EUROPE AND MEA CULTURE TEST FOR HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2025-2032)

Europe and MEA Culture Test for Healthcare-associated Infections Market Size and Forecast – 2025-2032

The Europe and MEA Culture Test for Healthcare-associated Infections Market is estimated to be valued at USD 299.1 Mn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 370.3 Mn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Takeaways of the Europe and MEA Culture Test for Healthcare-associated Infections Market:

• In terms of product type, the instruments segment is estimated to account for the highest share of 52.2% of the Europe and MEA culture test for healthcare-associated infections market in 2025
• In terms of test type, the bacterial culture tests segment is estimated to hold the highest market share of 34% of the Europe and MEA culture test for healthcare-associated infections market in 2025.
• In terms of application, the surgical site infections segment is estimated to hold the highest market share of 27% of the market in 2025.

Market Overview:

The Europe and MEA culture test for healthcare-associated infections market is expected to witness moderate growth over the forecast period. The growing prevalence of hospital-acquired infections, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections, is expected to drive the demand for culture tests for early diagnosis and management. Additionally, increasing healthcare expenditure and rising awareness about the early detection of infections are further expected to support the market growth during the forecast period. However, the availability of alternative diagnostic tests and lack of skilled professionals may hamper the market growth to some extent.

Segmental Insights

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Product Type Insights - Instruments Segment Leads Due to Automation & Efficiency in Culture Testing

In terms of product type, the instruments segment is estimated to hold the highest share of the Europe and MEA culture test for healthcare-associated infections market with 52.2% in 2025 owing to its indispensable role in diagnostic processes. Instruments form the core of all culture testing workflows, facilitating critical functions right from specimen collection and preparation to final analysis and reporting of results. The segment comprises of diverse equipment tailored for specialized applications, including specimen collection equipment, biochemical analyzers, reagents dispensers, incubation systems, and auxiliary equipment. Continuous technological advancements have enabled the development of automated, high-throughput and easy-to-use instruments that reduce turnaround time and improve workflow efficiency. This has boosted their adoption across busy clinical microbiology laboratories. Furthermore, shifting preferences towards automation from manual processes to minimize subjective errors and maximize productivity are working in favor of the instruments segment. Growing need to streamline culture testing amid rising test volumes have compelled labs to integrate automated solutions.

Test Type Insights - Prevalence of bacterial infections drives growth of Bacterial Culture Tests segment

In terms of test type, the bacterial culture tests segment is estimated to hold the highest share of the Europe and MEA culture test for healthcare-associated infections market with 34% in 2025 driven by the widespread occurrence of bacterial infections. Hospital-acquired bacterial infections constitute a major public health problem owing to the emergence of multi-drug-resistant strains. According to recent epidemiological studies, over 150 million people suffer from healthcare-associated bacterial infections each year globally. The gravity of the situation has underlined the necessity for reliable and rapid bacterial diagnostic testing. Bacterial culture continues to serve as the reference standard or gold method for definitive bacterial identification. It allows discrimination of target pathogens from normal microbiota and screening of antimicrobial resistance patterns. Culturing also enables downstream molecular characterization of isolated strains for epidemiological surveillance of outbreaks. The ever-growing arsenal of culture media and identification systems offers vast room for improvements in culture-based identification schemes. These positives aspects along with lack of viable replacement methods have cemented the crucial role of bacterial culture tests.

Application Insights - Higher disease incidence drives demand for Surgical Site Infections testing

In terms of application, the surgical site infections segment is estimated to hold the highest share of the Europe and MEA culture test for healthcare-associated infections market with 27% in 2025 owing to its elevated incidence rates. Surgical site infections are the most widespread healthcare-associated infections, accounting for nearly 20% of all hospital-acquired infections. Unhygienic operating environments, improper antibiotic prophylaxis, and increased frequency of invasive surgical procedures have amplified the risk of surgical site infections. The catastrophic consequences including mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and exponential rise in healthcare costs attached to these infections have underlined the need for heightened testing and surveillance. Early and reliable diagnostic testing aids clinicians in the prompt initiation of targeted antibiotic therapy, minimizing infection severity, and spread. Culture tests are considered the gold standard as they allow the identification of causative organism, its antimicrobial susceptibility profiling and discrimination of skin colonizers from true pathogens. Increasing awareness amongst surgeons and regulatory pressure on hospitals to curb surgical site infection rates have broadened diagnostic testing uptake. 

Market Players, Key Devlopment, and Competitive Intelligence

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Key Developments:

• In July 2024, Midmark Corporation, a leading provider of medical equipment solutions, launched its next-generation M11 and M9 steam sterilizers, designed for enhanced durability, ease of use, and improved compliance documentation and instrument processing efficiencies
• In July 2023, Merck, a global leader in life sciences, expanded its Kansas, U.S. facility, now the largest dry powder cell culture media facility and Center of Excellence in North America. The 9,100 sq. meter expansion boosts production capacity to meet growing global demand for cell culture media, critical for biomanufacturing and life-saving therapies.
• In June 2023, MMM Group, a global sterilization specialist, partnered with Southwest Clinic to establish a state-of-the-art CSSD/RUMED facility at Kreiskliniken Calw clinic in Germany. This advanced facility reprocesses critical medical products for four clinics, ensuring high standards in medical care.

Top Strategies Followed by Europe and MEA Culture Test for Healthcare-associated Infections Market Players

• Established Players: Leading companies in Europe and MEA culture test for healthcare-associated infections market, such as Abbott Laboratories and Merck KGaA, focus heavily on research and development to innovate high-performance products.
  • For instance, in February 2024, Abbott's recent investment in developing rapid diagnostic tests has significantly enhanced its product offerings, allowing for quicker identification of pathogens associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
• Mid-Level Players: Mid-level companies are focusing on delivering quality, budget-friendly products targeting price-sensitive consumers. Companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific have introduced cost-effective cell culture media that maintain high standards while being accessible to smaller laboratories.
  • Small-Scale Players: Small players often target niche markets with unique features or innovative products. For example, SSI Diagnostica A/S specializes in specific culture tests for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, catering to a growing demand for specialized diagnostics. The use of cutting-edge technologies, such as automated culture systems, allows small-scale players to remain competitive. Companies like Hardy Diagnostics are leveraging automation to streamline its testing processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

Emerging Startups - Europe and MEA Culture Test for Healthcare-associated Infections Industry Ecosystem

• Innovative Technologies: Startups like QIAGEN N.V. are developing advanced technologies, including smart sensors and AI-driven diagnostic tools, which have the potential to revolutionize the culture testing landscape. These innovations can significantly improve the speed and accuracy of infection detection, impacting market dynamics positively.
• Sustainable Solutions: While specific examples in the Europe and MEA culture test for healthcare-associated infections market are limited, the broader healthcare industry in Europe and MEA is seeing startups focusing on sustainability, such as developing eco-friendly diagnostic kits and utilizing recycled materials in manufacturing.
• Market Contribution: Emerging startups are addressing unique market needs by developing specialized diagnostic tools tailored for specific healthcare-associated infections, thereby filling gaps left by larger players. Partnerships with established companies or research institutions are common among startups. These collaborations drive technological innovation and facilitate the development of advanced culture tests for HAIs.

Market Report Scope

Market Dynamics

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Market Driver - Increasing prevalence of healthcare associated infections (HAIs)

The prevalence of healthcare associated infections has been rising steadily across major countries in Europe and the MEA region The elderly population which is more susceptible to chronic illnesses and require frequent hospital visits are especially vulnerable to hospital-bred pathogens. Prolonged hospital stays, invasive procedures like surgery, intensive care, and use of medical devices have made prevention and control of HAIs a top priority. But limited investments in infection control practices, shortage of experienced hospital staff and lack of single-use sterile equipment in underfunded public hospitals continue exacerbating the problem. Even developed countries are experiencing a spike in antibiotic-resistant ‘superbugs’ due to overprescription and misuse of antibiotics over the past decades. For instance, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) latest survey, in May 2024, around 4.3 million hospital patients in the European Economic Area (EU/EEA) acquire healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) each year. Respiratory infections, including COVID-19, made up nearly a third of HAIs, with SARS-CoV-2 ranking as the fourth most common cause. Antimicrobial use increased to 35.5%, and one in three microorganisms were antibiotic-resistant.

Market Challenge - High costs associated with culture testing

The costs associated with healthcare-associated infections culture testing in Europe and the MEA region pose a significant challenge for labs and healthcare facilities. The conventional culture testing methods such as manually streaking patient samples onto agar plates and incubating them is a labor-intensive process that requires specialized technicians and equipment. It can take up to several days to get results which increases the cost of care and treatment for patients. The low reimbursement rates for culture tests in many countries fail to cover the high costs incurred by labs. This acts as a deterrent for healthcare facilities to conduct adequate testing and control infections. The costs are further increased due to factors like additional testing requirements such as antibiotic susceptibility testing. The substantial investment required for automation and advance diagnostic solutions also remain a barrier.

Market Opportunity - Advancements in culture testing technologies

The Europe and MEA culture test for healthcare-associated infections market provides opportunities for vendors with advancements in culture testing technologies. The development of automated culture-based platforms that can streamline the testing process and provide faster results is an area primed for growth. Technologies like MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry are finding increasing usage for the rapid identification of pathogens in positive blood cultures. The uptake of molecular diagnostic tests like PCR is also reducing reliance on slower culture-based methods. Further advancements can integrate digital imaging and artificial intelligence into platforms. This will help improve automation, reduce turnaround time, and lower costs of testing. The demand for platforms capable of conducting high-throughput testing of multiple samples simultaneously also provides opportunities.

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion)

• The Europe and MEA culture test for healthcare-associated infections market is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period owing to rising geriatric population and increasing surgical procedures. Stringent regulations regarding sterilization and disinfection of medical devices will also propel market expansion. Growing number of multi-drug-resistant pathogens and need for correct antimicrobial treatment presents an opportune environment for culture testing.
• However, budgetary constraints faced by various healthcare facilities in the Middle East may hamper Europe and MEA culture test for healthcare-associated infections market growth. Lack of reimbursement policies further restrain wider culture testing adoption. Lack of skilled professionals to perform the tests adds to the challenge.
• Germany dominates Europe currently due to strong healthcare system and healthcare expenditure. The U.K. also captures sizable share due to high burden of HAIs. Growing public awareness about HAIs boosts demand. Italy is projected to witness the fastest growth owing to rising medical tourism and number of knee and hip replacement surgeries. In the MEA region, GCC countries offer lucrative opportunities for players supported by improved accessibility and quality of care.

Market Segmentation

• Product Type Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
• • Instruments
    • Automated Culture Systems
    • Incubators
    • Analyzers
  • Reagents and Consumables
    • Culture Media
    • Test Kits
    • Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Kits
•  Test Type Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
• • Bacterial Culture Tests
  • Aerobic Bacteria
  • Anaerobic Bacteria
  • Fungal Culture Tests
  • Viral Culture Tests
  • Mixed Infection Tests
•  Application Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
• • Surgical Site Infections
  • Bloodstream Infections
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Respiratory Infections
  • Gastrointestinal Infections
•  Sample Type Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
• • Blood
  • Urine
  • Stool
  • Tissue
  • Others
•  End User Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
• • Hospitals & Clinics
  • Nursing Homes
  • Diagnostic Laboratories
  • Research Institutions
  • Ambulatory Surgical Centers
  • Others
• Key Players Insights
  • Abbott Laboratories
  • Merck KGaA
  • Becton Dickinson and Company
  • Steris Plc
  • Hologic, Inc.
  • bioMérieux SA
  • F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG
  • Siemens Healthineers AG
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
  • Hardy Diagnostics
  • Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
  • Danaher Corporation
  • SSI Diagnostica A/S
  • Cepheid
  • QIAGEN N.V.