Drug Screening Market Size (2024 - 2029)

Drug Screening Market Analysis

The Drug Screening Market size is estimated at USD 7.30 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 15.60 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 16.36% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The global drug screening market is primarily fueled by factors such as the rise in drug and alcohol consumption, stringent alcohol and drug testing regulations, generous government funding for pharmaceutical research, and expedited regulatory approvals.

The increasing consumption of drugs is expected to increase demand for drug screening products, which is anticipated to boost the market growth. For instance, approximately 83.4 million adults (29%) in the European Union reportedly used illicit drugs at least once, according to the 2023 European Drug Report. Cannabis is the predominant illicit drug consumed in Europe, with an estimated 8% of European adults using it in 2022, based on national surveys. A large share of the population consumes drugs, impacting the lives of individuals and is likely to increase demand for drug screening, thereby boosting segment growth.

The increasing consumption of drugs and alcohol is expected to increase the demand for drug screening in hospital settings, which is likely to boost market growth over the forecast period. As per the national statistics published by the UK government in December 2023, between April 2022 and March 2023, 290,635 adults received support for substance use issues. This was a small rise compared to the 289,215 recorded the previous year. The same source stated that the number of adults getting treatment was 137,749 from 2022 to 2023, higher than the previous two years’ figures of 130,490 and 133,704. The rise in drug and alcohol consumption is often linked to public safety concerns, which is likely to boost market growth.

Several laws and regulations mandate drug and alcohol testing in various sectors, and the implementation of such laws is expected to increase the demand for drug screening products and devices, which is likely to contribute to market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in November 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released updates outlining the drug and alcohol testing requirements that were implemented by the FMCSA and its preceding agency. These regulations specify the individuals subject to testing, the frequency of testing, and the circumstances triggering testing. Additionally, the regulations safeguard employee privacy by limiting the use and disclosure of sensitive drug and alcohol testing information by employers and service agents.

The presence of key market players and their continuous efforts to expand drug screening products are expected to fuel market growth. For instance, in December 2023, test kits for date rape drugs were available in emergency rooms across all Quebec hospitals. These test kits can detect over 200 psychoactive substances, including gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), called a date-rape drug.

Thus, growing alcohol and drug consumption and stringent regulations for drug screening, along with product launches, are expected to contribute to market growth over the forecast period. Alcohol and drug consumption prohibitions in certain countries impede the global drug screening market's expansion. Restrictions on drug testing in workplaces, especially in developed economies, further hinder market growth.

Drug Screening Industry Segmentation

Drug screening is a method for detecting the presence of certain illegal or prescription medications in a person's blood, urine, or other biological samples. 

The drug screening market is segmented by product and service, sample type, end user, and geography. By product and service, the market is segmented as consumables, instruments, rapid testing devices, and services. By sample type, the market is segmented into urine samples, oral fluid samples, hair samples, and other samples. By end user, the market is segmented into drug testing laboratories, hospitals, and others. By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South America. The report also covers the estimated market sizes and trends for 17 different countries across major regions globally. The report offers the value (USD) for all the above segments.