Point-of-care Molecular Testing Poised to Take Off

Anew report concludes that the market for molecular point-of-care testing is heating up.

Kalorama Research has predicted that the current molecular point-ofcare market, which currently is valued at less than $100 million a year, could be worth as much as $1 billion a year by the end of this decade.

The demand will be driven not necessarily by highly sophisticated molecular assays that could detect forms of cancer, but the need to create a better “mousetrap” for traditional non-molecular assays that are highly accurate but suffer from lengthy turnaround times. Many POC molecular tests provide results even faster than rapid immunoassay testing, according to the report.

“There’s a large unmet need in the developed world for better testing solutions for upper respiratory infections and sexual health conditions, and a large unmet need in the developing world for (diseases) such as HIV and malaria,” said Kalorama Publisher Bruce Carlson.

“Together, that should add up to a sizable market for manufacturers.”

According to the report, rapid testing for the detection of influenza is in demand, because the virus can drive huge numbers of outpatient visits during the winter and early spring months. Kalorama envisions a market for that and other respiratory disorders where hospitals can set up triage points during potential outbreaks.

Overseas, traditional tests for hepatitis, malaria and HIV currently sell for $1 or less per unit. Although many molecular POC tests cannot currently match such prices, Kalorama expects their prices to drop significantly in the coming years and some manufacturers will offer discounted prices to developing countries in need of such testing, driving up demand.

There are some obstacles to a significant expansion of POC tests. The report noted that hospitals, which have been consolidating and acquiring physician practices, may wish to keep up their traditional laboratory volumes and discourage the use of some POC assays (as well as physician office testing) and that in-lab testing may still be less expensive. But the report did note that “while healthcare consolidation will likely discourage greater diffusion of testing resources, it should not bar the implementation of patient outcome-impactful and cost-saving POC testing.”

Reimbursement also remains an issue. Kalorama noted that molecular POC assays are often still more expensive than their older counterparts. That, along with provider unfamiliarity with such tests, “is likely to stall the market penetration.”

Takeaway: The point-of-care testing segment is expected to take off in the coming years, both in the U.S. and globally.