The global molecular infectious disease testing market, valued at USD 9.37 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 17.78 billion by 2029, growing at a robust CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period. This remarkable growth underscores the global healthcare sector’s increasing dependence on molecular diagnostics to combat infectious diseases with greater accuracy, speed, and efficiency.
Rising Global Burden of Infectious Diseases Fuels Market Growth
The accelerating incidence of infectious diseases such as HIV, influenza, hepatitis, and hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) continues to put immense pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. The emergence of novel pathogens, alongside increasing antimicrobial resistance, has further intensified the need for rapid, reliable diagnostic technologies.
Molecular infectious disease testing, which leverages advanced techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and multiplex assays, has become a cornerstone of modern diagnostic workflows. These methods enable precise pathogen detection and quantification, improving clinical outcomes and informing timely treatment decisions.
Moreover, escalating R&D investments and government-backed funding programs have catalyzed innovation in molecular diagnostics. The development of faster, cost-effective testing kits and instruments has expanded the accessibility of molecular testing, particularly in emerging healthcare markets.
PCR Dominates the Molecular Infectious Disease Testing Market
By technology, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) continues to dominate the global molecular infectious disease testing market. In 2023, PCR accounted for the largest share, owing to its exceptional sensitivity, reliability, and scalability in detecting a wide range of infectious agents.
PCR’s strength lies in its ability to amplify trace amounts of pathogen DNA or RNA, delivering highly accurate results within hours. The availability of standardized commercial PCR kits and reagents, coupled with automation and user-friendly system designs, has made it the preferred testing platform across diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, and research centers.
Advancements such as real-time PCR, digital PCR, and multiplex PCR have further enhanced its efficiency, enabling the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens in a single assay. As healthcare providers continue to prioritize early and accurate disease detection, PCR remains the technology of choice for molecular diagnostics.
Diagnostic Laboratories: The Fastest-Growing End-User Segment
Based on end users, diagnostic laboratories represent the fastest-growing segment of the molecular infectious disease testing market. This surge is primarily attributed to the rising global demand for high-throughput, accurate, and rapid diagnostic solutions amid a growing burden of infectious diseases.
Diagnostic labs are increasingly adopting advanced molecular testing platforms, including multiplex PCR and NGS-based assays, to meet the rising need for precise pathogen identification. These labs serve as critical hubs for early detection, disease surveillance, and outbreak response, especially during public health emergencies.
The expansion of laboratory networks, along with automation and AI-based data interpretation tools, is further boosting efficiency and scalability in molecular testing workflows. As a result, diagnostic laboratories are expected to sustain their growth trajectory through 2029, supported by rising testing volumes and technological innovation.
Regional Insights: North America Leads the Market
In 2023, North America emerged as the largest regional market for molecular infectious disease testing, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure, high awareness levels, and strong regulatory frameworks supporting diagnostic innovation.
The region benefits from extensive disease surveillance networks and early outbreak detection programs, which have intensified the demand for molecular testing solutions. The U.S., in particular, is home to major diagnostics manufacturers and research organizations, creating a vibrant ecosystem for technological advancements and clinical adoption.
In contrast, Asia Pacific is anticipated to record the fastest growth rate during the forecast period, propelled by improving healthcare access, expanding diagnostic infrastructure, and rising investments in molecular testing capabilities across countries such as China, India, and South Korea. Governments in these regions are increasingly prioritizing disease prevention and control, thereby accelerating the adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies.
Key Market Drivers
- Rising Prevalence of Infectious Diseases:
The continued spread of viral and bacterial infections underscores the need for early detection and accurate diagnostics. - Technological Advancements in Molecular Testing:
Innovations in multiplex testing, real-time PCR, and sequencing technologies have revolutionized pathogen detection. - Growing R&D Funding:
Increased funding from governments, healthcare institutions, and private investors is fueling the development of next-generation diagnostic tools. - Shift Toward Precision Diagnostics:
Molecular testing enables personalized infection management, improving therapeutic decision-making and patient outcomes.
Competitive Landscape: Leading Companies Shaping the Market
The molecular infectious disease testing market is highly competitive and innovation-driven. Prominent players are expanding their product portfolios and global reach through strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and technological breakthroughs.
Key players include:
Danaher (US), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland), bioMérieux (France), Hologic, Inc. (US), Abbott (US), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US), QIAGEN (Netherlands), Revvity (US), Siemens Healthineers AG (Germany), BD (US), Grifols, S.A. (Spain), QuidelOrtho Corporation (US), DiaSorin S.p.A. (Italy), Bruker (US), Seegene Inc. (South Korea), Genetic Signatures (Australia), Co-Diagnostics, Inc. (US), Savyon Diagnostics (Israel), Vela Diagnostics (Singapore), Molbio Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd. (India), Uniogen OY (Finland), geneOmbio Technologies (India), Advanced Molecular Diagnostics (UK), GeneFirst Limited (UK), and altona Diagnostics GmbH (Germany).
These companies are actively pursuing automation, miniaturization, and AI integration to enhance diagnostic precision, reduce turnaround time, and improve workflow efficiency.
Outlook: Toward a New Era of Precision Diagnostics
The molecular infectious disease testing market is entering a transformative phase marked by rapid technological progress, global health preparedness initiatives, and the integration of bioinformatics and AI-driven data analytics. As infectious disease threats continue to evolve, healthcare providers worldwide are increasingly turning to molecular diagnostics for actionable, data-driven insights that can save lives and prevent outbreaks.
With strong momentum across both developed and emerging markets, the industry’s trajectory toward faster, smarter, and more scalable diagnostic solutions positions it at the forefront of the next decade of healthcare innovation.