Influenza Diagnostics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Test Type (RIDT, RT-PCR, Cell Culture), By End-use (Hospitals, Laboratories, POCT), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The global influenza diagnostics market size was valued at USD 1.07 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% from 2022 to 2030. The industry has witnessed constant changes in its trend. Owing to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, growing geriatric population, increasing initiatives by the government to monitor influenza, and development of technologically advanced influenza diagnostics tests, the demand for flu diagnostics is likely to increase. For instance, in August 2022, SQI Diagnostics Inc. announced its revenue improvement strategy by securing distribution rights for Quidel’s products that can test influenza A and B along with COVID-19 at the same time.

The growing government initiatives to counter flu and develop accurate tests will complement the market growth. For instance, in February 2022, Qorvo Biotechnologies was awarded a USD 4.1 million worth contract from the National Institute of Health to speed up the process of developing the COVID-19/Flu Combo assay and its antigen test. The funds will be utilized in clinical trials and market launches of the products.

Following advancements in point-of-care technology that integrates COVID-19 testing and influenza A & B testing is anticipated to surge the market. For instance, in December 2021, Roche announced its intention to introduce a combo influenza A/B and COVID-19 rapid antigen test for professional use. For the same, the company partnered with SD Biosensor, a South Korea-based company.

Similarly, the rising base of the geriatric population accelerates the probability of a higher incidence rate of flu. Therefore, one of the WHO’s recommendations to prevent influenza cases is to vaccinate elder individuals (above the age of 65). In 2018-19, around 55% of hospitalization due to the flu was accounted for by the geriatric population, i.e., 65+ years adults. Similarly, 75% of flu-related deaths are among older adults. Hence, the low immune system of older adults makes them more vulnerable to the flu virus.  

However, the cost of developing tests and devices can hamper the growth of the market. The raw material availability and accessibility constraints inflate the overall cost of the product. The burden of high production costs is passed on to the end-users at high prices. For instance, the Labcorp Seasonal Respiratory Virus RT-PCR DTC Test is an at-home collection kit for multiple respiratory viruses including flu.  The test kit cost is around USD 169 at retail and online stores.

Furthermore, stringent product approval regulations restrain the market to grow at a faster pace. For home-use influenza tests, players require to gain de novo designation to market in the U.S. However, this designation is only granted if the risk is moderate and does not have a directly comparable device on the market that showcases a similar safety and effectiveness level.

Test Type Insights

The rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDT) held the majority revenue share of the influenza diagnostics market in 2021 and is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. This is attributed to the increasing testing for surveillance and patient management for influenza diagnostics in clinical settings. Numerous RIDTs are approved for at-home and office use, it is also cleared by CLIA to be used in settings such as point of care.

For instance, in August 2022, ProtonDX announced that its rapid and portal diagnostics tests will be used during the Commonwealth games 2022 to monitor respiratory infections including influenza in the athletes and coaches. Hence, increasing surveillance and monitoring of flu in public events is likely to support the growth of RIDTs.

However, the low sensitivity of RIDTs in detecting influenza B and the inability to offer comprehensive information, such as the type and sub-type of influenza, is expected to enhance the use of RT-PCR testing in the flu diagnostics market. Similarly, RT-PCR is considered to be a standard test for laboratories to confirm flu infection.

End-use Insights

The hospital segment held the major revenue share with 42.3% in 2021. Seasonal influenza is accompanied by large cases of hospitalizations. The hospitalizations highlight the potential severity of the disease. Since influenza can also worsen the existing health conditions or develop other complications that need hospitalization.

For instance, in 2021-22, about 58.3% of patients hospitalized for flu in the U.S. had hypertension conditions, 44% of patients had cardiovascular diseases, and 40.6% had pregnancy complications. Hence, increasing underlying medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases, compel patients to opt for hospital treatment.

Emerging technologically advanced flu diagnostics tests, including the integration of point-of-care technology (POCT) and flu testing is anticipated to ease the surveillance process amongst the geriatric population. Additionally, POCT is also expected to increase flu testing in rural areas of the Asia Pacific regions, where access to healthcare is limited.

Regional Insights

North America is considered to be the key region and accounted for the major revenue share of 32.9% in 2021. The region is expected to continue its dominant position over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the increasing government surveillance along with the presence of key players.

By August 2020, U.S. FDA approved 13 rapid influenza diagnostic tests (antigen detection only and excluding the test kits) and 11 multiplex assay for detecting influenza viruses and COVID-19. Similarly, the U.S. healthcare authority released COVID-19 and flu virus testing guidance for Clinicians. Major manufacturers of these players include Becton Dickinson & Co.; Quidel Corp.; and Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.

Asia Pacific has witnessed the fastest CAGR in the forecasted period, the majority driven by India and China. The key growth determinants in the region are a large patient pool, improving government collaborations, and enhancement in healthcare infrastructure. Various South-East Asia and pacific regions have collaborated with international organizations, such as WHO, to address the challenges. The most common challenges experienced by the region are a lack of flu-positive samples, low representatives to collect the specimens, and difficulty to ship the samples.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key companies and service providers are performing strategies such as technology discovery, and development, vertical collaboration, establishing a strong product portfolio through startups, mergers and acquisitions, and regional expansion, to increase their global footprints.

For instance, in September 2022, Pfizer announced to initiation phase 3 clinical trial of the influenza vaccine. The company used mRNA technology to gain insights into more effective vaccines that can reduce rates of flu-related hospitalization and death. Various companies, such as Moderna have also developed the vaccine for the flu to achieve a competitive edge over peer companies. Some prominent players in the global influenza diagnostics market include:

• 3M

• Abbott Laboratories, Inc.

• Becton, Dickinson, and Company (Bd)

• Meridian Bioscience, Inc.

• Quidel Corporation

• F. Hoffmann-LA Roche AG

• SA Scientific

• Sekisui Diagnostics

• Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

• Hologic, Inc. 

Influenza Diagnostics Market Report Scope

Global Influenza Diagnostics Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this report, Grand View Research has segmented the global influenza diagnostics market report based on test type, end-use, and region:

• Test Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • RIDT

  • RT-PCR

  • Cell Culture

  • Others

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospitals

  • POCT

  • Laboratories

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Australia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE