Market Trends of Specimen Validity Testing Industry
The Rapid/POC Testing Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Growth Over the Forecast Period
Rapid/POC testing for SVT includes specimen validity testing of the urine sample, which analyses the urine samples for a broad spectrum of medical conditions. The analysis is carried out near the site of patient care to offer a rapid and accurate diagnosis of the disease using a urine sample. The factors such as increasing research studies that have highlighted the advantageous features of rapid SVT testing and products marketed are driving the growth of the market segment.
Research studies have highlighted the advantages of rapid/POC testing for SVT for testing urine sample validity, which is expected to increase its demand and boost the growth of the segment. For instance, a study published in the Annals of Clinical Biochemistry in May 2021 highlighted the key advantages of using point-of-care devices for antenatal drug screening for substance abuse by pregnant women. The study stated that point-of-care testing to detect drug use in pregnancy is affordable and convenient. Further, a study published in the Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine in March 2022 stated that the point-of-care urine drug test devices evaluated in the study were found to have higher sensitivity and specificity as compared to the reference methods. Such studies underline the advantages of high sensitivity, specificity, and fast results of rapid/POC testing, which is expected to create high demand and drive the growth of the market.
Furthermore, there are several major players in the market that offer rapid SVT tests, which contribute to the growth of the market by addressing the need for substance abuse testing rapidly. For instance, the Alere Suite of Rapid Drug Screening Devices, iCup by Alere, and Accu-Tell Single Drug-of-Abuse Rapid Test Cassette/Strip (Urine) by AccuBioTech are some of the marketed and available rapid SVT tests in the market.
Therefore, the rapid/POC testing segment is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period due to the abovementioned factors, including its high sensitivity and specificity and the presence of marketed rapid/POC SVT tests in the market.
North America is Expected to Witness Significant Growth Over the Forecast Period
North America is expected to witness significant growth in the market during the forecast period, owing to factors such as the high numbers of drug abuse, the high volume of drug screening tests performed in the region, and the key developments by the market players. For instance, as per the data published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 2021, over 61,203 people aged 12 years and above were reported to have consumed illicit drugs in the year 2021, United States. Further, according to the data published by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), it was estimated that over 21% (over 6 million Canadian individuals) of the Canadian population would meet the criteria for drug addiction in their lives.
In addition, the efforts to curb the use of illicit drugs are high in the country, which would increase awareness of drug abuse. For instance, in April 2022, a campaign was launched in Quintana Roo, Mexico, to control narcotic drug abuse in tourist destinations such as marine terminals, hotels, and airports. Further, the Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction announced the launch of National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) in November 2023. The NAAW would highlight the solutions and address the harms caused by the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Also, in October 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched its new education campaign, which focuses on preventing casualties caused by drug overdose in the United States. The campaign would raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs, including Fentanyl, cocaine, and Naloxone.
Furthermore, the launching of more urine tests and specimen validity tests in the region is expected to boost the growth of the market. For instance, in August 2021, CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, the United States-based clinical laboratory, launched its in-house prescription drug monitoring program for urine drug testing. The Premier Health Prescription Drug Screen panel offered by the company would include testing of over 12 drugs, including specimen validity testing and confirmatory testing. The drug tests included in the panel can detect oxycodone, opiates, methadone and metabolite (EDDP), marijuana metabolite, heroin metabolites, fentanyl, cocaine metabolite, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, MDMA, and amphetamines.
Therefore, owing to the aforementioned factors, including the high numbers of drug abuse, increasing drug screening, and the recently launched specimen validity tests, the studied market is anticipated to grow further in the North American region.
