Market Challenges And Opportunities

Global Urinalysis Market Drivers:

Rising prevalence of chronic kidney diseases to propel market growth

One of the key factors expected to augment the growth of the global urinalysis market during the forecast period is the growing prevalence of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) around the world. For instance, early detection of kidney dysfunction is crucial for effective management and to prevent the progression of renal disorders; creating a significant demand for urinalysis tests. According to the European Kidney Health Alliance (EKHA), over 75 million people suffer from CKD in Europe whilst the worldwide frequency has been estimated to 700 to 800 million people, with a projection that CKD will become the 5th cause of death globally in 2040.

Growing geriatric population to underpin market growth

Another factor which is driving the growth of the global urinalysis market is the growing geriatric (aging) population around the world. For instance, kidney disease has also been found to be more prevalent in those over the age of 60 when compared to the rest of the general population. This in turn has increased the demand for urinalysis tests as part of routine health check-ups. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, one in six people in the world will be aged 60 years or over, and by 2050, the world’s population of people aged 60 years and older will double (2.1 billion). This in turn is expected to propel the market growth.

Global Urinalysis Market Opportunities:

Increasing prevalence of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) is expected to provide significant growth opportunities for players in the urinalysis market. For instance, UTIs are a common health concern, especially among women and the elderly, which in turn increase the demand for urinalysis products and services, as urinalysis plays a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring UTIs. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), UTIs are one of the most frequent clinical bacterial infections in women, accounting for nearly 25% of all infections. Over 50-60% of women will develop UTIs in their lifetimes. This in turn is expected to augment the market growth.

High demand for urinalysis products or services is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities for players in the global urinalysis market. For instance, with the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as CKD, the use and demand for urinalysis products and services is also increasing rapidly. In September 2022, Sysmex Corp. launched the UF-1500 Fully Automated Urine Particle Analyzer (UF-1500), a new product for use in urine sediment testing, to deliver a range of solutions tailored to the customer’s environment and contribute to the streamlining and standardization of urine testing at small and medium-sized facilities.

Global Urinalysis Market Restraints:

Stringent rules/regulations to hinder market growth

Another factor which is hampering the growth of the global urinalysis market is the stringent rules and regulations or stringent regulatory framework. In the U.S., diagnostic tests (such as urinalysis) are regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which means manufacturers must submit studies confirming a test’s accuracy and effectiveness in diagnosing a particular condition before bringing it to market. Moreover, a process required for a new commercial test to gain approval for marketing can be costly and time-consuming, and may sometimes take up to years, depending on the level of complication. Although FDA has a well-developed and structured framework, rules and regulations are essential and must be strictly followed.

High cost of R&D to hamper growth of the market

One of the key factors expected to hamper growth of the global urinalysis market is the high cost of R&D (research and development). Development expenses driven by continuous improvements and automation in urinalysis may hamper the adoption of advanced urinalysis devices or solutions. Technological advances have paved the way for significant advances in automated urinals, leading to increased R&D expenditure. Moreover, the initial investment required for advanced urinalysis systems can be significant, especially for smaller healthcare facilities, limiting their adoption. This in turn is exported to restrain growth of the market.