Critical Role of Haematology Testing in Enabling Accurate Disease Diagnosis to Sustain Growth of European Haematology Testing Market

Business Wire, Nov 19, 2007

LONDON -- Haematology diagnostics remains popular as it comprises important tests that determine an individual's disease state. The laboratory remains the primary site of haematology tests in Europe due to confidence in established methods of diagnosis. However, rising awareness of its benefits is set to boost the uptake of point-of care (POC)-based haematology diagnostics.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.drugdiscovery.frost.com), European Haematology Diagnostics Market, finds that the market earned revenues of USD 698.8 million in 2006 and estimates this to reach USD 943.4 million in 2013.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the European Haematology Diagnostics Market, then send an e-mail to Radhika Menon Theodore, Corporate Communications, at rmtheodore@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.

"The expansion of the POC haemoglobin (Hb) market is inhibited by the preference for laboratory-based tests; however, there are several factors that ensure that the haematology market continues to grow," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Gayathry Ramachandran. "The crucial driving force in the European haematology POCT diagnostics market is that these tests, at a POC level, play a central role in everyday diagnostics and monitoring."

Key market participants are developing automated analysers that will enable laboratories to accelerate throughput. Therefore, the trend in this mature market is projected to be towards the laboratory segment, with laboratories making the most significant contribution to overall market revenues.

Innovative technologies are supporting the continued expansion of this mature market. An aging population is also creating demand for haematology tests; the urge to remain healthy is motivating older citizens to undergo regular health check-ups. POC tests are slowly being preferred in some regions of Europe, as they generate quick results and assist physicians in identifying optimal treatments. Together, these trends are reinforcing overall market growth.

However, the reliance of physicians on tried and tested haematology tests is restricting the use of new test markers. Another challenge relates to the loyalty of laboratories towards particular manufacturers, posing a significant hurdle for market entrants. Moreover, the POC haematology market is experiencing slow growth since laboratories and hospitals are using small-sized analysers that are cheaper and produce more reliable results.

"The centralisation of laboratories in Europe is minimising revenue growth," explains Ramachandran. "The end-user base is very narrow - hospitals are the primary site for laboratory analysers, while emergency units and intensive care units are the principal end users of POC haematology analysers - thereby restricting market growth."

Initiatives to maintain good end-user relationships and promoting awareness about POC haematology diagnostics will help enhance market growth. Automation of analysers will help reduce labour costs and sustain market expansion. Other strategies should centre on using POC Hb tests as primary screening methods in hospitals, while the introduction of advanced test menus in analysers will help reduce the costs of individual tests and boost demand.

European Haematology Diagnostics Market is part of the Drug Discovery Technologies Growth Partnership Service Programme, which also includes research in the following markets: European Molecular Diagnostics Markets, European IVD Market, European Cancer Diagnostics Market and, European Primary Care Diagnostics Market. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

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European Haematology Testing Market

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