European Market for Hematology Diagnostics

Despite certain restraining trends, the European market for hematology diagnostics is projected to increase from around US$600 million in 2002 to more than $750 million by 2009, according to a recent report from the international marketing consulting company, Frost & Sullivan (London, UK).

The ubiquity of hematology tests in routine diagnostics and monitoring coupled with the rising proportion of elderly people is expected to sustain growth in this market. The escalating adoption of newer and more expensive laboratory tests and testing at the point of care (POC) are forecast to further augment revenues. High-quality, functionally advanced systems are energizing the market. Novel analyzers, for example, offer improved diagnosis due to their greater reliability, automation, and sensitivity.

"Moreover, the modern hematology analyzer may provide the capability of testing more recently introduced parameters, such as newer variations of reticulocytes and platelets, which may not have been offered on the test panel of older instruments,” explained Alex Wong, healthcare analyst at Frost & Sullivan.

The newer tests are costlier than the conventional assays based on complete blood count (CBC), and their use in combination with CBC+ leucocyte differential analysis, which is gradually supplanting CBC stand-alone tests, is expected to bolster market revenues. However, budgetary controls are likely to deter the ordering of costlier tests in the short term. Compounding this situation is the fact that hemoglobin is already offered as part of a larger test panel performed on automated blood-gas analyzers installed in hospitals.

The laboratory is forecast to remain the principal testing arena for hematology diagnostics, widening its test locations to include smaller laboratories, alternate sites within the hospital, and primary care facilities.




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