Market Trends of GI Stool Testing Industry
The Reagent Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Growth in the GI Stool Testing Market During the Forecast Period
The reagent segment is expected to witness significant growth in the GI stool testing market during the forecast period owing to factors such as the rising prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases and irritable bowel syndrome and GERD, as well as the increasing demand for early detection of the diseases.
Reagents are substances often used for examining and analyzing. With the development of diagnostic technology, agents are expected to dominate the GI stool testing market. Chemiluminant assays are used as a diagnostic aid for the detection of gastrointestinal infections. They use enzyme-labeled antibodies for detection, which is known to give an accurate diagnosis.
For instance, according to an article published in Microorganisms in June 2022, microscopic examination of feces is still a common method for diagnosing intestinal parasite infections, which necessitates the use of reliable reagents and qualified personnel. In addition, as per the same source, the ready-to-use concentration methods for detecting parasite eggs in the ParaFlo tests (Eurobio Ingen) are expected to improve reagent traceability and manipulation ease. This is anticipated to boost the demand for reagents for detecting various gastrointestinal diseases, hence propelling segment growth.
Stool testing is also beneficial for the early diagnosis of colon cancer, which is expected to propel segment growth. For instance, as per an article published in the Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology in April 2022, the multitarget stool DNA test with fecal immunochemical test (sDNA-FIT) is recommended as a potential approach for colorectal cancer screening in people aged 45 years and above and for those who are at average risk, in all significant United States guidelines. The sDNA-FIT analyzes 11 biomarkers, including human hemoglobin, NDRG4, and BMP3 aberrant methylation, KRAS point mutations, NDRG4 and BMP3 point mutations, and human hemoglobin. Hence, adopting stool testing for various GI-related diseases is anticipated to boost the market growth.
Moreover, in June 2022, Meridian Bioscience Inc. launched two new sample-specific master mixes: Lyo-Ready Direct DNA qPCR Stool Mix and Lyo-Ready Direct RNA/DNA qPCR Stool Mix. These innovative master mixes improve the molecular detection of DNA and RNA from crude fecal specimens while allowing room-temperature stabilization of the diagnostic assay.
Therefore, owing to factors such as the rising research studies and increasing adoption of reagents in stool testing, the segment is expected to grow during the forecast period.
North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Share in the Market and is Expected to Witness the Same Over the Forecast Period
North America is expected to hold a significant share of the market and witness the same during the forecast period owing to factors such as a higher incidence of gastrointestinal diseases like colorectal cancer. For instance, according to 2023 statistics published by the ACS, about 106,970 new cases of colon cancer and 46,050 new cases of rectal cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2023.
Also, as per an article published in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) in July 2022, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most widespread gastrointestinal conditions, affecting 20% of adults in Western countries such as the United States. In addition, the estimated prevalence of GERD in the US population ranges from 18.1% to 27.8%. Also, per the data published by the Canadian Cancer Society, in May 2022, colorectal cancer was expected to be the fourth most diagnosed cancer in Canada. Nearly 24,300 Canadians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, which represented 10% of all new cancer cases in Canada in 2022.
Also, the growing company activities in developing innovative test kits and increasing product launches are contributing to market growth. For instance, in January 2023, Geneoscopy submitted a premarket approval application to the FDA for its stool-based colorectal cancer screening test. Such initiatives may lead to the introduction of new products in the near future, thus driving the market's growth.
Therefore, owing to factors such as the rising burden of colon cancer and GERD among the population and increasing product launches, the market is anticipated to augment its growth during the forecast period.
