Answers from the Lab

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 seasonal vaccination planning and survey findings on laboratory industry growth. Later, Leslie Donato, Ph.D. , a clinical chemist at Mayo Clinic, shares how an innovative testing panel is improving the diagnosis of bile acid malabsorption. Survey highlights laboratory growth strategies (00:29): Discover where laboratory leaders are investing, the challenges shaping the industry, and the strategies organizations are adopting to achieve sustainable growth. Seasonal viruses and vaccination planning (05:29) : Discover how to learn more about vaccination options for viruses that typically surge during the fall and winter. Diagnostics for chronic diarrhea (07:43) : Hear how a novel test is improving diagnosis and advancing understanding of bile acid malabsorption. Resources Survey reveals four strategies for laboratory growth Vaccine and immunization guidance from Mayo Clinic Testing Options for Patients with Chronic Diarrhea: A Focus on Bile Acid Malabsorption Webinar Bile acid malabsorption: A patient-centered approach to diagnose a common cause of chronic diarrhea The right testing for an underrecognized cause of chronic diarrhea

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 advancement in Alzheimer’s testing and practical uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Later, Dr. Pritt welcomes Chris Garcia, M.D. , Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ chief digital innovation officer, to explore the evolving role of data in research and development. Innovative Alzheimer’s test gets FDA clearance (00:33): Dr. Morice shares how a strategic collaboration is enabling Mayo Clinic Laboratories to offer a newly FDA-cleared blood test for Alzheimer’s disease for adults with cognitive symptoms as young as 40. AI helping diagnose rare diseases (03:37) : Dr. Pritt and Dr. Morice reflect on a recent article highlighting how AI is helping clinicians identify rare diseases. Data use in research and development (08:16) : Dr. Garcia discusses how data, AI, and cross-disciplinary collaboration are advancing research and innovation in laboratory medicine. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Resources C2N Diagnostics: FDA clears C2N Diagnostics’ PrecivityAD2® —First Alzheimer’s blood test for adults with cognitive symptoms as young as 40 Wall Street Journal: AI is helping patients solve medical mysteries Answers From the Lab: Digital Advances: What's Next for Clinical Diagnostics? Answers From the Lab: 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 “rabbit fever” cases in New York and strategies for responding to industry trends. Later, Dr. Pritt welcomes Mary Jo Williamson, Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ chief administrative officer, to share practical strategies for leading teams through periods of rapid change. Strategies for making strategic progress amid disruption (00:29): Discover practical insights from a recent Forbes article by Dr. Morice on identifying healthcare industry disruptors and determining how organizations should respond. A rare tick-borne illness (07:21) : Learn about suspected cases of the rare tick-borne illness tularemia, also known as "rabbit fever.” Leading through change (09:02): Williamson shares lessons from more than three decades of healthcare leadership, offering practical guidance for helping teams navigate change with confidence and purpose. Resources Forbes: Understanding healthcare industry disruptors and what comes next Tick-borne disease: An expanding threat Five steps to manage change in an outreach laboratory Mary Jo Williamson talks resiliency and agility on Fierce Healthcare podcast Mary Jo Williamson shares strategic investment insights with Modern Healthcare

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 recent reports about the New World screwworm. Dr. Morice also shares insights on building an innovation strategy that delivers meaningful organizational value. PAMA reform update (00:40): Dr. Morice discusses the status of the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act and PAMA. Tracking the New World screwworm (02:24) : Learn about recent cases of the New World screwworm, why this parasitic fly is problematic, and how sterile insects help contain it. Developing an innovation strategy that drives value (04:49) : Discover lessons from Dr. Morice’s experience developing a strategic approach to innovation that delivers meaningful outcomes and impact. Resources 4 steps to establishing a new approach to innovation

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 the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) and a recent Cyclospora outbreak making headlines. Later, Dr. Pritt welcomes Juliana Perez Botero, M.D. , a Mayo Clinic hematologist, to explore innovative testing approaches for bleeding disorders. PAMA data collection and reform (01:05): With data collection for PAMA underway, Dr. Morice shares the latest on potential updates to the law. Cyclospora outbreak (05:45) : Get a microbiologist’s perspective on the recent Cyclospora outbreak and learn practical steps to help reduce your risk of infection. The value of laboratory testing for bleeding disorders (08:37) : Discover why laboratory testing plays a critical role in the diagnosis and management of patients with bleeding disorders. Innovation for bleeding disorder testing (12:56) : Learn how genotype assays are enhancing patient care and how advances in nanotechnology and collaborative research are opening new possibilities for the future. Resources Mayo Clinic Classical Hematology Conference Bleeding disorders: The right test at the right time Cyclospora Stain, Feces (Mayo ID: CYCL)

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 artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives in the news. She then welcomes Jane Hermansen, manager of Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ Outreach Program , to discuss the value of outreach programs in strengthening laboratories and supporting broader healthcare systems. AI’s potential and limitations (00:01): Learn what’s next and the challenges that remain as Drs. Pritt and Morice discuss recent stories about AI in healthcare. Value of outreach (07:30) : Discover how laboratory outreach programs support their organizations, delivering benefits that range from improved patient care to lower testing costs and growth across health system service lines. Getting the most from outreach (15:54): Learn the three most important things lab leaders can do to get the greatest value from their outreach program. The future of outreach (17:53): Get insights on how outreach may evolve in the coming years as healthcare changes. Resources Fortune: A decade after the ‘Godfather of AI’ said radiologists are obsolete, salaries are $571K and growing “Answers From the Lab” podcast: Digital Advances: What's Next for Clinical Diagnostics? Personalized pathways through digital diagnostics: A Q&A with Chris Garcia, M.D. Outreach & Business Solutions Own your lab: Hospital-owned labs generate long-term financial and clinical value Leveraging the Laboratory Conference

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 clinical diagnostics are powering more personalized care. Together, they explore: Point-of-care testing in outbreak response (00:29): Hear about the potential and limitations of point-of-care testing during disease outbreaks. A rare type of Lyme disease (02:46) : Learn about the spread of the second known pathogen to cause Lyme disease in the U.S. The evolution of AI (04:50) : Dr. Morice shares insights from a recent conference, highlighting the shift from discussing artificial intelligence’s potential to scaling real-world clinical applications. Personalized medicine and diagnostics (06:07) : Discover how clinical diagnostics are driving personalized medicine and how data will shape its future. Resources Four ways diagnostics are driving more personalized care "Answers From the Lab" podcast: Advancing Precision Medicine Through Therapeutic Tests "Answers From the Lab" podcast: Risks Increase as Ticks, Mosquitoes, and Similar Vectors Spread Therapeutics testing: Discover the differences

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 updates on the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) and other policy changes affecting clinical diagnostics. Later, Dr. Pritt welcomes Ann Moyer, M.D., Ph.D. , a molecular genetic pathologist at Mayo Clinic and chair of the hereditary genetics practice, to explore how precision therapeutics are improving cancer treatments. PAMA update (00:01): Get the latest on PAMA as the first data collection period begins, including ongoing efforts to advance the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act. Policy changes influencing diagnostics (04:09) : Learn how evolving reimbursement policies for blood-based cancer screening and a proposed CLIA modernization bill may impact the field. Pharmacogenomic tests improving cancer care (08:14) : Discover how pharmacogenomics are benefiting patients with cancer, the benefits of medication-based testing, and how this field is advancing. Resources CMS: CLFS & PAMA reporting and resources Precision Oncology Therapeutics: Personalized cancer treatment Answers From the Lab: Genetic Tests Identify Risk of Irinotecan-Induced Toxicity: John Logan Black, M.D. Answers From the Lab: Genetic Tests Identify Risk of Fluoropyrimidine-Induced Toxicity: Ann Moyer, M.D., Ph.D.

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, speaks with William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D. , president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, about Ebola, hantavirus and takeaways from a recent healthcare conference. Later, she welcomes Elli Theel, Ph.D. , a microbiologist in Mayo Clinic’s Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, to explore vector-borne diseases. Top industry topics (00:04): Dr. Morice highlights key topics from a recent major healthcare conference, including AI and payment reform. Infectious diseases in the news (04:04) : Overview of hantavirus, Ebola, and why laboratory medicine is important during outbreaks. Growing prevalence of vector-borne diseases (06:48) : Insights on the growing prevalence of vector-borne diseases. Testing options (09:45) : Understand the different types of testing available for pathogens and when it is best to use each one. Innovation and discovery (17:05) : Discover emerging pathogens and advances in detection. Protect yourself (19:41): Learn easy ways to protect yourself and your family from vector-borne diseases. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Resources Forbes: Is hantavirus an emerging threat? What you need to know Vector-borne diseases by geographic region Vector-borne diseases: The right tests for detection and diagnosis Learn the ABCs of ticks

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, welcomes Brad Karon, M.D., Ph.D. , division chair for Mayo Clinic's Clinical Core Laboratory Services and a member of the laboratory and pathologist stewardship team, to discuss laboratory stewardship strategies and why they matter. Why lab stewardship is important (00:44): How improved test utilization benefits laboratories, healthcare systems, and patients. Strategies for promoting lab stewardship (03:40) : Proven approaches for improving appropriate test utilization. How industry disrupters will change stewardship efforts (09:33) : How artificial intelligence and other emerging disruptors may reshape lab stewardship efforts. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Resources Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin: Promoting laboratory stewardship through clinical decision support Five steps to optimizing your outreach test menu Hospital-owned labs generate long-term financial and clinical value

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 reflect on the essential role of laboratory medicine during National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week. Dr. Pritt also welcomes Julia Lehman, M.D. , a dermatologist and dermatopathologist at Mayo Clinic, to discuss innovative diagnostic tests for autoimmune diseases affecting the skin. Laboratory medicine’s expanding role (00:15): Learn how laboratory medicine touches nearly every aspect of healthcare — and why its importance will continue to grow with the integration of AI. An inspiring patient story (05:22): Hear how a young patient with a rare disease is able to pursue her passion for dance thanks to advances in laboratory medicine. Advances in testing for autoimmune blistering diseases (07:29): Discover how novel diagnostic tests are helping clinicians better tailor treatment for patients with complex skin conditions. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Resources Immunodermatology: Unmatched testing expertise A family's journey with an ultra-rare disease: Isabel the incredible

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 and updates. Later, Dr. Pritt welcomes Chris Garcia, M.D. , Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ chief digital innovation officer, to explore digital advances in clinical diagnostics. AI systems for healthcare guidance (00:36): Learn how patients and consumers are using AI tools to better understand their health information. Diagnostic’s digital innovation journey (07:43) : Explore the evolution of digital advances, their impact on care today, and what lies ahead. Guidance for selecting new tools (20:51): Gain practical guidance on selecting new digital tools in the laboratory. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Resources From Intake to Interpretation: How AI Assists Lab Teams Today Making the Promise of AI a Reality in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology

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 share industry updates and Mayo Clinic’s test development success in 2025. Later, Dr. Pritt welcomes Janelle Santos, M.D. , a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic, to discuss how she uses a preeclampsia test to care for her patients. Public policy insights for 2026 (00:34): Dr. Bill Morice shares insights on reimbursement and AI-related policy developments following an association meeting in Washington, D.C. An unprecedented year for test development (04:45) : Discover how Mayo Clinic’s record year for test development delivers value to Mayo Clinic’s patients and Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ clients. Novel preeclampsia testing (08:13) : Learn how new clinical testing helps physicians improve outcomes for women at risk for preeclampsia and their babies. Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Resources 4 steps to establishing a new approach to innovation Innovation beyond the bench: Translating science into better diagnostics and outcomes Preeclampsia: Empowering confident decision-making through preeclampsia risk assessment Assay stratifies pregnant women's preeclampsia risk: Joshua Bornhorst, Ph.D. Preeclampsia sFlt-1/PIGF Ratio, Serum (Mayo ID: PERA)

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 biochemical 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. Resources Rewriting the future of rheumatoid arthritis: How early detection is transforming prevention Cultivating a comprehensive test menu for organ transplant patients Screening 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. Resources Groundbreaking collaborations Mary Jo Williamson offers four steps to maximize collaboration benefits Dr. 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. Resources Transforming 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. Resources Five ways to move faster without compromising trust in diagnostics "Answers From the Lab” podcast: Breakthroughs and Trends That Defined Lab Medicine in 2025 360Dx: 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 2025 Dr. Morice shares trends and predictions for 2025 Mayo Clinic Minute: How to prepare for the influenza season Mayo Clinic Minute: Wash your hands for better health Vaccines and viruses: Protecting health across generations

Published Dec. 4, 2025 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 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. Resources BioPharma Diagnostics: Connecting pharma and biotech Tick-borne disease: An expanding geographic threat