Table of Contents
Introduction
Global Blood Screening Market size is expected to be worth around USD 6.4 billion by 2033 from USD 2.7 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period 2024 to 2033.
Blood screening is an essential diagnostic process that evaluates blood samples to detect various health conditions and abnormalities, providing critical insights into an individual’s health. This procedure is crucial for the early detection, prevention, and management of diseases, by analyzing blood cell counts, detecting infectious agents, and measuring levels of substances like cholesterol and glucose. Blood screening is instrumental in diagnosing conditions such as anemia, diabetes, infections, and cardiovascular diseases.
The market for blood screening is anticipated to grow substantially due to an increase in global blood donations, heightened awareness of transfusion-transmitted diseases, and rising demand for blood in medical applications. Enhanced awareness campaigns promoting voluntary blood donations have significantly contributed to the increased supply of safe and sufficient blood, driving the expansion of the blood screening market.
According to WHO globally around 118.54 million units of blood are collected each year. Of these, high-income countries, which house only 16% of the world’s population, contribute 40% of total blood donations. Data from approximately 13,300 blood centers across 169 countries reveal significant variations in donation volumes, correlated with economic status.
The median annual donations per blood center stand at 1,300 units in low-income countries, 4,400 units in lower-middle-income countries, 9,300 units in upper-middle-income countries, and a substantial 25,700 units in high-income countries. These figures underline the disparity in blood donation capacity among different economic groups.
Key Takeaways
- Market Size: Blood Screening Market size is expected to be worth around USD 6.4 billion by 2033 from USD 2.7 billion in 2023.
Market Growth: The market growing at a CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period 2024 to 2033. - Technology Analysis: The nucleic acid amplification test (NAT) segment led in 2023, claiming a market share of 33.4%.
- Product Analysis: The reagent held a significant share of 65.2% and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR.
- End-Use Analysis: The independent clinical laboratories segment had a tremendous growth rate, with a revenue share of 48.2%
- Regional Analysis: North America led the market by securing a market share of 5% in 2023.
Blood Screening Statistics
- Blood Donations and Transfusions:
- Annual Blood Donations: Globally, 118.5 million blood donations are collected, with 40% of these collected in high-income countries, which represent only 16% of the world’s population.
- Transfusions by Age: In low-income countries, up to 54% of blood transfusions are administered to children under 5 years old, while in high-income countries, the most frequently transfused group is over 60 years old, accounting for up to 76% of all transfusions.
- Blood Donation Rates:
- High-Income Countries: The blood donation rate is 31.5 donations per 1000 people.
- Upper-Middle-Income Countries: The rate is 16.4 donations per 1000 people.
- Lower-Middle and Low-Income Countries: Rates are 6.6 and 5.0 donations per 1000 people, respectively.
- Voluntary Unpaid Blood Donations:
- Increase in Voluntary Donations: There has been an increase of 10.7 million blood donations from voluntary unpaid donors between 2008 and 2018.
- Dependence on Voluntary Donors: 79 countries collect over 90% of their blood supply from voluntary unpaid blood donors.
- Plasma-Derived Medicinal Products (PDMP):
- Production of PDMP: Only 56 of 171 reporting countries produce plasma-derived medicinal products through the fractionation of collected plasma.
- Median Plasma Volume: The median volume of plasma for fractionation per 1000 population is 5.2 liters, with a significant variation between countries.
- Gender and Blood Donations:
- Female Donors: Globally, 33% of blood donations are made by women, though this percentage varies widely across different countries.
- Screening and Safety:
- Screening Rates: In high-income countries, 99.8% of donations are screened following basic quality procedures; this compares to 83% in lower-middle-income countries.
- Prevalence of Infections: The prevalence of HIV in donated blood is as low as 0.002% in high-income countries and up to 0.70% in low-income countries.
Blood Screening Technology Analysis
- Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAT): Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NATs) enhance blood screening efficacy by detecting viral RNA and DNA at early infection stages, significantly reducing the window period during which infections are undetectable by other methods. Employed in blood donor screening, NATs, including technologies like PCR and TMA, identify infections from viruses such as HIV and HCV before antibodies form, thus ensuring safer blood transfusions. The FDA endorses these tests for their high sensitivity, crucial for maintaining a safe blood supply.
- ELISA: Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is widely utilized for detecting and quantifying substances such as proteins, hormones, and antibodies in blood. This method uses antibodies coated on a solid surface to capture antigens from blood samples, which are then detected through a secondary antibody that binds to the target antigen, producing a measurable signal. ELISA’s versatility allows its application in various diagnostic tests, including those for infectious diseases, ensuring it remains a staple in clinical laboratories for screening blood.
- Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA) and Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA): Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA) and Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) are critical techniques in blood screening, providing high sensitivity and specificity. CLIA uses an enzyme-substrate reaction that emits light to measure the presence of antigens or antibodies in the blood, while EIA relies on an enzyme-labeled antigen or antibody to produce a color change. These assays are essential for early detection of infectious diseases, reducing the risk of transmission through blood transfusions.
- Next Generation Sequencing (NGS): Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) offers profound insights into genetic data, enabling comprehensive blood screening for various pathogens by sequencing multiple genes or even whole genomes simultaneously. This method enhances the ability to detect unknown or unexpected pathogens in blood samples, making it a potent tool for ensuring the safety of the blood supply. NGS is pivotal in advancing personalized medicine and pathogen detection in clinical diagnostics.
- Western Blotting: Western blotting is a confirmatory technique used in laboratories to detect specific proteins in a sample. After proteins are separated via gel electrophoresis, they are transferred to a membrane and targeted with antibodies specific to the protein of interest. This method is crucial for confirming the presence of viral proteins in blood samples, particularly in the diagnosis of HIV, where it is used to confirm ELISA test results.
Emerging Trends
- Increased Focus on Pathogen Reduction Technologies: Advancements in pathogen reduction technologies are crucial in enhancing blood safety. These technologies aim to inactivate viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens in blood components, thereby reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections. The implementation of such technologies is increasingly being recognized as essential for ensuring a safe blood supply.
- Integration of New Screening Tests: The integration of new and more sensitive screening tests for infectious diseases is a major trend. These tests can detect lower levels of pathogens and reduce the window period during which infections are undetectable, thus improving the safety of blood transfusions and reducing the risk of disease transmission.
- Automation in Blood Screening Processes: Automation and digitalization of blood screening processes are gaining momentum. Automated systems enhance the efficiency and accuracy of blood tests, reduce human error, and ensure faster turnaround times for blood screening results, which is vital for timely medical interventions.
- Emergence of Point-of-Care Testing: The development of point-of-care testing for blood screening is an emerging trend. These tests allow for rapid screening directly at donation sites or in remote areas, improving access to safe blood supplies, especially in under-resourced settings.
- Expansion of Donor Screening Criteria: There is a shift towards more comprehensive donor screening criteria, which now encompass a broader range of infectious agents and genetic markers. This approach helps in more effectively identifying suitable donors and enhances the overall safety of the blood supply.
- Increased Governmental and Institutional Focus on Blood Safety: Governmental and healthcare institutions are placing a higher priority on blood safety, which includes more stringent regulatory standards and guidelines for blood screening. This trend is driven by an increased awareness of the risks associated with transfusion-transmitted infections and the need for enhanced safety measures.
- Adoption of Molecular Testing Techniques: The adoption of molecular testing techniques, such as nucleic acid testing (NAT), is expanding. NAT allows for the early detection of infectious diseases in blood donors, significantly reducing the risk of transfusion-related infections and improving the safety of blood products.
- Challenges and Innovations Due to Demographic Shifts: Changes in demographics and the aging population are influencing blood screening trends. As the population ages, the demand for blood products increases, prompting innovations in screening and processing to ensure that blood donations are safe and adequate to meet the needs of an older population.
Use Cases
- Cancer Detection: Blood tests like the Galleri test screen for multiple cancer types by detecting DNA fragments from cancer cells. This method is not yet FDA-approved but shows promise in identifying cancers that shed DNA into the blood, potentially before traditional symptoms or signs appear.
- Disease Monitoring: Blood screenings are vital in monitoring existing health conditions. For example, hemoglobin variations can indicate conditions prevalent in certain ethnic backgrounds, helping guide treatment and management strategies.
- Risk Assessment for Heart Disease: Blood tests are used to measure levels of cholesterol and other lipids, which are critical indicators of cardiovascular health. Elevated levels can suggest a higher risk of heart disease, prompting early interventions.
- Infection Detection: Blood screenings play a crucial role in identifying infections, with specific tests designed to detect the presence of pathogens or their antibodies. This is critical in managing outbreaks and providing timely treatment.
- Blood Donation Screening: The Red Cross and other organizations perform screenings during blood donations, checking donors’ hemoglobin, blood pressure, and pulse to ensure safety and health of the blood supply.
- Early Disease Detection: Regular screening tests can detect diseases in their early stages when they are most treatable. This includes screenings for cancers such as prostate and colon cancer, where early detection significantly improves outcomes.
- Genetic Disorders Screening: Certain blood tests can detect genetic disorders or carrier states, allowing for early intervention and family planning decisions. This is particularly important for conditions that can be managed more effectively with early care.
- Health Metrics Monitoring: Regular blood tests can help monitor vital health metrics such as blood sugar levels, liver function, and electrolyte balance, which are important for diagnosing and managing conditions like diabetes and kidney disease.
Conclusion
The blood screening market is poised for substantial growth, driven by increasing global blood donations, heightened awareness of transfusion-transmitted diseases, and advancements in screening technologies. The expansion of this market is critical in enhancing the safety and availability of blood supplies, particularly through the adoption of sophisticated methods like nucleic acid amplification tests and pathogen reduction technologies. As these innovations advance, they will ensure safer and more efficient blood transfusions, essential for addressing a wide spectrum of medical needs across diverse populations. This growth underscores the vital role of blood screening in preventive health care and the management of diseases worldwide.
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