The 26^th edition of the International Conference on Laboratory Medicine, held in Padova on October 23^rd 2019, is entitled “From bench to diagnostic – therapeutic pathways”. Laboratory (diagnostic) services are a key component of modern health care. It has been estimated that 70–80% of all medical decisions impacting diagnosis or treatment involve at least one pathology and laboratory medicine (PALM) investigation. In this issue of the Journal, we publish a series of papers emphasizing the debate regarding the future of laboratory medicine, translational health economics and some examples of translating new biomarkers into clinical practice.

Pathology and laboratory medicine in universal health coverage

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease

Disclosure:
The series “2019 International Conference on Laboratory Medicine: From Bench to Diagnostic - Therapeutic Pathways” was commissioned by the editorial office, Journal of Laboratory and Precision Medicine without any sponsorship or funding. Giuseppe Lippi and Mario Plebani served as the unpaid Guest Editors for the series.