ADLM Diagnostics Innovation and COVID Testing

Two men, Nick A. (left) and Nigel (right), sit at a white table, engaging in a lively and friendly conversation. Both wear checkered shirts and lavalier microphones, suggesting a filmed discussion or interview. Nick holds tissue samples in one hand and gestures animatedly, while Nigel smiles in response. Each has a white mug labeled with their name and a purple star logo. The background is a bright white, creating a clean and professional studio setting.
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ADLM Diagnostics Innovation and COVID Testing

Sector: Diagnostics
Topic: Bio Break
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In this Bio Break episode, Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck reflect on recent ADLM diagnostics innovation and how it has shaped the future of clinical testing. The Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) recently wrapped its annual showcase in Chicago, and as always, it left a strong impression on the medtech community.

While discussing highlights from the show, Nick and Nigel zero in on a perfect case study of ADLM diagnostics innovation: the evolution of COVID-19 testing. From the early days of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to the familiar lateral flow tests we now perform at home, diagnostics have become faster, simpler, and more accessible. This transformation—from complex lab environments to point-of-care and even bathroom-counter diagnostics—was on full display at ADLM.

From the Lab to the Bathroom Counter

As Nick points out, one of the most remarkable shifts in diagnostics is how complicated procedures have been distilled into everyday routines. What once required trained technicians in controlled environments can now be done at home, often with little more than a test strip and a timer. The lateral flow transformation is a clear example of how ADLM’s influence and technology leadership help shape the direction of consumer-friendly diagnostics.

Indirect ELISA explained with antibody model showing enzyme linked immunoassay detection

Nick and Nigel walk through how indirect ELISA works, why it uses two antibodies instead of one, and when this approach makes the most sense in real diagnostic workflows.

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Ariana Wilson and Mark Drlik break down medical vs wellness devices and explain why two products with identical hardware can fall into completely different regulatory categories.

Nick from StarFish Medical demonstrating antigen detection using a toy antibody model to explain how monoclonal antibodies bind antigens in ELISA diagnostics

Nick and Nigel break down the ELISA assay explained in simple, practical terms using everyday models.

Magnifying glass revealing cracks with the text “This gets missed,” illustrating hidden risks in medical device validation and real-world use.

Ariana Wilson sits down with Mark Drlik to unpack why reprocessing is often one of the hardest challenges engineers face during development.