Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Testing Market Size, Share, and Industry Trends 2031

Influenza, one of the leading causes of mortality, resulted in approximately 7 million cases in the US alone in 2019. Seasonal flu remains a serious condition, necessitating hospitalization for many afflicted patients. The urgent need for rapid and accurate critical diagnosis is driving the demand for rapid influenza diagnostic testing (RIDT) in the global market. The situation is more severe for high-risk populations such as those with diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and other chronic ailments. The consistent rise in the use of rapid diagnostic tests as a means of point-of-care testing is accelerating the adoption of RIDT, driven by the rapid and accurate results it provides.

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Influenza A and B: Key Drivers of RIDT Demand

The more common type, influenza A, is highly communicable and has been responsible for multiple epidemic outbreaks in the past, leading to thousands of deaths annually. Such epidemics, often referred to as avian flu or bird flu, will remain the top demand generator for rapid influenza diagnostic testing worldwide. On the other hand, the prevalence of influenza B is also rising, as humans are the most common hosts for this virus. Therefore, the demand for RIDT for influenza B is also set to climb in the near future.

The COVID-19 Impact on RIDT Market Expansion

The increasing commercial availability of improved diagnostic measures has been advantageous for the market. Rapid influenza diagnostic testing is technically a molecular assay that works faster than usual, delivering high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The ease of use, rapid outcomes, high accuracy, and specificity collectively make RIDT a reliable method for influenza diagnostics, accounting for its growing usage in clinical decision-making regarding diagnosis and treatment. While hospitals are expected to remain the key consumer segment, a significant number of diagnostic centers and laboratory testing units will also register noteworthy adoption in the near future.

The COVID-19 pandemic has recently accelerated the situation. The rate of flu testing has surged across the US. Patients often confuse flu and COVID-19 due to their similar initial symptoms. However, the viruses differ in their serial intervals and associated mortality rates. Alongside COVID-19 diagnostics, rapid influenza diagnostic testing has also seen a significant increase amid the pandemic.

Government and Non-governmental Support for Influenza Research

Various research funds have been favoring market growth through novel influenza research outcomes that aid in discovering flu diagnostics, vaccines, treatment, and therapeutics. Internationally recognized entities like the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) often support such research studies. Projects like the Universal Influenza Vaccine Initiative, with strong governmental support, are expected to be pivotal for the build-up of the rapid influenza diagnostic testing market. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stringent regulations for all rapid antigen influenza tests.

Paediatrics: A Lucrative Segment for RIDT Providers

Rapid influenza diagnostic tests are likely to see rapid adoption within the pediatric segment during the assessment period. A significant surge in influenza prevalence among children, which critically demands serious severity control measures, is a strong factor driving the growth of the rapid influenza diagnostic testing market. The increasing seasonal flu burden on the pediatric care system has led to alarmingly high mortality and morbidity rates, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US). The soaring hospitalization rate is thus pushing market growth. The prevalence is also high among adults, especially younger adults, elderly people with comorbidities, and pregnant women, which will remain key factors fostering the rapid influenza diagnostic testing business.

The US: A Fertile Ground for RIDT Market Players

The US, with its solid technological advances and research-favorable environment, has been among the strongest regional grounds for the proliferation of the influenza diagnostic testing market. The highly sophisticated healthcare infrastructure, advancing diagnostics field, skilled professionals, and strong government support further uplift the prospects of the US market in the rapid influenza diagnostic testing landscape. In 2017, the FDA reclassified RIDTs to class II devices from class I, effectively mandating RIDTs to meet specific minimum criteria for sensitivity and specificity.

Canada and Asia Pacific: Emerging Markets for RIDT

The demand for RIDT has also been rising in Canada, which boasts exceptional-quality healthcare facilities and consistently witnesses a high rate of hospital admissions. The Canadian market for rapid influenza diagnostic testing also benefits from substantial government funds aimed at public education to raise awareness about influenza diagnosis and treatment.

Asia Pacific remains a key market for RIDT providers due to the expanding flu patient population and the presence of a massive high-risk patient mass. Promising opportunities are particularly evident in India and surrounding regions, where the adoption rate of RIDT kits has been thriving in recent years.

Competition Landscape and Recent Developments in the Global RIDT Market

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Abbott Laboratories, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Becton, Dickinson and Company, Hologic, Luminex Corporation, Quidel Corporation, GenMark Diagnostics, Inc., Meridian Bioscience, Inc., Danaher Corporation (Cepheid), Biocartis, bioMérieux Inc, and Endress+Hauser (Analytik Jena AG) are some of the top companies operating in the global rapid influenza diagnostic testing market.

R&D and innovations are likely to remain key growth strategies for market leaders. Acquisitions and collaborations are also expected to be preferred moves for companies seeking a stronger foothold in regional and global landscapes. Recently in 2020, Sekisui Diagnostics announced receiving FDA approval and a CLIA Waiver for its OSOM® Ultra Plus Flu A&B Test. The launch of this improved and more accurate test kit was planned to fortify the company’s flu portfolio performance.

Conclusion

The rapid influenza diagnostic testing market is poised for significant growth driven by rising influenza cases, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The strong support from governments and non-governmental entities in research, coupled with the rising demand for pediatric and adult diagnostics, further bolsters the market's prospects. Key players continue to innovate and expand their market presence through strategic collaborations and acquisitions, ensuring the market remains dynamic and competitive.