AI, Pathology, and Outreach:
Key Trends Shaping Laboratory Medicine in 2026
By David Nichols, President & Founder, Nichols Management Group
The laboratory industry continues to experience one of the most dynamic periods in its history. While many of the challenges facing laboratories today—workforce shortages, reimbursement pressure, and increasing test complexity—are not new, the pace of change has accelerated significantly.
As we reach the midpoint of 2026, several trends have emerged that are reshaping how health systems think about laboratory strategy, pathology services, outreach growth, and operational performance. Organizations that understand these trends and position themselves accordingly will be better prepared for long-term success.
Artificial Intelligence Is Becoming a Practical Tool
For years, artificial intelligence was discussed primarily as a future possibility. Today, it is increasingly becoming a practical tool within laboratory operations.
The greatest near-term opportunities appear to be in pathology, digital image analysis, workflow optimization, quality management, and administrative functions. AI-powered tools are helping laboratories identify workflow bottlenecks, improve staffing utilization, automate repetitive tasks, and assist pathologists in the review of complex cases.
Importantly, AI is not replacing laboratory professionals. Instead, it is becoming a force multiplier that enables highly trained individuals to focus on the work that requires clinical judgment and expertise.
Laboratories that begin evaluating and implementing these technologies now will likely have a competitive advantage in productivity, quality, and scalability over the next several years.
Pathology Is Becoming Increasingly Strategic
Historically, pathology was often viewed primarily as a diagnostic support function. Today, leading health systems are increasingly recognizing pathology as a strategic asset.
The growth of oncology programs, molecular diagnostics, precision medicine, and companion diagnostics has elevated the importance of pathology within the healthcare enterprise. At the same time, many organizations are struggling with pathologist recruitment, subspecialty coverage, turnaround times, and aging infrastructure.
As a result, health systems are actively evaluating alternative operating models, including academic affiliations, pathology group acquisitions, professional services agreements, and investments in digital pathology platforms.
Organizations that successfully align pathology services with their broader clinical and oncology strategies will be well positioned to support future growth.
Outreach Strategies Are Evolving
The laboratory outreach market continues to undergo significant change.
The sale of outreach and ambulatory laboratory services to large national laboratories remains active across the country. For some organizations, these transactions provide immediate financial value and operational simplicity. For others, the long-term strategic implications are becoming more apparent as non-compete agreements expire and organizations reassess the value of retaining laboratory services internally.
Increasingly, health systems are exploring opportunities to reclaim testing volume, develop regional laboratory networks, establish competitive outreach pricing strategies, and leverage laboratory services as a strategic enterprise asset.
Many executives are beginning to view laboratory outreach not simply as a support service, but as a growth platform that can strengthen physician relationships, support population health initiatives, and generate sustainable revenue streams.
Scale Continues to Matter
One of the clearest lessons from the past decade is that scale matters.Whether through consolidation, regional partnerships, shared services, or internal growth strategies, larger laboratory enterprises generally have greater flexibility to invest in automation, specialty testing, data analytics, digital pathology, and workforce development.
The challenge for many organizations is determining how to achieve that scale while maintaining service levels, physician engagement, and local market responsiveness.
This balancing act will continue to shape strategic discussions throughout the remainder of the decade.
Looking Ahead
The laboratory industry is entering a period where technology, clinical innovation, and business strategy are increasingly interconnected.
Artificial intelligence will continue to influence laboratory operations. Pathology will play an increasingly important role in oncology and precision medicine. Outreach strategies will continue to evolve as health systems reassess prior divestiture decisions and seek new avenues for growth. Throughout all of these changes, scale, operational excellence, and strategic vision will remain critical success factors.
At Nichols Management Group, we remain actively engaged in these developments through client engagements, industry research, conference participation, and the development of thought leadership resources. We believe the organizations that embrace innovation while maintaining a disciplined focus on quality, service, and financial performance will be best positioned to succeed.
The future of laboratory medicine remains exceptionally bright for those willing to adapt, invest, and lead.
About Nichols Management Group
Nichols Management Group (NMG) is a healthcare consulting firm specializing in laboratory strategy, outreach, pathology services, operational improvement, transaction advisory services, and interim laboratory leadership. NMG works with health systems, academic medical centers, pathology groups, and laboratory organizations throughout the United States.