Microfluidic Point-of-Care Diagnostics Now a Must-Have

“Diagnostic companies confirm the adoption of microfluidic technologies for point-of-care testing”, said Dr. Benjamin Roussel, Activity Leader, Medical Technologies, Yole Développement. Indeed the point-of-care(POC) market’s contribution to in vitro diagnostic is poised to increase from 13% to 17% over the next 5 years, leading to a market of around USD 30 billion in 2019. Under this context, the French consulting company Yole Développement released its report. Based on a complete analysis of the last 3 years’ developments, the company has been able to draw effective conclusions.

This technology and market study provides an in-depth analysis of microfluidic devices dedicated to POC; including nearly 60 new technologies, commercialized or close to market. Yole Développement’s report also proposes an innovative market segmentation combined with market forecasts. The analysis includes the following applications: emergency testing, home tests, doctor’s office screening, decentralized hospital tests, environmental testing, forensic and military, third-world infections, and agro-food applications.

“Different types of point of care tests are available on the market. Whereas simple lateral flow tests work perfectly without fluid management technology, microfluidics is necessary when test complexity increases,” said Dr. Roussel. Indeed, microfluidics is an enabling technology allowing miniaturization and integration of laboratory protocols into portable devices. Access to microfluidic technologies for diagnostic companies often passes through acquisitions, as this reduces the technology development risk and increases reactivity. The most recent acquisition was that of IQuum by Roche for USD 275 million in April 2014. In its new report, Yole Développement describes how mergers and acquisitions will decrease in volume but increase in value.

Microfluidic-based POC testing is expected to grow sharply, from USD 1.6 billion in 2013 to USD 5.6 billion in 2019, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) 2014–2019 of 23%. Diagnostics companies have realized the potential and several successful microfluidic POC products have been launched in the past few years.

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