Frederick L. Kiechle, MD, PhD

In the practice of clinical medicine and pathology, disruptive technologies can have direct impact by offering new diagnostic paradigms—a vital benefit as physicians strive to improve patient care through more timely and accurate lab results. However, most of these novel technologies share similar concerns—such as the absence of best applications for routine clinical use, a paucity of evidence-based outcome literature for review, and the need to resolve issues related to incorporating the reporting of big databases in the laboratory information system. This overview provides an introduction an ever-expanding field of endeavors and invites readers to see the patterns, consider the implications, and apply their learning in their careers. By understanding the impact of disruptive technologies, the reader will be able to harness the opportunities they present rather than be a victim of their consequences.

Thirteen examples of disruptive technology that have a potential direct impact on clinical medicine or clinical pathology are included:

• Biosensors which may be wearable, non-implantable or implantable
• Smartphone detectors
• MALDI-TOF in bacterial identification
• Lateral flow assays
• Point-of-care testing
• Microfluidics
• Molecular diagnostics
• Organoids and regenerative medicine
• Artificial intelligence