The Direct to Consumer Laboratory Testing Market is projected to reach $14.61 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 21.2% during the forecast period 2022–2029. Easy accessibility of DTC tests, the growing awareness regarding family health history and predictive testing, the increasing need for early disease diagnosis, the increasing prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases, and the rising geriatric population that prefers convenient care are expected to propel the global DTC laboratory testing market. Moreover, the adoption of telehealth is creating growth opportunities for this market.
However, the sample integrity and interference issues are restraining the market growth. Additionally, misinterpretation of test results and genetic data privacy concerns pose challenges to the growth of this segment.
Impact of COVID-19 on DTC Laboratory Testing Market
Due to the travel restrictions, self-isolation, and risk of getting infections from the test centers and hospitals, there was an increased demand for at-home kits. The DTC testing laboratories provided tests for consumers to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, as the number of COVID-19 cases increased, the testing burden fell upon existing technologies such as PCR, arising the need for exploring and innovating other technologies for diagnostics. Several DTC lab testing companies focused on rapid multiplex and immunological tests and new sampling technologies for innovation in DTC testing, leading to the growth of the DTC lab testing market through the pandemic. For instance, in September 2021, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (U.S.) launched a stabilized saliva collection kit, SpeciMAX. This kit preserves viral nucleic acids in a non-hazardous stabilization solution that inactivates common respiratory viruses for safer sample collection
Increasing Awareness Regarding Predictive Testing and Family Health History Drive the Growth of the DTC Laboratory Testing Market
Predictive testing uses genetic samples of an asymptomatic individual to predict the risk of diseases in the future. This test aims to identify individuals at risk of specific conditions and to reduce mortality and morbidity through timely screening, surveillance, and prevention. For instance, in 2022, the WHO reported that non-communicable or chronic diseases account for 74% of deaths globally every year. Heart disease is one of the leading factors of mortality. In the U.S., in 2022, around 697,000 people died due to heart disease (Source: CDC). Moreover, the CDC states that about half of the people in the U.S. have at least 1 out of 3 risk factors for heart disease. Such high-risk factors and the benefits of predictive testing play a pivotal role in the increasing use of DTC tests.
Conventional diagnostic testing has medical importance only for the tested (except for infectious diseases). Predictive testing is directly related to family members. Concerns of family members also motivate an individual to undergo predictive testing. Moreover, if an individual has a family health history of chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or osteoporosis, they have a high predisposition to the disease. Understanding family health history and predictive testing can help individuals prevent or manage these chronic conditions with proper guidance from a physician. Thus, the growing prevalence of such conditions globally, coupled with the adoption of preventive technologies, is aiding chronic disease management, thus driving the growth of this market.
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Ease of Accessibility to DTC Tests and Promotion to Consumers Drives the Market growth
Over the last few years, consumers have been actively participating in the decisions affecting their health, enabling people to be informed of their health and lead healthy lifestyles. Clinical testing or laboratory tests are an important part of healthcare. Earlier, individuals were restricted by the laws and regulations, and tests could be ordered only after consulting a physician. After the emergence of DTC tests and the authorities' approvals, consumers can directly order the tests. These tests can be ordered online or bought from pharmacies without any prescription, making them easy to access for consumers. The easy and non-invasive sampling methods of DTC tests also attract customers.
Companies operating in this market are conducting marketing campaigns and advertisements to interest consumers and inform them about the benefits of DTC tests. This encourages customers to order these tests without needing to consult a physician. Consumers can get personalized information about their health, disease risk, and other traits and gain awareness of their genetic predisposition to illnesses.
Key Findings of the DTC Laboratory Testing Market Study:
Based on Application, the Genetic Testing Segment is Expected to Register the Highest CAGR During the Forecast Period
The growth of this segment is attributed to the rising appeal of DTC genetic testing to explore information regarding family health history and predictive testing, the launch of new DTC genetic tests for new applications, and increasing curiosity among people in developed countries regarding their ancestry and lineage. Genetic DTC tests identify individuals at risk of specific conditions to reduce mortality and morbidity through timely screening, surveillance, and prevention. For instance, in 2022, the WHO reported that around 41 million people succumbed to non-communicable or chronic diseases globally.
Based on Sample Type, in 2022, the Saliva Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Market
The large market share of this segment is attributed to the benefits of saliva samples in DTC tests. Saliva sample collection is a simple, reliable, and non-invasive method and is convenient in sample packaging and transporting to the testing labs.
Asia Pacific: Fastest Growing Market
In 2022, North America is expected to account for the largest share of the global DTC laboratory testing market. However, Asia-Pacific is slated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The factors driving the growth of the DTC laboratory testing market in Asia-Pacific are the increasing prevalence of infectious & chronic diseases and the increasing awareness in people regarding disease risk prediction and healthy lifestyle.
Key Players
The report includes a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the product portfolio offerings, geographic presences, and key strategic developments in leading industry market players over the past years. The key players profiled in the global DTC laboratory testing market are Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (U.S.), Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (U.S.), EverlyWell, Inc. (U.S.), DirectLabs, LLC (U.S.), Ancestry.com, LLC (U.S.), 23andMe, Inc. (U.S.), MyMedLab, Inc. (U.S.), ANY LAB TEST NOW (U.S.), WellnessFx, Inc. (U.S.), LetsGetChecked, Inc. (U.S.), and Myriad Genetics, Inc. (U.S.).
Scope of the Report:
Direct to Consumer Laboratory Testing Market, by Application
- Genetic Testing
- COVID-19
- Cancer
- Diabetes Testing
- Disease Risk Assessment Testing
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing
- Routine Testing
- Complete Blood Count
- CNS-related/Neurological Disease
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Testing
- Other Applications
(Note: The other applications segment comprises drug screening, infectious disease testing, and stool testing)
Direct to Consumer Laboratory Testing Market, by Sample Type
- Saliva
- Urine
- Blood
- Other Sample Types
(Note: The other sample types segment comprises stool, nasopharyngeal swab, vaginal swab, buccal swab, and semen)
Direct to Consumer Laboratory Testing Market, by Geography
- North America
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- U.K.
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe (RoE)
- Asia-Pacific (APAC)
- Japan
- China
- India
- Rest of APAC (RoAPAC)
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America (RoLATM)
- Middle East & Africa
Key questions answered in the report: