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.
Resources

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.

Learn more about StarFish Medical.

Diagram showing medical device at the center connected to clinicians, patients, and regulatory bodies with text 'Who are we designing for?' highlighting stakeholder mapping in MedTech design.

Understanding Medical Device Stakeholders

Every phase of a device’s life cycle involves different people with distinct needs—from clinicians and patients to service technicians and regulatory bodies.

A fluorescent protein assay sample glows under UV light as part of medical device cleaning validation testing.

Fluorescent Protein Assay Testing in Medical Devices

Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck explain how a fluorescent protein assay helps engineers measure contamination and cleaning performance in medical devices.

Engineer assembling electronic components during medical device design transfer process.

Bridging the Design-to-Manufacturing Gap in Medical Devices

Your team is ready for design validation. The prototype performs well, test plans are in motion, and everything points to a smooth handoff to manufacturing. Then your partner calls with bad news: they can’t build the device as designed.

Contract Manufacturer Rejection - Engineering team reviews early-stage medical device design and manufacturability during a design transfer meeting at StarFish Medical.

When the CM Says No: What to Do When Your Contract Manufacturer Rejects Your Early-Stage Build

You’ve cleared the toughest engineering hurdles and proven your design works. Then, just as you prepare to scale, your contract manufacturer turns you down.