EuroMedLab 2025: Driving operational efficiency and excellence with innovation

Healthcare systems are undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the rapid growth of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, as an example.¹ The laboratory is not exempt from this transformation.

Laboratories continue to demonstrate their essential role in supporting patient care, guiding clinical decisions, and contributing to high-quality, evidence-based medicine.² Within the field of laboratory medicine, there has been significant growth in the fields of automation, data science, digital health, and more.³ Ultimately, for the lab, the end goal is to continue to provide high-quality results while staying up to date with the latest technologies and innovations.⁴

To understand more about the latest trends and gain insights from industry experts on the future of the laboratory, the LabLeaders team attended the 26th IFCC-EFLM EuroMedLab Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine in Brussels, Belgium.

It does not come as a surprise that one of the key themes at EuroMedLab 2025 was automation. Exhibitors from all across the world came to Brussels to showcase their newest innovations and developments in automated technology. From automated sample transfer to laboratory robots, the range of technology was not only vast, but shared the same goal of increasing processing speed, reducing hands-on time, improving cost efficiency, and standardizing analytical quality.

The need for customizable automation was also present across the congress, with multiple exhibitors highlighting the value and need for solutions and instruments to be both automated and flexible to meet the needs of the lab. Whether a lab is split across multiple floors or needs to make the most out of the floor space it has, there were solutions on display for everyone. 

Some of the key innovations shown included automated mass spectrometry, aiming to bring mass spectrometry out of the specialist lab and into the routine core lab. Large-scale automated solutions to automate end-to-end processing for a variety of testing types, to simplify workflows, enhance turnaround time, and improve ease of operation were also present.

Furthermore, some exhibitors even took us one step further, showcasing what the laboratory might look like with the help of robotics. Witnessing robots roll across the exhibition floor to load and unload samples was like looking through a window into the future.

Outside of automation, the theme of innovation was prominent at EuroMedLab 2025, with innovations in biomarkers, immunoassays, near-patient care, and clinical chemistry on display. Most notable were innovations in digital health, point of care, and mass spectrometry.

Like the rest of the healthcare industry, the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly felt in the lab.⁵ With digital health solutions popping up, tasked with making the lives of healthcare professionals easier, it’s no surprise to see these on the floor at  EuroMedLab 2025. There were examples of clinical decision support solutions, AI-enhanced image recognition, and integrated digital solutions that connect devices and data, among others.

If there is one thing to thank the COVID-19 pandemic for, it is the desire of patients to take control of their healthcare, and the associated increased need for decentralized care.⁶ As a result, there has been a rise in the development of point of care testing devices. Point of care devices are being developed to support STI testing, coagulation testing, infectious disease, and women's health testing, and are meant to help reduce the burden on labs and healthcare providers alike.

Finally, as previously mentioned, multiple exhibitors highlighted their newest approaches to mass spectrometry. From automated mass spectrometry to upgraded devices, mass spectrometry seems to be a hot topic for diagnostic solution providers, as labs look to streamline services and improve their diagnostic offerings.

Another crucial conversation at EuroMedLab 2025 was sustainability, driven by the IFCC. The congress adopted a green approach this year, implementing a paperless strategy, utilizing sustainable vendors, and promoting plastic and waste reduction. This theme was embraced by a multitude of exhibitors, with several exhibitors discussing their approach to sustainability throughout the duration of the congress, not to mention the sheer volume of greenery present in the exhibition hall.

From sustainable packaging to minimizing resource consumption to recycling plasticware in the lab, sustainability was top of mind at EuroMedLab 2025. Exhibitors showed a clear commitment to sustainability and helping labs, along with the wider healthcare industry, achieve their sustainability goals.

Laboratory leaders know that ensuring not only quality but also efficiency is a top priority because an efficient lab is an effective lab. Therefore, finding solutions and instruments that can meet your testing needs while boosting efficiency and maintaining high quality is pivotal for success. That's where congresses like EuroMedLab 2025 truly add value, allowing laboratory leaders to not only experience new technologies firsthand but also to come together, learn from each other, and share best practices and knowledge.

And with all the innovative technologies on display at EuroMedLab 2025, one thing is clear that the future of laboratory medicine is automated and will bring benefits for laboratory professionals, healthcare providers, and patients alike.