LigoLab, a Glendale, California-based laboratory informatics company, reported key findings at 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 explore how integrated informatics platforms can help laboratories manage increasing testing volumes, staffing constraints, and changing regulatory requirements.
“Today’s laboratories face unprecedented operational challenges, from increased testing volumes to staffing constraints and evolving regulatory requirements,” LigoLab Chief Executive Officer Suren Avunjian said 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.”
Transforming the role of laboratory information systems
A central theme of LigoVerse 2026 was the evolution of laboratory information system (LIS) capabilities. Historically, LIS platforms have primarily served as systems of record for storing results, documentation, and audit trails. According to discussions at the event, Institute leaders emphasized that these systems must increasingly function as systems of action, including supporting operational coordination, automating repetitive tasks, identifying bottlenecks, and providing workflow guidance.
Participants considered how AI can enhance laboratory operations without replacing human expertise. At the conference, AI was described as a type of “digital labor” that aids testing professionals by streamlining routine administrative tasks and enabling faster access to operational insights.
“Laboratories generate vast amounts of data every day, much of which remains underutilized,” Abangian said in the release. “Artificial intelligence provides a way to activate this data, allowing research teams to manage complexity and focus on tasks that require human judgment.”
Conference sessions covered workflow, automation, and revenue cycle
The two-day event combined strategic discussions with practical demonstrations. Day 1 focused on industry trends, regulatory updates, and case studies of laboratories using integrated LIS and revenue cycle management (RCM) platforms. The second day focused on hands-on learning, with sessions on workflow automation, LIS configuration, AI-assisted order entry, case distribution optimization, peer review workflows, and voice-enabled documentation tools.
A recurring theme throughout the sessions was the importance of linking laboratory operations and financial management. As the reimbursement landscape changes, LigoVerse 2026 Institute leaders emphasized that connected informatics platforms provide visibility into both operational and financial performance, allowing teams to monitor processes, identify inefficiencies, and adjust workflows accordingly.
Peer exchange and collaborative learning
Peer exchange sessions allowed lab leaders to share operational lessons and implementation strategies. Participants discussed approaches to align technical and administrative workflows, manage high-volume testing environments, and integrate automation without disrupting existing laboratory operations.
Industry experts at the conference noted that labs that achieve operational clarity are those that foster a culture of data-driven decision-making while leveraging data integration and automation. Participants agreed that labs need to move beyond fragmented systems to coordinated platforms that provide actionable insights across the lab lifecycle.
According to event organizers, collaboration is a key element in building resilient lab operations that can adapt to changes in the industry.
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