Central Lab Market – By Services (Genetic Services, Biomarker Services, Microbiology Services, Anatomic Pathology/Histology, Specimen Management & Storage), Application (Oncology, Neurology, Cardiology, Infectious Diseases), End-use & Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Central Lab Market Size

Central Lab Market size was valued at around USD 3.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach around USD 5.1 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. The growing emphasis on outsourcing of testing services coupled with extensive growth in research and development investments are driving the market growth.
 

Outsourcing testing services is increasingly driving the growth of the central lab market, as organizations seek cost efficiency, high-quality outcomes, and specialized testing capabilities. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported a 25% increase in clinical trials utilizing outsourced central laboratory services in 2022 compared to 2019, highlighting the growing reliance on these specialized labs for critical testing. This trend allows organizations to focus on their core activities while central labs provide precise and efficient testing, thereby accelerating market expansion.
 

A central lab is a dedicated facility or group of laboratories that provides comprehensive laboratory testing services for clinical trials, pharmaceutical research, and various diagnostic purposes. These labs are equipped with advanced technologies and staffed by skilled professionals to conduct a wide range of tests and analyses on biological samples, including blood, urine, tissue, and other specimens.
 

Central Lab Market Trends

Advancements like enhanced capabilities in next-generation sequencing (NGS), automated lab systems, AI and machine learning, point-of-care testing innovations, and advanced biosensors are elevating the precision, efficiency, and scope of lab services.

• NGS technology allows for comprehensive analysis of genetic material, providing detailed insights into genetic disorders, cancers, and other diseases. It offers high-throughput capabilities that can process vast amounts of genetic data quickly and accurately.
   
• Additionally, automation in laboratories involves the use of robotic systems and automated analyzers to perform routine tasks such as sample handling, testing, and result analysis. This reduces human error, increases throughput, and enhances reproducibility.
   
• Furthermore, the incorporation of POCT technologies enables rapid testing at the patient’s location, providing immediate results that can be used for timely decision-making. Innovations in POCT devices are making them more portable, accurate, and user-friendly.
   
• Moreover, recent advancements include more sensitive and specific biosensor for detecting a wide range of biomarkers and pathogens. These technologies enhance testing efficiency, accuracy, and capabilities, making central labs crucial for modern healthcare and research.
   

Central Lab Market Analysis

Based on services, the market is categorized into genetic services, biomarker services, microbiology services, anatomic pathology/histology, specimen management & storage, and other services. The biomarker services segment dominated the market with a revenue of 934.5 million in 2023.
 

• The rise of precision medicine, which customizes treatments based on individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, is heavily dependent on biomarkers. These biomarkers are essential for identifying specific disease pathways and predicting patient responses to therapies, making them critical for the development of personalized treatments. This trend is significantly driving the demand for biomarker services.
   
• Additionally, the pharmaceutical and biotech industries are increasingly relying on biomarkers to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of drug development, further boosting the demand for biomarker services.  
   

Based on application, the central lab market is categorized into oncology, neurology, cardiology, infectious diseases, and other applications. The oncology segment is anticipated to dominate the market with a revenue of 1.6 billion by 2032.
 

• The high prevalence of cancer drives the demand for extensive cancer research, diagnostics, and treatment monitoring. Central labs are crucial in providing specialized testing and diagnostic services for cancer, including genetic profiling, biomarker analysis, and histopathology, to support oncology research and clinical practice.
   
• Additionally, the advancements in diagnostics like liquid biopsy, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and advanced imaging enable precise, early detection and personalized treatment, driving the need for specialized lab services in oncology.
   

Based on end-use, the central lab market is categorized into pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic and research institutes, and other end-users. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment dominated the market with a revenue of around USD 1.3 billion in 2023.
 

• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies dominate the market due to their substantial investment in R&D, clinical trials and clinical laboratory services, which require extensive testing, biomarker analyses, and validation services. The need for accurate, high-quality results in drug development drives their significant reliance on central labs.
   
• Moreover, their extensive R&D and clinical trial needs, which require specialized, regulated testing services to ensure compliance and accuracy, contribute to their segmental growth.
   

 North America central lab market accounted for USD 1.1 billion in revenue in 2023 and is predicted to witness substantial market growth over the analysis timeline.
 

• The increasing focus on personalized medicine in North America is boosting demand for advanced diagnostic services and biomarkers, hence driving the demand for central labs in the region.
   
• Additionally, the rising incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes necessitates more comprehensive testing and research, thus fuelling the growth of central labs in North America.
   

The U.S. central lab market is anticipated to reach USD 1.7 billion by 2032, driven by numerous factors.
 

• The U.S. government and private sector are investing heavily in biomedical research and clinical trials, leading to higher demand for central lab services to support these initiatives, hence driving the market growth.
   
• Additionally, the adoption of advanced laboratory automation technologies in the U.S. enhances testing efficiency and accuracy, which contributes to the expanding market in the country.
   

The central lab market in UK is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2024 to 2032.
 

• The rise in clinical research activities and trials in the UK requires extensive central lab services for accurate data analysis and testing, boosting the market in the region.
   
• Additionally, the UK's NHS is increasingly incorporating advanced diagnostic and biomarker testing into its services, thereby driving demand for central labs to support these initiatives.
   

Japan central lab market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2024 – 2032.
 

• Japan’s government is promoting medical innovation and research, increasing the need for specialized central lab services to support these efforts, hence driving the market.
   
• Additionally, Japan's rapidly aging population leads to a higher prevalence of age-related diseases, which drives demand for central labs to provide diagnostic and monitoring services, thereby contributing to market growth.
   

Central Lab Market Share

The central lab industry is characterized by the presence of several established and emerging players that offer a variety of services across the globe. The market players compete based on factors such as service quality, innovation, regulatory compliance, customer service, and pricing strategies.
 

Central Lab Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the central lab industry include:

• A.P. Moller Holding A/S
• ACM Global Laboratories
• BioAgilytix Labs
• Cerba Research
• Cirion Biopharma Research Inc.
• Covance Inc.
• Eurofins Scientific
• Frontage Laboratories
• ICON Central Laboratories
• LabConnect
• Laboratory Corporation of America Holding
• Lambda Therapeutics Research Ltd
• Medpace, Inc.
• Parexel International Corporation
• Quest Diagnostics
• Versiti
   

Central Lab Industry News:

• In September 2023, Cerba HealthCare announced the acquisition of CIRION BIOPHARMA RESEARCH INC (CIRION), recognized for its integrated bioanalytical and global central laboratory services. This acquisition expanded the company’s service portfolio and enabled it to increase its customer base.

• In December 2021, A.P. Moller Holding announced its biggest acquisition of purchasing laboratory diagnostics firm Unilabs. This acquisition enabled the company to expand its business and enhance its reputation in the market.
   

Central lab market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 to 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Services  

• Genetic services
• Biomarker services
• Microbiology services
• Anatomic pathology/histology
• Specimen management & storage
• Other services

Market, By Application

• Oncology
• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Infectious diseases
• Other applications

Market, By End-use

• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
• Academic and research institutes
• Other end-users

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa