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
YouTube video thumbnail

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.

A gloved hand holds a COVID-19 lateral flow test in front of a white bathroom sink and tiled wall. Overlay text reads: ‘From ELISA to DIY?’ in bold white font on a black background.

Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck reflect on recent ADLM diagnostics innovation and how it has shaped the future of clinical testing.

A patient lies with eyes closed while a clinician marks dotted surgical lines on her face with a skin marker. The patient wears a surgical cap. Overlay text reads: ‘More than a procedure?’ in bold font on a white highlight box.

In this Before the Build episode, Eric Olson and Paul Charlebois reflect on the value of patient-centered field research—and how firsthand observation can reframe design priorities and impact outcomes in profound ways.

loved hand holding a blood vial in front of blurred Chicago skyline. Overlay text says ‘From vial… To Chicago?’ in bold white font on black background.

Each summer, the laboratory diagnostics showcase hosted by the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) draws industry leaders to Chicago.

Thumbnail showing a vial of clear contrast agent on the left, with a red dotted arrow pointing to an X-ray image of a skull displayed on a tablet held by a person in a white coat. Overlay text reads “Not approved here?” in bold black and white text.

Nigel and Nick explore how contrast agents in imaging support medical device trials and diagnostics. While bones appear clearly in standard X-rays, soft tissues like those in the nasal cavity often require contrast agents to become visible.