Blood grouping reagents are substances used to identify human blood group antigens (like ABO, Rhesus, Kell, and MNS blood group antigens). The most important blood group systems for transfusions are ABO and RhD. Blood groups are distinguished on the surface of human red cells by a carbohydrate molecule (such as the ABO blood group antigens) or a protein molecule (such as most other antigens).
The ABO system includes antigens A and B, while the RhD system includes antigens D. The ABO blood group is identified with Anti-A, Anti-B, and Anti-A, B reagents. In contrast, anti-D reagents are utilized to determine the rhesus D phenotype. Anti-K and Anti-K (Cellano) reagents detect antigens belonging to the Kell blood group system.
The increasing prevalence of chronic disorders necessitates the development of effective treatments. Chronic diseases like anemia, hemophilia, lymphoma, diabetes, and leukemia represent a substantial burden in addition to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019, six out of ten adults suffered from chronic disease, with four out of ten adults suffering from more than two chronic illnesses.
In addition, the WHO estimates that anemia affects approximately 24.8% of the world's population or approximately 1.62 billion individuals. Thus, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, particularly those associated with blood, is anticipated to stimulate market expansion over the forecast period.
Population growth and increased blood grouping diagnostics have generated a demand for automated blood grouping devices. The automated systems can conduct numerous evaluations with a single input, increasing productivity and efficiency within the allotted time frame. These devices are programmed to conduct high-precision and consistency tests while preventing sample contamination.
Additionally, market participants provide entirely automated blood grouping devices with remote access capabilities for enhanced monitoring and result validation. This equipment has features such as tube size and diameter recognition, an integrated quality control program, random sample placement, real-time reagent and sample status information, and high-definition color results. Therefore, the advantages of automated blood grouping devices will present market expansion opportunities.
North America is the most significant global blood grouping reagents market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially over the forecast period. The prevalence of blood grouping reagents in North America is rising due to various factors. In the upcoming years, there will likely be a growth in North America's blood grouping reagent market due to the aging population, rising incidence of chronic illnesses, and an increase in surgical operations. This necessitates using blood grouping reagents to accurately group and cross-match blood. There is also a correlation between the increasing demand for blood grouping reagents and the rising need for blood transfusions throughout the region. Givingblood.org estimates that by 2023, 4.5 million Americans will need blood transfusions annually.
In addition, collaborations and partnerships between blood banks, healthcare providers, and manufacturers of blood classification reagents have emerged in North America. These collaborations seek to advance the development, adoption, and research of state-of-the-art blood grouping reagents to hasten market expansion. For instance, Bio-Rad Laboratories announced a partnership with Seegene in 2021 to manufacture and market molecular diagnostic instruments for infectious diseases.
The key global blood grouping reagents market players are Merck KGaA, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc, Novacyt Group, Beckman Coulter, Inc, Haemokinesis Pty Ltd, MTC med. Produkte GmbH, DAY Medical SA, Rapid Labs Ltd, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Diagast SAS, and others.