Saliva Collection and Diagnostics Market Analysis
Based on site of collection, the market is segmented into parotid gland collection, submandibular/sublingual gland collection, and minor salivary gland. The submandibular/sublingual gland segment held a dominant market share of 49.0% in 2023.
- The increasing adoption of submandibular/sublingual gland site of saliva collection and analysis represents a significant trend in the field of saliva-based diagnostics. The segment growth is driven by several factors, including the unique composition of saliva from these glands, the ease of sample collection, and the growing recognition of the clinical relevance of submandibular/sublingual saliva biomarkers.
- Saliva collected from the submandibular/sublingual glands differs in composition from whole saliva or saliva collected from other sites in the oral cavity. These glands secrete a higher proportion of mucin-rich saliva, which contains a diverse array of biomolecules, including proteins, hormones, antibodies, and nucleic acids. This characteristic of submandibular gland is responsible for the considerable segment share.
- Furthermore, the clinical relevance of submandibular/sublingual saliva biomarkers is increasingly being recognized across various medical specialties. Studies have shown that biomarkers present in submandibular/sublingual saliva can provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of systemic diseases, oral health conditions, and neurological disorders.
Based on application, the saliva collection and diagnostics market is classified disease diagnostics, forensics, and research. Disease diagnostics segment is further categorized into infectious diseases, genetic testing, and others. The disease diagnostics segment accounted for the highest market share and was valued at USD 696.9 million in 2023.
- Saliva samples play a crucial role in disease diagnostics due to their unique composition and non-invasive collection method, offering significant advantages over traditional diagnostic techniques. Saliva contains a diverse array of biomolecules, including proteins, hormones, antibodies, enzymes, nucleic acids, and microorganisms, which can serve as indicators of various health conditions.
- One of the key advantages of saliva samples in disease diagnostics is the ease and convenience of collection. Unlike blood or tissue samples that require invasive procedures for collection, saliva can be obtained non-invasively through simple and painless methods such as passive drool, saliva collection devices, or oral swabs.
- The minimally invasive nature of saliva sampling makes it particularly attractive for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with needle phobia, as well as in resource-limited settings where healthcare access is limited. Industrial developments by market players are also driving segment growth. For instance, in December 2023, Molbio Diagnostics partnered with Testi Technologies to commercialize self-test saliva kits designed to detect alcohol content using salivary enzymes, highlighting the market's innovative and expanding applications.
Based on end use, the saliva collection and diagnostics market is categorized into hospitals and dental clinics, diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, research institutes, and forensic laboratories. The diagnostic laboratories segment is projected to reach USD 948.2 million by 2032.
- Diagnostic centers play an important role in saliva testing by serving as the primary facilities for sample analysis, result interpretation, and patient management. These centers are equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, including specialized equipment and skilled personnel, to perform a wide range of saliva-based diagnostic tests with high accuracy and precision.
- Moreover, diagnostic centers provide the expertise and resources needed to process saliva samples efficiently and accurately. Further, healthcare authorities are focusing on providing convenient services to the patients, which is estimated leverage segment growth by 2032. For instance, in April 2023, Yale Pathology Labs introduced state-of-the art mobile pathology lab to reach out to underserved communities.
North America saliva collection and diagnostics market size in 2023 was valued at USD 572.5 million and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% over the analysis timeframe.
- The adoption of saliva testing is increasing in North America due to increasing demand for non-invasive and scalable diagnostic solutions.
- Advancements in technology and research have improved the accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability of saliva-based diagnostic tests. Innovations in molecular diagnostics, proteomics, and genomics have expanded the repertoire of saliva biomarkers that can be analyzed, enabling the development of tests for a wide range of infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and other health conditions.
U.S. saliva collection and diagnostics market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% to reach USD 1.0 billion by the end of the forecast timeframe.
- Saliva offers a convenient and non-invasive alternative to traditional diagnostic samples such as blood or tissue, making it more accessible and acceptable to patients of all ages and health statuses. In addition, continual research and innovation activities by researchers are also likely to propel U.S. market during the forecast period.
UK saliva collection and diagnostics market is projected to grow remarkably in the coming years.
- Advancements in technology and research have improved the reliability and accuracy of saliva-based diagnostic tests. Innovations in molecular biology, proteomics, and genomics have expanded the range of biomarkers that can be detected in saliva, enabling the development of tests for various infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and other health conditions.
- Furthermore, the growing recognition of saliva as a valuable diagnostic medium among healthcare professionals and the general public has contributed to the increasing adoption of saliva testing in the UK. For instance, a new self-test saliva kit is being developed by researchers in the UK which will be utilized as a part of prostate cancer diagnostics. The research is being funded by Biomedical Research Centre and National Institute for Health and Care Research amongst others.
China is experiencing high market growth in the saliva collection and diagnostics market.
- The growth of China market is attributed to technological advancements, demand for effective and painless diagnostic procedures, and launch of new products.
- Furthermore, the cultural acceptance of saliva as a diagnostic medium in China has contributed to its widespread adoption. Traditional Chinese medicine has long recognized the diagnostic value of saliva in assessing an individual's health status, and this cultural acceptance has facilitated the integration of saliva testing into mainstream healthcare services in China.