Published Dec. 4, 2025

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) reform and the first reported death from alpha-gal syndrome. Later, Dr. Pritt welcomes Chris Garcia, M.D., Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ chief digital innovation officer and medical director of BioPharma Diagnostics, to explore how biopharma diagnostics advance research and development.

• PAMA reform update (00:33): Get the latest on where reform to PAMA stands following the federal government’s reopening.
• Alpha-gal syndrome case (03:22): Learn about the first known death from alpha-gal syndrome and diagnostic testing for this tick-bite-triggered red meat allergy.
• Biopharma’s role in research and development (07:52): Discover how biopharma diagnostics fuel innovation and how digital tools are expanding its future impact.

Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.

Resources

• BioPharma Diagnostics: Connecting pharma and biotech
• Tick-borne disease: An expanding geographic threat

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, to discuss recent news about Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) reform. Then, Dr. Pritt welcomes Trish Simner, Ph.D., a clinical microbiologist at Mayo Clinic, for an in-depth conversation about metagenomics.

• PAMA reform update and new RESULTS Act (00:30): Hear about options under consideration for PAMA reform, including the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act.
• When cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metagenomics benefit patient care (06:04): Explore how CSF metagenomics work and when it is appropriate to use this advanced diagnostic tool in clinical practice.
• Advancement and innovation in metagenomics (18:15): Discover how recent and upcoming innovation is expanding metagenomic testing capabilities.

Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.

Resources

• Answers From the Lab podcast: Developments for LDT Regulation and Laboratory Reimbursement: Bill Morice, M.D., Ph.D.
• Metagenomics: Identifying elusive pathogenic microorganisms

In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, welcomes William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. Together, they discuss recent news about virus activity and explore the value of collaboration in shaping innovative diagnostic strategies.

• Testing for viruses appearing closer to home (00:45): Gain insights on using available testing to manage measles and detect chikungunya, which was recently transmitted in the U.S. for the first time in years.
• Collaborating for more coordinated care and innovation (06:04): Explore how strategic partnerships in diagnostics foster innovation and enable a more integrated approach to clinical decision-making.
• Building successful collaborations (12:16): Discover practical insights into establishing and maintaining collaborations that deliver meaningful value to all involved.

Note: Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting.

Resources

• Answers From the Lab Podcast: How the Evolving Role of Diagnostics and Platforms Impact Healthcare: Bill Morice, M.D., Ph.D.
• Dr. Bill Morice shares how a platform for collaboration transforms diagnostics
• Mary Jo Williamson offers four steps to maximize collaboration benefits