Rapid microbiology testing is an automated solution for the rapid detection, response, and resolution of microbial contamination in samples involved in the manufacturing process. The need for rapid results from microbiological testing has been recognized by the microbiologist in the clinical laboratories since the past.

Rapid identification method is now a standard technique in the clinical microbiology lab. These methods range from automated variations on the traditional biochemical and phenotypic microbial identification tests to other rapid tests involving nucleic acid based tests or Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI/TOF) Thus, the utility of rapid microbiological methods have transformed clinical microbiology and improved patient care.

Key Takeaways

In-plant operations prove significant for the global rapid microbiology testing market

Rapid microbiology test kits prove valuable resources for in-plant testing as long as technicians take a few steps for validation prior to introducing a new test into the plant routine. Rapid microbial testing detection proves critical for healthcare by indicating the value of rapid methods that makes detection and identification faster, more convenient, more sensitive, and more specific than conventional assays. Additionally, rapid methods for detecting food borne pathogens, from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also encourage testers to select and evaluate rapid tests carefully before use.

Market Drivers

Technological advancements bolster the growth of rapid microbiology testing market

According to the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), faster methods and continually emerging technologies have revolutionized microbial testing in recent years. Rapid testing has gained a strong momentum nationally and internationally as an area of research and acts as a reliable tool. As per the statistics revealed by the IFT, 33% of all testing is done in North America but it is projected that in the forecast period the dynamics will change to 25% in North America and 50% in rest of the world (RoW). This is highly supported due to witnessing accelerated growth for the conversion of traditional microbiological testing methods to rapid methods. Despite higher cost associated per test, these newer methods are being used more frequently as they provide faster results and ease-of-use benefits as compared to traditional testing methods.

Funding for research bolster the growth of rapid microbiology testing market
Currently, researchers have risen to the challenge and developed new diagnostic system to deliver results at a faster pace. As per the statistics revealed by the European Commission, the commission is staying forefront for supportive research and innovation and coordinating European and global research efforts since the start of pandemic. Since January 2020, US$570 Mn in funding that has already been mobilized under Horizon 2020. Also, the first emergency call with a budget of US$57.9 Mn under which HG nCoV19 test is supported was the first step in this mobilization. Selected in fast-track procedure, 18 projects involving 151 research teams from across the EU and beyond immediately started working on development of diagnostics, treatment and vaccines, and on improving the preparedness. Among that, three of these projects received a total of US$7.6 Mn budget was approved for developing diagnostic systems that will allow testing to be done at point-of-care, thereby reducing delays and give quicker response.

Segmental Analysis

Rapid microbiology testing market is segmented based on method, product, application, and end-user. By method, the market is segmented as growth-based technique, viability-based technique, cellular component-based technique, and others. By product, the market is segmented as instruments, reagents & kits, and consumables. Further, application is segmented as clinical disease diagnosis, food & beverage testing, environmental testing, and others. End-user is segmented as diagnostic laboratories & hospitals, pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, food & beverage companies, and among others.

Based on products, the instruments segment is anticipated to record the largest market share. Significantly adoption of modern laboratory instruments in the R&D, academic sectors (coupled with the growth of industry-academia collaboration), and the ongoing trend of automated laboratory based clinical laboratories. For instance, The SurCapt™ Microbial Surface Detection Kit developed by A3P is a new product from particle measuring systems. This revolutionary technology uses swabs and microbial surface monitoring. The SurCapt Kit uses “GreenLight®” Technology to detect microbial contamination based on the measurements of oxygen depletion over incubation time in a pharmacopeia recommended liquid broth, such as TSB.

Based on methods, growth based rapid microbiology testing segment is expected to account largest share. Ease of processing, limited amount of resources and supportive government regulations enhance the segmental growth ultimately contributing for rapid microbiology testing globally.

Regional Landscape

North America projected to hold largest market share for rapid microbiology testing market in the forthcoming years

Technological advancements in the field of rapid microbiology testing and rising prevalence of infectious diseases are the major factors for the growth of rapid microbiology testing market in North America. Ease of accessibility and rapid adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies due to significant per capita annual healthcare expenditure by the US and Canadian government acts as burgeoning factors resulting in high adoption of rapid microbiology testing in this region.

On the other hand, Asia Pacific is predicted to record all time high CAGR owing to increasing healthcare expenditure and increasing initiatives that promote the use of advanced rapid microbiology testing technologies in this region.

Competitive Landscape

The prominent players involved in rapid microbiology testing involve bioMérieux SA, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Danaher Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., HiMedia Laboratories, Liofilchem S.r.l., and among others

Key Developments

In February 2021, Becton, Dickinson and Company, announced a collaboration with Scanwell Health for creating an at-home rapid test for COVID-19 using a BD antigen test and the Scanwell Health mobile app. As part of the collaboration, BD plans to produce a lateral flow antigen test and pair it with the Scanwell Health mobile app. The app is expected to provide step-by-step instructions on how to collect and transfer a nasal swab sample and use the mobile device's camera to analyze and interpret results.

In September 2020, HiMedia Laboratories announced a collaboration with Syngene International to integrate research and development services for manufacturing "ELISafe 19TM", an IgG-based ELISA test kit for COVID-19. The kit is now approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The new product has a remarkable offering for sensitivity by 100% and specificity of 99%.

Market Segmentation

Market By Product

Instruments
Reagents & Kits
Consumables

Market by Method

Growth-based
Viability-based
Cellular Component-based
Nucleic Acid-based
Other Rapid Microbiology Testing Methods
 
Market By Application

Clinical Disease Diagnosis
Food & Beverage Testing
Pharmaceutical & Biological Drug Testing
Cosmetics & Personal Care Products Testing
Environmental Testing
Research Applications
Other Applications

Market By End User

Diagnostic Laboratories & Hospitals
Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies
Food & Beverage Companies
Contract Research Organizations
Other End Users

Market By Geography

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

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