reassess blood collection volumes for commonly ordered tests.