Drug Screening Market Outlook, 2028

The drug testing industry plays a crucial role in maintaining safety and integrity across various sectors, including employment, sports, healthcare, and law enforcement. With the prevalence of substance abuse and its potential consequences, drug testing has become a standard practice for organizations aiming to create a secure and healthy environment. The roots of drug testing can be traced back to the mid-20th century, with the emergence of urine testing as the primary method. Initially employed by the military and law enforcement agencies, drug testing gained widespread acceptance in the workplace during the 1980s, driven by concerns about employee productivity and safety. Over the years, the drug testing industry has evolved, incorporating advancements in technology and methodologies. Today, drug tests can analyze various biological samples, including urine, blood, saliva, and hair, each offering distinct advantages in terms of detection windows and accuracy.

Drug screening is a technique used to detect illegal and legal substances in blood, urine, and other biological samples. This technique finds and optimizes promising treatments prior to selecting a candidate drug for clinical trials. Large chemical libraries are screened for a specific biological function using high-throughput screening techniques. Drug testing is performed in schools, hospitals, and workplaces for college and professional athletes, as well as post-accident testing. The rising use of alcohol and drug supplements, as well as the illegal usage of steroids by athletes, all contributes to the expansion of the drug screening market. Drug testing techniques have become indispensable tools in maintaining public safety, ensuring workplace integrity, and upholding standards in various domains. These techniques have evolved significantly over the years, offering diverse methods to detect the presence of drugs in biological samples.

The use of illegal drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine, amphetamines, pain relievers, and cannabis is growing more common throughout the world. Fingerprint-based drug testing is a relatively new concept. The market for fingerprint-based drug testing is still in its early stages and is expected to grow slowly than other products. Within 10 minutes of collecting a sample, this device can screen for cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and cannabis. If this test becomes widely utilized, it is expected to replace urine, hair, and blood-based drug testing.

According to the research report, “Global Drug Screening Market Outlook, 2028”, the Global Drug Screening market is anticipated to cross USD 15 Billion by 2028, increasing from USD 8.95 Billion in 2022. The market is expected to grow with more than 10% CAGR by 2023-28. Many industries are subject to regulations that require drug testing for employees, especially in safety-sensitive roles. As workplace safety becomes a priority, employers are increasingly implementing drug testing programs to ensure a drug-free work environment. The legalization of marijuana in various regions and countries has created challenges for employers in maintaining a drug-free workplace.

This has led to an increased need for more advanced drug testing methods to accurately assess recent drug use and impairment. The global increase in substance abuse issues, including the opioid epidemic, has prompted employers and organizations to be more vigilant in addressing drug use among their employees.

Drug testing is seen as a proactive measure to identify and address substance abuse problems early on. In industries where safety is paramount (such as transportation, construction, and healthcare), ensuring a drug-free workforce is crucial to prevent accidents and maintain a safe working environment. Drug testing is viewed as a preventive measure to mitigate risks associated with impaired employees. Compliance with government regulations and industry standards is a driving force behind the growth of the drug screening industry. Various sectors, including transportation and healthcare, are required to adhere to specific drug testing protocols to meet regulatory requirements. With increased globalization, companies operating in multiple jurisdictions seek drug testing practices to maintain consistency across their workforce. This trend contributes to the growth of drug screening services that can offer standardized testing methodologies.

There is a growing awareness of the negative effects of substance abuse on individuals' health and productivity. This awareness has led employers to prioritize drug screening as part of their employee wellness and risk management programs. Advances in drug testing technologies have made testing more accurate, efficient, and less invasive. New methods such as hair and saliva testing offer alternatives to traditional urine tests, providing employers with more options for drug screening.

North America dominated the global Drug Screening market attributed to factors such as the growing consumption of illicit drugs, the availability of government funding to curb drug abuse, laws supporting drug screening and the growing burden of accidents due to alcohol impairment.

North America, particularly the United States, has a well-established regulatory framework that mandates drug testing in various industries. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements, and other industry-specific regulations contribute to a widespread adoption of drug screening in the workplace. North America has a well-established healthcare infrastructure as well as strong regulatory frameworks that encourage drug testing and monitoring systems. Furthermore, the increasing frequency of drug usage and addiction problems in North America has increased demand for drug screening services.

The region is also home to several significant drug screening companies and laboratories, which contributes to its market dominance. Furthermore, the prevalence of workplace safety efforts and strict anti-doping policies in sports organizations has increased demand for drug screening services in North America.

The growing frequency of accidents in the region caused by drug impairment is increasing the need for drug screening in North America. According to a recent survey conducted in the United States in 2022, more than half of those killed or wounded in road accidents had alcohol or drugs in their bloodstream. In recent years, the region's drug screening business has seen substantial technological developments, resulting in better accuracy and sensitivity of drug screening tests. As a result, drug screening has become a more trustworthy and effective alternative for a variety of sectors in the North American region. Furthermore, the region's government has increased its financing to combat drug usage. North America has a diverse range of industries, including transportation, healthcare, construction, and manufacturing, where safety regulations and the need for a drug-free workplace are particularly emphasized.

This diversity in industries increases the overall demand for drug screening services. Workplace safety is a paramount concern in North America, and stringent safety standards contribute to the widespread implementation of drug testing programs. In safety-sensitive industries, such as transportation and construction, drug testing is often a requirement to ensure the well-being of employees and the public.

Based on the product & services, the consumables segment is dominating the market with prominent market share in 2022 and is estimated to continue this dominance by 2028.

The increasing launch of advanced consumables that provide improved solutions to make testing easy, accurate, and fast have accelerated the market growth. For instance, in August 2019, MedTest Dx, Inc. introduced Clinitox Calibrators and Controls at the 2019 American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Annual Scientific Meeting. These calibrators and controls perform confirmation testing for laboratories to eliminate measurement of steps and manage controls and certifications, need to acquire and set-up materials, and multiple handling. Consumables, including testing kits, specimen collection devices, and related services, often play a significant role in the drug screening market. The demand for drug screening has risen across various sectors, including workplaces, healthcare, and law enforcement. This increased demand has led to a higher consumption of testing kits and related consumables.

Drug screening encompasses various testing methods, such as urine, saliva, hair, and blood tests. Each of these methods requires specific consumables. The availability of a range of testing options contributes to the diversity of consumables used in the market. Regulatory requirements, especially in industries where safety is a critical concern (such as transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing), often mandate regular drug testing. Consumables that comply with regulatory standards are crucial for organizations to meet these requirements. Advances in testing technologies and the development of more sensitive and specific tests contribute to the demand for consumables.

New testing methods often require specialized consumables for accurate and reliable results. Consumables, such as instant testing kits and specimen collection devices, offer convenience and efficiency in the drug screening process. Quick and easy-to-use consumables contribute to streamlined testing workflows.

The global increase in substance abuse issues has prompted greater awareness and efforts to implement drug screening programs. This, in turn, drives the demand for consumables in the drug screening market. There is a growing trend toward point-of-care drug testing, where tests can be conducted on-site without the need for samples to be sent to a laboratory. This trend has increased the demand for consumables used in point-of-care testing devices.

Urine testing is one of the most common testing methods for drugs. Benefits associated with urine testing such as non-invasiveness and the ability to detect large numbers of drugs in the sample are expected to drive the segment growth over the forecast period.

Urine testing is a non-invasive method of collecting samples, which makes it more acceptable and comfortable for individuals undergoing drug screening. Unlike blood tests, which require a needle stick, urine tests only involve providing a urine sample. Collecting a urine sample is a relatively straightforward process that doesn't require specialized training. This ease of collection contributes to the widespread adoption of urine testing in various settings, including workplaces, healthcare, and rehabilitation facilities. Urine testing is effective in detecting a broad range of drugs, and it has a relatively wide detection window.

This means that substances can be identified in the urine for a longer period after use compared to some other testing methods. Urine testing methods have been standardized and validated over time, providing reliable and consistent results. This standardization is crucial for meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring the accuracy of drug screening outcomes.

Urine testing is generally more cost-effective than some alternative testing methods, such as hair or blood testing. This cost-effectiveness has contributed to its widespread use, especially in high-volume testing scenarios. Urine testing is widely accepted and recognized by regulatory bodies, making it a preferred method for compliance with drug testing regulations in various industries. Standardized urine testing procedures are often specified in workplace drug testing programs and legal contexts. Urine testing can be conducted using multi-panel test kits that can detect a variety of drugs simultaneously.

This capability to screen for multiple substances with a single sample makes urine testing efficient and comprehensive. The perception of the likelihood of undergoing urine testing can act as a deterrent for drug use, particularly in workplaces where drug testing is a routine practice. This deterrence effect is an additional benefit for organizations implementing drug screening programs.

Drug testing laboratories dominated the market and are expected to show considerable growth during the analysis period due to wide acceptance of drug testing laboratories owing to their accurate results and presence of trained personnel especially in developed countries for conducting effective tests.

Many industries, especially those involving safety-sensitive positions such as transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing, are subject to regulatory requirements mandating drug testing. Drug testing laboratories help organizations comply with these regulations and ensure a safe working environment. Drug testing laboratories employ sophisticated testing methods and equipment, ensuring accurate and reliable results. Their processes are often standardized and validated, contributing to the credibility of the results they provide. Drug testing laboratories are staffed with professionals who have expertise in analytical chemistry, toxicology, and other relevant fields.

Their specialized knowledge ensures that testing is conducted with a high level of precision, and they can interpret complex results accurately. Drug testing laboratories offer a wide range of testing panels that can detect multiple substances in various sample types, including urine, blood, saliva, and hair.

This flexibility allows them to cater to the diverse needs of clients across different industries. Laboratories invest in state-of-the-art equipment and technologies to stay at the forefront of drug testing capabilities. This includes advancements in mass spectrometry, chromatography, and immunoassay techniques, enabling the detection of a broad spectrum of drugs with high sensitivity and specificity. Drug testing laboratories follow strict chain of custody protocols to ensure the integrity of samples throughout the testing process. This is critical for legal and regulatory purposes, as well as to maintain the trust of clients and the individuals being tested. Laboratories prioritize the confidentiality of test results and adhere to strict data security measures. This is particularly important in industries where privacy and confidentiality are paramount, such as healthcare and legal contexts.

Drug testing laboratories work with clients to develop customized testing programs tailored to their specific needs. This includes designing testing panels, determining the frequency of testing, and adapting to evolving industry requirements. In legal and forensic contexts, drug testing laboratories play a crucial role in providing evidence for legal cases. The accuracy and reliability of their testing results are essential for legal proceedings, including workplace disputes, criminal investigations, and court cases.

Companies Covered in this report:

Abbott Laboratories, Laboratory Corporation, Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Siemens Healthineers, Shimadzu Corporation, OraSure Technologies, Quest Diagnostics, Lifeloc Technologies, Inc, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Psychemedics Corporation, Agilent Technologies, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Market Drivers

• Stringent Regulations and Workplace Policies: Increasing awareness and concern about substance abuse in various industries have led to the implementation of strict regulations and workplace policies related to drug testing. This is particularly prominent in industries such as transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing.
• Technological Advancements in Testing Methods: The continuous advancement in drug testing technologies, such as the development of more accurate and rapid testing methods, has been a significant driver. Innovations like oral fluid testing, hair testing, and point-of-care testing contribute to the growth of the market.

Market Challenges

• Privacy Concerns and Legal Issues: The implementation of drug testing programs often raises concerns about privacy and legal issues. Balancing the need for a drug-free workplace with individual privacy rights is a challenge that companies and regulatory bodies face.
• Evolving Landscape of Drug Abuse: The landscape of drug abuse is dynamic, with the emergence of new substances and changing patterns of usage. Adapting drug testing methodologies to keep up with these changes poses a challenge to the industry.

Market Trends

• Rise in Demand for Point-of-Care Testing: There is a growing trend toward point-of-care testing, allowing for quicker and on-site detection of drug use. This is particularly beneficial in industries where immediate results are crucial, such as law enforcement or pre-employment screenings.
• Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics: The integration of AI and data analytics in drug testing is a notable trend. These technologies enhance the efficiency and accuracy of result interpretation and help in managing large datasets, improving overall testing processes.

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the global drug testing market, introducing both challenges and opportunities. The widespread disruptions in supply chains, limitations on workforce mobility, and economic uncertainties have posed challenges to the implementation of drug testing programs. Many businesses faced operational constraints, leading to a temporary slowdown in routine testing activities. However, the pandemic has also underscored the importance of maintaining a drug-free workplace, especially in essential industries such as healthcare and transportation. Additionally, the adoption of remote and mobile testing services has gained traction as a response to the need for decentralized testing during lockdowns and social distancing measures.

The heightened awareness of health and safety issues has reinforced the demand for drug testing solutions, particularly in sectors critical to pandemic response efforts. As the world adapts to the evolving dynamics of the post-pandemic era, the drug testing market is likely to witness continued innovation, with an emphasis on flexible and accessible testing solutions that address both workplace and public health needs.

Key Developments

• In December 2022, PhoreMost Ltd. and ThinkCyte K.K have announced a strategic research partnership aimed at advancing modern phenotypic drug screening using artificial intelligence (AI).
• In April 2022, Saladax Biomedical, Inc acquired a patent portfolio for antipsychotic drug testing from Janssen Pharmaceutica NV. This intellectual property (IP) portfolio includes 17 patent families and has resulted in 33 U.S. patents and 296 patents in ex-U.S. countries.
• In April 2022, Janssen Pharmaceutical NV sold its patent portfolio for antipsychotic medication testing to Saladax Biomedical, Inc. There are seventeen patent families in this intellectual property (IP) portfolio. The company now holds a leading position in the antipsychotic drug testing industry because of this strategy.

Considered in this report:

• Geography: Global
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report:

• Global Drug Screening market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region & Country-wise Drug Screening market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Regions & Countries covered in the report

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Russia)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)
• Middle-East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa)

By Product and Service

• Consumables
• Analytical Instruments
• Rapid Testing Devices
• Drug Screening Service

By Sample Type

• Urine Samples
• Breath Samples
• Hair Samples
• Oral Fluid Samples
• Other Samples

By End User

• Laboratories
• Workplaces
• Hospitals
• Others

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Drug Screening industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


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