This publication has been discontinued on July 19, 2011.
Research Overview
Laboratory Testing Still Regarded as a Cost Centre
In vitro diagnostics (IVD) have traditionally been offered a raw deal by the medical fraternity who considered it inconsequential to long-term or direct treatment – a mere addition to existing costs. Hence, suppliers need to take the initiative to demonstrate the cost benefits of IVDs and its undeniable role in optimising patient management. In fact, several case studies, involving therapeutic drug monitoring, have already shown that test-driven medications result in huge financial and therapeutic benefits. Fortunately, healthcare providers are realising that IVD testing goes beyond diagnostics and is likely to play a key role in the actual treatment of the disease. Essentially, IVDs identify symptoms much quicker, monitor treatment throughout the progression of the disease and improve decision-making considerably with the net result of relieving the burden on healthcare systems.
This Frost & Sullivan research evaluates the current and future trends in the European IVD market. It analyses key drivers and restraints that influence the market and also provides strategic recommendations to overcome the challenges and exploit emerging opportunities. The study highlights developments in key market segments that include clinical chemistry, coagulation, haematology, immunoassay, microbiology, molecular biology and point-of-care testing (POCT).
IVD Testing in Primary Care Settings – Possibility in the Future
Ironically, while IVD tests remain centralised and restricted to laboratories, up to 90 per cent of the patients in the United Kingdom are receiving treatment in primary care. However, things are likely to change in the future with the movement of diagnostics from laboratories closer to the patient. Also known as POCT, this trend is likely to push IVD into primary care settings. "As patients are moved around within a healthcare system, their information should be instantly accessible," explains the analyst. "The low- and medium-volume labs that accommodate testing requirements as de-centralised sites are likely to play a major role in capturing and retaining market share in the future." The key is to develop smaller, integrated systems and build in connectivity/networking solutions to facilitate efficient data management from remote sites.
European Market for IVD Shows Immense Potential for Future Growth
Despite the challenges posed by budgetary restrictions and the compulsory requirement for a Communauté Européene (CE) marking, suppliers and investors in the IVD market can afford to be optimistic about future growth. Molecular biology, coagulation and haematology rank as the most attractive markets for IVD testing where suppliers are likely to encounter a host of new opportunities.
Improvements in new markers and assay technology in terms of greater sensitivity, higher specificity and minimised cross-reactivity are likely to result in the increased uptake of IVDs. These include nucleic acid-based amplification tests (NATs) and cardiac marker clinical chemistry tests performed on laboratory-based systems. "The promise of personalised health care will continue to drive the IVD market," says the analyst. "Backed by patients taking a more pro-active role in treatment, IVD testing is expected to become a mainstay in tomorrow s practice of healthcare."
1 STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF THE EUROPEAN IN VITRO DIAGNOSTICS MARKET
- Overview
- Overview
- Research Scope and Methodology
- Research Scope and Methodology
- Introduction and Background to the European IVD Market
- Introduction and Background to the European In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market
- Glossary and Exchange Rates
- Market Overview
- Introduction
- Main Applications of In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs)
- Industry Challenges
- Key Market Drivers
- Key Market Restraints
- Strategic Recommendations
- Market Lifecycle
- Growth/Market Share Portfolio Matrix
- Market Dynamics
- Key Technology Trends
- End-user Trends
- Customer Priorities Trajectory
- Pricing Trends
- Geographical Analysis
- Eastern Europe
- Market Forecasts
- Assumptions
- Key Market Engineering Measurements
- Revenue Forecasts
- Revenue Sectorial Analysis
- Top 10 In Vitro Diagnostics Companies
- Company Profiles
- Clinical Chemistry Market
- Coagulation Market
- Haematology Market
- Immunoassay Market
- Microbiology Market
- Molecular Biology Market
- Point of Care Test Market
- Future Directions
- The Future of In Vitro Diagnostics?
- Frost & Sullivan Awards
- Frost & Sullivan Awards
- Market Leadership Award
- Customer Service Leadership Award
- Technology Innovation Award
- Market Penetration Leadership Award
- Product Line Strategy Award
- Industry Participants
- Industry Participants
- Decision Support Databases
- Decision Support Databases
- About Frost & Sullivan
- Healthcare Team
- Our Capabilities
