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."
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