Automated Microbiology Market

Market Overview

The global automated microbiology market size was valued at USD 6.85 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 14.85 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.98% during the forecast period (2024–2032). The market for automated microbiology has seen a sharp increase in demand because pathogen-induced diseases are common. Key factors propelling the market expansion are the rise in healthcare costs, the prevalence of infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis B and C, and the human papillomavirus (HPV), as well as the existence of improved medical infrastructures.

Highlights

• Reagents dominate the product segment
• Clinical laboratories dominate the end-user segment
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Overview

Automated microbiology is a pioneering approach that accelerates the delivery of disease diagnostic results, enabling more accurate and efficient molecular testing. This technique has become a cornerstone in medical research because it boosts productivity, streamlines processes, and ensures reliable outcomes. Automated microbiology systems provide a foundational framework for identifying pathogens and rapidly detecting various infectious agents, including prions, viruses, fungi, and bacteria. These pathogens are responsible for numerous severe illnesses, such as Ebola, chickenpox, rubella, mumps, influenza, smallpox, and measles. As new diseases emerge and bacteria undergo adaptation and mutagenesis, the importance of automated microbiology becomes even more pronounced.

Market Dynamics

Global Automated Microbiology Market Drivers

Enhanced Connectivity with Health Agencies

Improved communication with external entities, such as reference laboratories and public health agencies, fosters a collaborative environment that propels market expansion. Integration that allows for real-time data sharing and rapid response to public health crises has become increasingly important, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic highlighted the critical role of interoperability among diagnostic platforms in facilitating coordinated responses. In the aftermath, the market has seen increased investments in interoperable systems, indicating a positive trajectory for future growth.

Moreover, the demand for these systems, which enable quick data transfers and collaborative efforts in epidemiology, represents a significant growth area for the automated microbiology market. A notable example of this integration is the widespread implementation of Electronic Laboratory Reporting (ELR) systems, allowing laboratories to electronically transmit infectious disease data to public health agencies. By automating the reporting process, ELR systems eliminate the need for manual data entry, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. This efficiency in data transmission not only improves communication among healthcare stakeholders but also enhances the ability to track and respond to outbreaks in a timely manner.

Global Automated Microbiology Market Restraint

Slow Automation Adoption

Despite the significant benefits of automated microbiology systems, their adoption by diagnostic and other laboratories has been gradual. Several factors contribute to this cautious approach, including high upfront costs, integration challenges with legacy systems, and the skills gap that requires training staff to operate advanced technology. Moreover, comfort with existing manual workflows leads to resistance to change, which can prevent laboratories from fully realizing the efficiency and throughput gains that automation can offer. This inertia slows market expansion despite the clear advantages of automated systems.

However, there are signs that receptivity is growing as early adopters demonstrate tangible benefits. Specific training programs are emerging to address the skills gap, providing laboratory staff with the knowledge and confidence needed to embrace new technology. Moreover, the development of easy-to-use instrument interfaces with simplified, intuitive designs is making it easier for labs to transition to automated workflows.

Global Automated Microbiology Market Opportunities

New Era in Clinical Microbiology with Automation and Molecular Diagnostics

The clinical microbiology laboratory is on the brink of a new era that could revolutionize traditional testing and organism identification. This transformation is expected to drive market growth during the forecast period as automated microbiology gains traction for its efficiency and effectiveness. As healthcare providers adopt these advanced techniques, they can expect faster response times and more accurate results in diagnosing infectious diseases. For example, the BacT/ALERT 3D microbial detection system, developed by bioMérieux, demonstrates the potential of automated microbiology. This system offers rapid microbial detection, significantly enhancing the ability to identify and respond to infectious threats.

Similarly, BioControl Systems' STEC test uses molecular and food microbiology technologies to detect non-O157 serotypes of E. coli, highlighting the diverse applications of automated microbiology in the food industry and beyond. These advancements represent a glimpse of the capabilities that automation brings to the field of microbiology. As new techniques continue to emerge, laboratories will benefit from greater efficiency, improved accuracy, and reduced time to diagnosis. The evolving landscape of clinical microbiology holds great promise for improving patient care and addressing public health challenges, ensuring a robust growth trajectory for the automated microbiology market in the coming years.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global automated microbiology market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. 

North America  Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global automated microbiology market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. Several factors are expected to drive the automated microbiology market during the forecast period, including the rising prevalence of infectious and chronic illnesses, growing awareness of early disease diagnosis, a rise in microbiological research and development activities, technological advancements in molecular diagnostics, and product launches by major industry players. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 993,811 deaths and 81,174,677 cases in the United States due to various infectious diseases, underscoring the need for effective diagnostic tools.

Moreover, a notable product launch includes the BD Kiestra IdentifA system by Becton, Dickinson, and Company, designed to prepare samples quickly and accurately for microbiological identification. This innovation is a testament to the rising demand for automated microbiology tools and analyzers that support rapid and precise diagnostics. Given these trends, North America is anticipated to hold the largest market share. Moreover, strict government regulations and the presence of significant industry players such as Becton, Dickinson and Company, bioMérieux SA, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., and Roche Diagnostics contribute to market growth. These leading companies invest heavily in research and development to stay competitive and deliver innovative solutions.

The Asia-Pacific region is projected to be the fastest-growing market for automated microbiology. This growth is driven by the region's expanding healthcare infrastructure and a rising demand for high-tech medical products. Thanks to their strong technological foundation and increasing adoption of automated microbial testing, China and Japan are at the forefront of the Asia-Pacific automated microbiology market. Meanwhile, India, with its high incidence of infectious diseases, is fostering industry innovation to address healthcare challenges. Other factors driving the Asia-Pacific market's rapid growth include the region's growing population and rising disposable income. The shift towards modernizing healthcare facilities and the increasing middle class's ability to afford advanced medical services also contribute to this expansion. Moreover, various government programs aimed at improving healthcare standards promote the adoption of automated microbiology techniques.

Segmental Analysis

The global automated microbiology market is bifurcated into product, deployment, and end-user.

Based on product, the global automated microbiology market is segmented into instruments, automated culture systems, microbiology analyzers, and reagents.

The reagents segment dominates the product segment. The reagents segment represents about half of all product analyses in the automated microbiology market, highlighting its significance in diagnostic processes. The growth of this segment is driven by the rising demand for high-quality reagents that offer enhanced sensitivity and specificity, as well as the ongoing development of advanced reagents tailored to various diagnostic applications. These consumables are integral to a wide range of protocols and assays, with the market experiencing growth due to the cyclical nature of their use, requiring regular replenishment.

Reagents are crucial in automated microbiology because they ensure rapid, accurate, and consistent results, thereby promoting their widespread adoption. As microbiology analyzers advance in pathogen detection capabilities, automated culture systems help boost throughput while reducing the risk of contamination. These systems rely heavily on reliable reagents to deliver effective results, underscoring this segment's importance in the broader automated microbiology market.

Based on deployment, the global automated microbiology market is segmented into DNA and RNA probe technology, DNA sequencing, detection techniques, non-isotopic methods, immunoassays, monoclonal antibodies, and radioactive methods.

DNA and RNA probe technology is the leading sub-segment in the deployment category. This technology's high sensitivity and specificity in identifying and quantifying microorganisms underpin its widespread adoption. Unlike traditional culture-based methods, DNA and RNA probes offer a rapid and efficient alternative for clinical diagnostics, providing accurate results in a shorter timeframe. The expansion of this segment is driven by the ongoing development of molecular diagnostics and the increasing incidence of infectious diseases, both of which require swift and reliable detection methods.

Moreover, the popularity of DNA and RNA probe technology stems from its capacity to detect specific genetic sequences unique to certain microorganisms, enabling precise identification. This ability to bypass culture techniques makes it a valuable tool in clinical settings where speed is crucial, such as in emergency medicine and infectious disease control. As molecular diagnostics advances, DNA and RNA probes are expected to play an even more significant role in microbiology.

Based on end-users, the global automated microbiology market is bifurcated into clinical laboratories, biotechnology industries, and others.

Clinical laboratories represent the primary end-users of automated microbiology systems, driven by the increasing volume of infectious disease testing and the growing reliance on automation to expedite diagnostic results. In clinical settings, the scalability and efficiency of automated systems are critical, allowing healthcare professionals to make faster decisions for patient care. Automated microbiology significantly enhances these laboratories' capacity to handle large volumes of samples and deliver rapid, accurate results. Beyond clinical laboratories, the automated microbiology market is also influenced by other sectors, including contract research companies, academic research institutions, and the biotechnology industry. Although these sectors represent a smaller share of the market, they play a crucial role in advancing microbiological research and technology.

Impact of covid-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has surged the demand for automated microbiology in clinical testing. The U.S.FDA has permitted the clinical microbiological examination under emergency use authorization (EUA) for accurate and faster results. The outbreak has necessitated an effective clinical examination of respiratory tract infection, further increasing the demand for automated systems significantly. Several market players across Europe have received the U.S.FDA’s emergency use authorization (EUA) and CE mark approval.

Recent Developments

• November 2023- London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph's Heath Care London (St. Joseph's) unveiled the installation of a Total Laboratory Automation (TLA) system within the clinical microbiology laboratory. The TLA system is the first of its kind to be installed in the world, making London an international flagship site for innovation in clinical microbiology.
• January 2024- Samsung Biologics selected Rapid Micro Biosystems' Growth Direct platform to automate crucial microbiology quality control tests. Rapid Micro Biosystems, Inc., an innovative life sciences technology company that provides mission-critical automation solutions to facilitate the efficient manufacturing and fast, safe release of healthcare products, announced that Samsung Biologics has chosen the Growth Direct® platform to automate its microbial quality control processes, resulting in increased efficiency, stronger data integrity, and scalable quality control operations.