Middle East & Africa Clinical Reference Laboratory Market Forecast to 2031 - Regional Analysis - by Service Provider and Application

The Middle East & Africa clinical reference laboratory market was valued at US$ 2.16 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 3.19 billion by 2031; it is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.0% from 2023 to 2031.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Reference Laboratories Bolsters Middle East & Africa Clinical Reference Laboratory Market

One of the most significant changes in modern research laboratories is the increasing use of automation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important in laboratory medicine. One significant advantage of AI for laboratory professionals is the ability to automate normal and repetitive tasks in the lab. AI can extract data from various sources, including test results and observations from handwritten notes, and populate electronic records, decreasing the need for laboratory personnel to enter data manually. AI effectively provides the opportunity to increase quality, particularly in the pre- and post-analytical phases.

AI systems can automatically schedule repairs and maintenance based on past data and usage patterns, preventing equipment breakdowns. Furthermore, AI will accelerate the evolution of personalized medicine. For instance, laboratories can use AI algorithms to analyze genetic sequences and detect disease-causing mutations in patient samples. When paired with patient data such as medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms, this information will enable clinicians to provide more personalized diagnoses and treatment suggestions.

AI, machine learning (ML), and data analytics (DA) will soon be integrated into laboratory medicine. Diagnostic laboratories are rapidly digitizing with the installation of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and research instrument management systems (RIMS). Thus, the advantages related to AI are likely to boost the use of AI and bring new clinical reference laboratory market trends in the coming years.

Middle East & Africa Clinical Reference Laboratory Market Overview

Saudi Arabia has been actively working to strengthen its healthcare sector and promote clinical research within the country. Saudi Arabia has been actively collaborating with pharmaceutical companies and hospitals to improve the reference laboratories in the country. For instance, in February 2023, AL Borg announced the opening of the two largest reference laboratories in the Middle East, providing advanced, accurate, and complex tests and analyses, especially in molecular genetics, analytical chemistry, newborn screening, electron microscope, and digital pathology, along with the establishment of an academy that will train and qualify laboratory personnel. Each of the laboratories contains advanced technology and qualified medical and technical staff. The opening of these two reference labs is in full alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to make Saudi Arabia a global leader in health.

Middle East & Africa Clinical Reference Laboratory Market Revenue and Forecast to 2031 (US$ Million)

Middle East & Africa Clinical Reference Laboratory Market Segmentation

The Middle East & Africa clinical reference laboratory market is categorized into service provider, application, and country.

Based on service provider, the Middle East & Africa clinical reference laboratory market is segmented into hospital-based, standalone, and clinic-based. The hospital-based segment held the largest market share in 2023.

In terms of application, the Middle East & Africa clinical reference laboratory market is categorized into laboratory medicine, clinical trials, and others. The laboratory medicine segment held the largest market share in 2023.

By country, the Middle East & Africa clinical reference laboratory market is segmented into Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE, and the Rest of Middle East & Africa. Saudi Arabia dominated the Middle East & Africa clinical reference laboratory market share in 2023.

UNILABS, Laboratory Corp of America Holdings, Quest Diagnostics Inc, and SYNLAB International GmbH are some of the leading companies operating in the Middle East & Africa clinical reference laboratory market.