Clinical Laboratory Service Market By Test Type (Genetic Testing, Clinical Chemistry, Medical Microbiology Testing, Hematology Testing, Immunology Testing, Cytology Testing, Drug Abuse Testing, and Other Esoteric Tests), By Service Provider (Hospital-based Laboratories, Stand-alone Laboratories, and Clinic-based Laboratories), By Application (Bioanalytical & Lab Chemistry Services, Toxicology Testing Services, Cell & Gene Therapy Related Services, Preclinical & Clinical Trial Related Services, Drug Discovery & Development Related Services, and Other Clinical Laboratory Services), Region and Companies – Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2024-2033

Report Overview

The Clinical Laboratory Service Market size is expected to be worth around USD 341.8 Billion by 2033 from USD 233.4 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period 2024 to 2033.

Clinical laboratory services play a crucial role in detecting and quantifying various biological substances. Biomolecular concentration variations can signal abnormal metabolic activities, infections, diseases, and inflammatory conditions. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential for optimal clinical outcomes and public health.

The market for clinical laboratory services is expected to grow due to increased disease prevalence and demand for early diagnosis. Market players are introducing innovative services, including companion diagnostics, biochips, and microarrays. These advancements aid early disease detection and reduce overall healthcare costs by tailoring treatment options based on the patient’s genetic makeup.

Additionally, the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes significantly impacts the market. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that by 2030, cardiovascular diseases are going to be the reason for approximately 23.6 million deaths, primarily due to heart ailments and stroke. Furthermore, the global occurrence of diabetes is continuously rising, leading to a large patient pool. This is projected to create lucrative prospects for the market.

Key Takeaways

• In 2023, the market for clinical laboratory service generated a revenue of USD 233.4 Billion, with a CAGR of 3.9%, and is expected to reach USD 341.8 Billion by the year 2033.
• The test type segment is divided into genetic testing, clinical chemistry, medical microbiology testing, hematology testing, immunology testing, cytology testing, drug abuse testing, and other esoteric tests, with clinical chemistry taking the lead in 2023 with a market share of 31.4%.
• Considering the service provider, the market is divided into hospital-based laboratories, stand-alone laboratories, and clinic-based laboratories. Among these, hospital-based laboratories held a significant share of 52.6%.
• North America led the market by securing a market share of 38.4% in 2023.

Test Type Analysis

The clinical chemistry segment led in 2023, claiming a market share of 31.4% owing to the wide range of clinical chemistry tests used for analyzing body fluids such as urine, plasma, serum, and others. These tests play a crucial role in basic-level diagnosis and laboratory testing.

Common clinical chemistry tests include glucose, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, bilirubin, globulins, alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT).

Techniques like spectrophotometry, immunoassay, and electrophoresis are employed to measure the concentration of different molecules in collected samples. Automation is increasingly being adopted to enhance customer experience in this segment.

Service Provider Analysis

The hospital-based laboratories held a significant share of 52.6% due to the high volume of patient tests, particularly for complex and severe diseases that require intensive diagnostics. Hospitals continue to integrate laboratories within their premises, contributing to the segment’s sustained dominance.

Outreach programs initiated by hospitals, coupled with rapid testing for severe conditions, are expected to fuel further growth. For example, in February 2023, Tenaris collaborated with San Jose Municipal Hospital in Campana, Argentina, to establish a new laboratory, enhancing testing capabilities in the country.

Application Analysis

The bioanalytical & lab chemistry services segment had a tremendous growth rate. These laboratories employ a diverse range of techniques and technology platforms to meet diagnostic requirements. Among the commonly used technologies are ELISA, chromatography, immunochemistry, mass spectrometry, and molecular biology.

Bioanalytical services play a crucial role in drug discovery and development by determining the concentration of drugs and their metabolites. For example, in November 2021, Labcorp expanded its bioanalytical presence in the Asia Pacific by launching a bioanalytical laboratory in Singapore.

Key Market Segments

By Test Type

• Genetic Testing
• Clinical Chemistry
• Medical Microbiology Testing
• Hematology Testing
• Immunology Testing
• Cytology Testing
• Drug Abuse Testing
• Other Esoteric Tests

By Service Provider

• Hospital-based Laboratories
• Stand-alone Laboratories
• Clinic-based Laboratories

By Application

• Bioanalytical & Lab Chemistry Services
• Toxicology Testing Services
• Cell & Gene Therapy Related Services
• Preclinical & Clinical Trial Related Services
• Drug Discovery & Development Related Services
• Other Clinical Laboratory Services

Drivers

Growing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

The global market is witnessing an increase in chronic disorders, including sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease, and various forms of cancer (such as breast cancer). Contributing factors include a growing geriatric population, tobacco use, physical inactivity, and unhealthy lifestyles.

As the number of chronic diseases rises, hospitalizations and clinical laboratory tests are also expected to increase. For example, a journal published by Elsevier B.V. in May 2022 estimated that approximately 162,428 people worldwide live with cystic fibrosis, and 57,076 patients remain undiagnosed. This prevalence surge is likely to drive demand for clinical laboratory tests in the forecast period.

Restraints

Scarcity of Skilled Clinical Lab Personnel

The shortage of clinical laboratory personnel, particularly in emerging countries, poses a significant challenge to market expansion. Inadequate equipment and a lack of skilled healthcare professionals further contribute to these limitations.

For instance, an article published by Clinical Lab Products (CLP) in September 2022 highlighted a shortage of 20,000 to 25,000 laboratory technologists in the clinical laboratory services industry, despite approximately 335,000 professionals currently employed in the U.S. The deficit of about 7.0% technologists in laboratory settings within the U.S. is expected to impede market growth.

Additionally, resource-constrained diagnostic settings, characterized by limited equipment supply, understaffing, poorly equipped materials, and suboptimal lab protocols during critical tests, may hinder market expansion in emerging regions.

Opportunities

Increasing Healthcare Expenditure

One of the significant drivers of market growth is the increased healthcare expenditure by governments. To address the growing demand for clinical laboratory diagnosis and services, as well as to ensure accessibility for citizens without financial burden, various countries’ government bodies are prioritizing healthcare spending.

For example, in India, the share of government health expenditures in total healthcare spending has risen from 29.0% to 41.4% in recent years, as reported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in April 2023. Additionally, public-private partnerships are expected to play a crucial role in expanding medical laboratory services.

These partnerships offer advantages such as scalability, strengthening technical skills, fostering innovation, and mapping the prevalence of chronic diseases. The combination of increased government healthcare spending and collaborative efforts is poised to drive growth in the clinical laboratory services market.

Impact of Macroeconomic / Geopolitical Factors

Macroeconomic and geopolitical factors exert a significant influence on the clinical laboratory service market, shaping its growth trajectory and dynamics. Macroeconomic factors such as government funding and investments in healthcare infrastructure positively impact the clinical laboratory service market, driving growth and innovation.

Geopolitical factors such as trade agreements and partnerships facilitate international collaborations and access to new markets. Economic growth and stability lead to increased healthcare spending, benefiting the market. However, economic downturns and trade tensions lead to reduced healthcare spending and market uncertainty.

Latest Trends

Growing Focus on the Development of Automated Clinical Laboratories

Lab automation is a significant trend in the global clinical laboratory services market. Key players are increasingly focusing on developing automated clinical labs to address cost pressures and enhance efficiency. By replacing manual and repetitive tasks, lab automation improves throughput and result quality. This trend is expected to drive market growth.

For example, in April 2023, Flow Robotics introduced ScanID, a sample traceable device that offers both 1D and 2D scanning in a single device. ScanID streamlines sample traceability and reduces errors during the pre-analytical phase, ultimately benefiting patient diagnosis and treatment.

Regional Analysis

North America is leading the Clinical Laboratory Service Market

North America dominated the market with the highest revenue share of 38.4% owing to several factors, including a high prevalence of chronic diseases, a well-established healthcare infrastructure, and an aging population. The region boasts robust healthcare systems and a reimbursement framework for clinical laboratory services. Additionally, new entrants are attracted to the lucrative nature of the business in the country.

For instance, Dutch biotech company Detact Diagnostics announced the establishment of a new laboratory at Keene State College (U.S.) with a 2-year rental contract in February 2023. Leading clinical laboratories that provide essential diagnostic information to patients and healthcare professionals are represented by the American Clinical Laboratory, a national trade group.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Asia Pacific is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR driven by factors such as increasing scientific research, unmet medical needs, economic development, and improvements in healthcare infrastructure and regulations. Rising public awareness and the availability of advanced medical treatments are also contributing to the region’s expansion.

Notably, clinical laboratory services gained significant importance during the COVID-19 pandemic due to heightened demand for testing. Major players in the industry are actively forming partnerships to introduce new lab testing services.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Netherland
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

The major players in the clinical laboratory service market are actively engaged in the development and introduction of innovative products, as well as implementing strategic initiatives such as collaborations and partnerships aimed at enhancing their competitive positioning.

For instance, in August 2023, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp) entered into an agreement with Tufts Medicine. As part of this agreement, LabCorp will acquire Tufts Medicine’s Outreach Laboratory Business. The acquisition aims to expand Labcorp’s diagnostic testing and laboratory services.

Top Key Players in the Clinical Laboratory Service Market

• Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp)
• QIAGEN NV
• Eurofins Scientific SE
• Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
• OPKO Health, Inc.
• Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
• NeoGenomics Laboratories
• Fresenius Medical Care
• ARUP Laboratories
• Sonic Healthcare
• Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.
• SYNLAB International GmbH
• Mayo Clinic Laboratories
• DiaCarta, Ltd.
• Detact Diagnostics
• Unilabs

Recent Developments

• In July 2023, DiaCarta, Ltd. formed a partnership with Hopkins MedTech Lab Services and Hopkins MedTech Compliance. The collaboration is focused on supporting the development and validation of laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) in the United States.
• In February 2023, Dutch biotech company Detact Diagnostics announced the establishment of a new laboratory at Keene State College in the United States. The company secured a 2-year rental contract for this purpose.

Report Scope