Dynamic Trends Seen in Clinical Laboratory Services

The constant pressure to reduce healthcare spending is shifting healthcare utilization in favor of the laboratory. Approximately 80% of physicians' diagnoses are a result of laboratory tests, and a number of these tests are sent to clinical lab service providers. Kalorama Information (New York, NY, USA) has published a new report based on a research study of the market for clinical lab services.

A trend towards preventive and risk factor testing is noted in several disciplines, particularly in the areas of oncology, endocrinology, and gynecology. Physicians in these areas are taking advantage of testing for early detection and disease prevention. Key market data provided includes hospital, physician, and independent lab statistics, major tests performed by clinical lab companies, disease incidence, trends driving lab business, and a market forecast to 2018. The geographic breakout of the clinical lab services market includes the US, Europe and Asia, and specific breakouts for Germany, Japan, China, India, and Brazil.

Some of the other issues and trends explored in the report include US demographics, types of specialty tests, growing competition, increasing life expectancy, the growing incidence of disease, and developments in personalized medicine.

A competitive analysis of leading clinical laboratory providers includes Quest Diagnostics, Inc., Laboratory Corporation of America, Genomic Health, Genoptix, Genzyme Corporation, DaVita, Clarient, Spectra Labs, and Bio-Reference Labs.

The most important part of Kalorama's efforts is its analysis of company activities and their significance in the marketplace. Historical data is provided for the years 2008–2012, with forecast data provided for 2013 through 2017. A competitive analysis is provided for the year 2013. The predicted market analysis for 2013–2017 was largely based on demographic trends, new developments, company performance trends, mergers and acquisitions, and national expansion.

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