Laboratory leaders gathered in Los Angeles to discuss practical applications of artificial intelligence and workflow automation in clinical lab operations.
LigoLab, a laboratory informatics company based in Glendale, California, has reported key findings from LigoVerse 2026, a two-day conference held in Hollywood, Los Angeles, focused on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in clinical laboratory operations.
The event brought together clinical laboratory leaders, technology partners, and industry experts to examine how integrated informatics platforms can help laboratories manage rising test volumes, staffing constraints, and shifting regulatory requirements.
“Laboratories today face unprecedented operational challenges, from increasing test volumes to staffing constraints and evolving regulatory requirements,” says Suren Avunjian, chief executive officer of LigoLab, in a release. “LigoVerse 2026 provided a forum for laboratory professionals to explore practical applications of automation and intelligent workflow management while sharing insights from real-world operations.”
Shifting the Role of the Laboratory Information System
A central theme at LigoVerse 2026 was the evolving function of the laboratory information system (LIS). Historically, LIS platforms have served primarily as systems of record—storing results, documentation, and audit trails. According to discussions at the event, laboratory leaders emphasized that these systems must increasingly act as systems of action, supporting operational coordination, automating repetitive tasks, identifying bottlenecks, and delivering workflow guidance.
Participants examined how AI can augment laboratory operations without replacing human expertise. AI was described at the conference as a form of “digital labor” that assists laboratory professionals by streamlining routine administrative tasks and enabling faster access to operational insights.
“Laboratories generate significant amounts of data daily, but much of it remains underutilized,” Avunjian says in a release. “Artificial intelligence offers a way to activate this data, helping laboratory teams manage complexity and focus on tasks that require human judgment.”
Conference Sessions Covered Workflows, Automation, and Revenue Cycle
The two-day event combined strategic discussions with hands-on demonstrations. Day one focused on industry trends, regulatory updates, and case studies from laboratories using integrated LIS and revenue cycle management (RCM) platforms. Day two emphasized practical learning, featuring sessions on workflow automation, LIS configuration, AI-assisted order entry, case distribution optimization, peer review workflows, and voice-enabled documentation tools.
A recurring theme across sessions was the importance of linking laboratory operations with financial management. As reimbursement landscapes shift, laboratory leaders at LigoVerse 2026 emphasized that a connected informatics platform provides visibility into both operational and financial performance, enabling teams to monitor processes, identify inefficiencies, and adjust workflows accordingly.
Peer Exchange and Collaborative Learning
Peer exchange sessions allowed laboratory leaders to share operational lessons and implementation strategies. Attendees discussed approaches for coordinating technical and administrative workflows, managing high-volume testing environments, and integrating automation without disrupting existing laboratory practices.
Industry experts at the conference noted that laboratories achieving operational clarity are those that leverage data integration and automation while fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making. Participants agreed that laboratories must move beyond fragmented systems toward coordinated platforms that deliver actionable insights across the laboratory lifecycle.
According to event organizers, collaboration is a key component in building resilient laboratory operations capable of adapting to industry changes.
ID 178455858 © Nadeshda Goettmann | Dreamstime.com
