Hematology IVD Instrument Sales Are Growing Rapidly

Hematology revenues come primarily from instrumentation sales and services. Reagent sales are less significant because the analyses performed--complete blood count, hemoglobin, reticulocytes, platelets, and blood cell differentials--are very inexpensive to complete.

The UniCel DxH 800 Coulter cellular analysis system was launched for mid-to-high volume laboratories. Featuring high-definition signal processing and multiangle light scatter, the new instrument produces ten times more data than traditional hematology analyzers. The system offers five-part differential analysis and is popular in physician office labs and clinics.
Today, Sysmex (Kobe, Japan) and Beckman-Coulter (Fullerton, CA, USA) are the leading hematology in vitro diagnostics (IVD) companies. They make up more than half of the over US$2 billion market for tests of peripheral blood and bone marrow cells. In 2009, Japanese customers and aggressive promotion gave Sysmex a tiny advantage over Beckman-Coulter.

According to a report by Shara Rosen, lead diagnostic analyst at Kalorama Information (New York, NY, USA), Sysmex's position is reinforced by the company's market strength in Asia and primarily in Japan, while most Beckman sales are to North America.

Abbott (Abbott Park, IL, USA) Cell-Dyn, Siemens/Bayer Diagnostics (Deerfield, IL, USA) and Horiba/ABX (Montpellier, France) also compete in the hematology market, as do numerous other small companies. Shari Rosen claimed that the recent expansion of special tests run on hematology analyzers and body fluid applications are responsible for the increase in this sector of the IVD market. An earlier period of slow growth emphasizes the current increase.
Kalorama Information supplies independent market research in the life sciences, as well as a full range of custom research services.

Related Links:
Sysmex
Beckman-Coulter
Abbott
Siemens/Bayer Diagnostics
Horiba/ABX