Virology Specimen Collection Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (Viral Transport Media, Specimen Collection Tubes, Swabs, Blood Collection Kits), By Sample (Blood Samples, Cervical Samples, Nasal Samples, Nasopharyngeal Samples, Throat Samples, Oral Samples, Other Samples), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Virology Specimen Collection Market was valued at USD 6.50 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 8.47 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.51% during the forecast period. This can be ascribed to the development of advanced viral specimen collection technologies such as immunoassay, nucleic acid-based amplification testing methods or PCR-based methods, mass spectrometry, and NGS methods for accurate, quick results for different viral infections across the globe. Along with the rising research and development in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry. Also, the growing focuses on large molecule in biopharmaceuticals for developing novel drugs will further boost the growth of the market in the forecasted period.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Global Burden of Viral Infections

The increasing incidence and recurrence of viral infections globally is a major driver propelling the virology specimen collection market. Diseases such as influenza, HIV, hepatitis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and more recently COVID-19, require accurate diagnostic practices which are contingent upon effective specimen collection systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seasonal influenza alone is responsible for approximately 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths annually. Furthermore, the WHO’s 2023 global hepatitis report estimated that 254 million people live with chronic hepatitis B and 50 million with hepatitis C, both of which demand routine viral load testing and monitoring via clinical specimens.

Effective specimen collection remains the first critical step in accurate virological testing and disease surveillance. Nasopharyngeal swabs, blood samples, and other viral transport media are essential in collecting high-integrity specimens, especially during outbreaks. Public health authorities increasingly mandate timely diagnosis through standardized specimen collection, prompting the expansion of infrastructure supporting these activities. Governments worldwide are investing in expanding diagnostic capabilities. For instance, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allocated over $2 billion to modernize laboratory testing infrastructure in 2022, a significant portion of which involved strengthening viral specimen handling and transport.

Expansion of Global Disease Surveillance Programs

The proliferation of global disease surveillance initiatives driven by both international health regulations and country-level mandates is substantially boosting demand for virology specimen collection tools and technologies. Programs such as the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) by WHO, the U.S. Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s (ECDC) influenza network rely on consistent and high-quality viral specimen collection from across member states to track disease spread and mutation.

In recent years, governments have recognized the indispensable role of real-time viral detection, leading to strengthened public health infrastructure. For example, as part of the U.S. CDC’s Advanced Molecular Detection initiative, funding has been channeled toward expanding local and state laboratory capabilities, including enhancing specimen collection, storage, and transport. The WHO has also emphasized strengthening specimen handling capacity under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), urging nations to maintain adequate biosafety standards and chain-of-custody procedures in specimen collection.

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Key Market Challenges

Quality Control and Standardization Issues

One of the primary challenges in the virology specimen collection market is ensuring quality control and standardization across diverse collection environments, especially in low-resource settings or during high-pressure outbreak scenarios. Proper specimen quality is critical for accurate diagnostic outcomes, but maintaining specimen integrity from the point of collection to analysis can be difficult due to variability in protocols, equipment, and handling expertise.

Global health authorities such as the WHO and CDC provide standard operating procedures (SOPs) for specimen collection, but adherence is inconsistent, especially in decentralized or community settings. For instance, in its “Laboratory Testing for Coronavirus Disease” guidelines, WHO emphasized that improper specimen collection can lead to false-negative results an issue that hampered COVID-19 testing accuracy in several countries. Even in high-income nations, improper use of swabs or incorrect storage temperatures during specimen transport can compromise diagnostic yield.

Another major concern is the lack of uniformity in training and capacity building. Many regions lack adequate personnel trained in specimen collection techniques, particularly for advanced sample types like nasopharyngeal aspirates or tissue biopsies. Inconsistent application of biosafety standards further exacerbates the issue, risking cross-contamination or specimen degradation.

Logistics and Cold Chain Constraints

Effective virology specimen collection is not only about obtaining the sample but also about preserving its integrity through efficient logistics and cold chain management. Many viral specimens, especially those for molecular diagnostics, are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and require refrigeration or freezing during transport. This creates a significant logistical burden, particularly in remote or underdeveloped regions lacking consistent electricity or refrigerated transportation.

Cold chain failures can compromise specimen viability, leading to false-negative or inconclusive test results. According to the WHO, nearly 20% of temperature-sensitive medical products, including diagnostic specimens, are damaged or degraded during transit due to cold chain issues. These failures increase costs, delay diagnoses, and undermine public health responses, especially during outbreak situations.

Furthermore, many developing countries face logistical challenges due to inadequate infrastructure, including poor road conditions, limited access to refrigerated transport, and unreliable courier networks. Even in advanced economies, surge testing during pandemics can overwhelm logistics systems, leading to backlogs and improper storage.

Key Market Trends

Automation and Digitalization in Specimen Handling

A significant trend shaping the virology specimen collection market is the increasing integration of automation and digital technologies in specimen handling and tracking. Traditional manual methods, while effective, are increasingly being replaced or augmented by automated systems that reduce human error, improve sample integrity, and streamline workflow efficiencies from collection to analysis.

Automated swab collection systems, barcoded tubes, electronic requisition forms, and integrated laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are revolutionizing how specimens are managed across decentralized locations. These technologies help maintain chain-of-custody, ensure timely specimen transportation, and minimize contamination risk. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, digital health platforms allowed patients to schedule home swab collections, with results automatically uploaded to centralized databases demonstrating the feasibility and scalability of tech-integrated collection systems.

Governments and health agencies are also promoting digital infrastructure for public health diagnostics. For example, in its 2023 strategic plan, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) emphasized the modernization of laboratory systems, including digital specimen tracking as a priority. Similarly, the European Commission has pushed for wider adoption of interoperable digital health technologies under its “EU4Health” program, part of which covers diagnostics and surveillance improvements.

Growth of At-Home and Decentralized Testing Models

Another notable trend in the virology specimen collection market is the rapid rise of decentralized and at-home testing models. The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point that brought these models into the mainstream, as global health authorities sought to expand testing reach beyond hospitals and laboratories. This created massive demand for at-home specimen collection kits, particularly for nasal and saliva samples.

In 2021 and 2022, governments such as the United States distributed hundreds of millions of free at-home COVID-19 test kits, many of which included self-collection tools compliant with FDA Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs). The U.S. government’s COVID-19 Testing Supply Chain Coordination Task Force even partnered with logistics providers to ensure specimen delivery and processing within regulated timeframes. This demonstrated the feasibility of scaling decentralized collection systems.

Even post-pandemic, the convenience and accessibility of at-home collection are driving continued innovation. Companies are now developing self-collection kits for other viral infections such as HPV, HIV, and influenza. Meanwhile, public health bodies are exploring decentralized models to enhance outreach in rural and underserved communities. The WHO and UNITAID, for instance, have emphasized self-testing and community-based diagnostic access in their global HIV strategies.

Segmental Insights

Product Type Insights

Based on Product Type, Viral Transport Media category holds the largest market share due to its critical role in preserving viral specimens during transportation. This product ensures that viral samples remain viable and intact, which is crucial for accurate diagnostics. The increasing prevalence of viral diseases and the growing concern over emerging pathogens have significantly contributed to the demand for viral transport media. As public health awareness rises, particularly in the context of viral outbreaks, the need for reliable transport media has become more pronounced, leading to its widespread adoption in diagnostic practices.

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Regional Insights

Based on the region, North America holds the largest share of the global virology specimen collection market, primarily due to its well-established healthcare infrastructure, widespread diagnostic capabilities, and robust government initiatives aimed at improving public health response. Countries like the United States and Canada have made significant investments in diagnostic testing and surveillance systems, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, which emphasized the importance of rapid viral detection and management. These countries have also developed comprehensive public health policies that prioritize early and accurate detection of viral diseases, which in turn drives demand for advanced specimen collection systems.

The presence of national agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Health Canada has also been instrumental in setting standards and providing guidance on specimen collection protocols, biosafety procedures, and data reporting. Their support for laboratory infrastructure and funding for diagnostic preparedness has significantly elevated the region’s capacity for handling viral outbreaks. Additionally, North America benefits from high public awareness regarding infectious diseases, which contributes to greater adoption of routine testing and participation in surveillance programs.

Key Market Players

• Becton, Dickinson and Company
• Quidel Corporation
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• Trinity Biotech PLC
• Titan Biotech Ltd.
• DiaSorin S.p.A.
• Vircell S.L.
• Copan Italia S.P.A.
• Puritan Medical Products Co.
• Hardy Diagnostics

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Virology Specimen Collection Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Virology Specimen Collection Market, By Product Type:

o   Viral Transport Media

o   Specimen Collection Tubes

o   Swabs

o   Blood Collection Kits

• Virology Specimen Collection Market, By Sample:

o   Blood Samples

o   Cervical Samples

o   Nasal Samples

o   Nasopharyngeal Samples

o   Throat Samples

o   Oral Samples

o   Other Samples

• Virology Specimen Collection Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Mexico

§  Canada

o   Europe

§  France

§  Germany

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  South Korea

§  Japan

§  Australia

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East and Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Virology Specimen Collection Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Virology Specimen Collection Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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