Network Point-of-Care Glucose Testing Market

Market Overview

The global network point-of-care glucose testing market size was valued at USD 1.28 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 1.74 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period (2023–2031). A large senior population, affordable healthcare facilities, cheap labor, and relatively less stringent regulatory policies are among the factors compelling diabetic device manufacturers to expand their businesses, stimulating network point-of-care glucose testing market growth.

Network Point of Care Glucose Testing refers to a system or approach in which glucose testing is conducted at the point of care, typically in healthcare settings like hospitals, clinics, or physician offices. It uses interconnected devices and network infrastructure to enable real-time communication and data sharing between healthcare providers, patients, and laboratory systems. The main objective of Network Point of Care Glucose Testing is to provide healthcare professionals with immediate access to accurate and up-to-date glucose level information for efficient diabetes management. It allows for the timely monitoring of glucose levels, adjustment of treatment plans, and prompt intervention if necessary. This approach is particularly valuable for individuals with diabetes, as it enables personalized care and facilitates better glycemic control.

Network Point of Care Glucose Testing typically involves using portable glucose meters or testing devices that can provide instant results. These devices are connected to a network, allowing the test results to be transmitted and stored in a central database or electronic health record system. Healthcare providers can access the data remotely, review the glucose levels, and make informed decisions regarding patient care. By implementing Network Point of Care Glucose Testing, healthcare professionals can closely monitor glucose levels in real-time, reducing the need for delayed laboratory testing and providing immediate patient feedback. This can lead to improved patient outcomes, better management of diabetes-related complications, and enhanced patient satisfaction.

Market Dynamics

Network Point-of-Care Glucose Testing Market Drivers

Untapped Opportunities in the Developing Economies

The number of people who have diabetes in regions such as MEA and APAC is increasing, which in turn is propelling the demand for diabetes treatment. For instance, as per the International Diabetes Federation, in 2017, 72,946,400 cases of diabetes were diagnosed in India. Thus, untapped development potential in the quickly expanding economies of the Middle East and Asia, as well as rising diabetes awareness in these countries, are expected to increase demand for diabetic devices. A large senior population, affordable healthcare facilities, cheap labor, and relatively less stringent regulatory policies are among the factors compelling diabetic device manufacturers to expand their businesses. Therefore, manufacturers now leverage opportunities in developing economies to gain maximum Network Point-of-Care Glucose Testing Market share.

Rising Demand for Short Turnaround Time Glucose POC Testing

POC testing is a solution to meet customers' requirements for rapid testing or Short Turnaround Testing (STAT). Internal laboratory procedures are highly automated and efficient and focus on acute treatment. The introduction of analyzers that help conduct short turnaround tests can interact with a Laboratory Information System (LIS). LIS is being increasingly installed in outpatient and inpatient settings, as it can handle testing procedures ranging from specimen collection to result interpretation. These automated systems have proven to improve the turnaround for routine testing. The healthcare industry emphasizes shorter hospital stays, better acute care, and expanding outlying surgical centers, increasing the demand for STAT testing. POC management solutions allow patients and healthcare providers to easily collect, share, and manage specimens to meet regulatory requirements.

Over the past few years, centralized POC testing with near-to-patient testing has gained popularity. Connecting several devices to one single software platform enables laboratories to cluster the devices in a Near Patient Testing (NPT) area and prevents the need for multiple data management systems. Therefore, cooperative partnerships among vendors of POC and LIS systems and a partnership with laboratory staff allow advancements in the NPT concept and enable better management of diabetes. The hospital patient management system can be operated efficiently by utilizing analytical systems placed in a remote central hub, thereby eliminating internal systems.

Network Point-of-Care Glucose Testing Market Restraints

Potential Interference and Calibration Issues in Glucose Meters

POC glucose meters are extensively utilized for the management of diabetes; however, the generation of accurate results from glucose meters is challenging. Technical accuracy is essential for glucose monitoring and can be achieved by comparing results with isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Glucometers analyze whole blood. However, inaccuracies are expected from glucometers, as glucose levels in the blood usually fluctuate.

Therefore, samples may be transported for comparison with standard laboratory method results, consequently delaying the management procedure. Moreover, several factors are expected to affect the glucose meter results, such as issues pertaining to the technical specification of the meter, dirt in meters, blood clots, mechanical stress applied to the strips, bubbles in samples, and lack of skill to perform the test. In addition, glucose meters can yield discrepancies due to environmental and operational issues and medication effects.

Network Point-of-Care Glucose Testing Market Opportunities

Growing Trend of POC Services in Remote Areas is Expected to Boost Revenue Generation

The growing trend of Point of Care (POC) services in remote areas presents significant opportunities for the global market. POC services aim to bring essential healthcare services closer to individuals in remote or underserved areas, where access to traditional healthcare facilities may be limited. This trend has gained traction in recent years, driven by technological advancements, the need for improved healthcare access, and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes. In remote areas, individuals may face challenges accessing healthcare facilities for regular glucose testing and diabetes management. Network Point of Care Glucose Testing can address this issue by providing on-the-spot testing capabilities in these remote locations. By deploying portable glucose testing devices connected to a network, healthcare providers can offer reliable and immediate glucose testing services at the point of care, removing the requirement for patients to travel far for testing or consultation.

Furthermore, utilizing Network point-of-care glucose Testing in remote areas aligns with the broader digital health and telemedicine trend. These technologies enable remote monitoring, data sharing, and virtual consultations, allowing healthcare providers to remotely manage and support patients in real-time. With the integration of Network point-of-care glucose Testing into telemedicine platforms, healthcare professionals can receive test results from remote locations, provide remote guidance and support to patients, and make informed decisions regarding their diabetes management.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global network point-of-care glucose testing market share 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 network point-of-care glucose testing market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period. North America generated the highest revenue in the global Point-Of-Care (nPOC) glucose diagnostics/testing market in 2022 and is forecasted to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. This region has several key market players, such as Abbott, Nova Biomedical, and Prodigy Diabetes Care, LLC. This has increased the availability of glucose-testing products, contributing to revenue generation. In addition, higher healthcare expenditure by governments on diabetes management is one of the factors responsible for the largest share held by the region in the global market.

Furthermore, local manufacturers are continuously evolving in terms of technological advancements. They are incorporating the latest technologies, such as Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR), expected to drive the market growth during the forecast period. Research studies performed on analyzing glucose POC testing compliances offer useful insights for users. For example, according to a research article published by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry in 2018, collaboration and data sharing with leading medical settings ensure the compliant use of novel glucose testing products.

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 7.2% over the forecast period. The demand for POC glucose testing in Europe is fueled by the need for quick and reliable diagnostic tools to provide immediate results at the point of care. POC testing allows healthcare professionals to make timely decisions regarding treatment plans and interventions, improving patient outcomes. With the rising burden of diabetes in Europe, there is a growing recognition of the importance of early detection and proactive management of the condition.

Furthermore, POC glucose testing plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. Local players in Europe have made notable contributions to the revenue of the POC glucose testing market. Companies such as HemoCue AB, headquartered in Sweden, have developed diverse product portfolios catering to the European market's specific needs. HemoCue AB specializes in POC diagnostics and offers innovative testing solutions for the better management of diabetes. Their products provide accurate and rapid glucose testing, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions and provide appropriate patient care.

In Asia Pacific, the adoption of POC tests is rapidly increasing owing to their advantages, such as fast, easy, and mobile diagnosis and self-monitoring. These products facilitate patient diagnosis and monitoring at hospitals, health assessment centers, clinics, and homes. Developing healthcare infrastructure and the high prevalence of diabetes are among the factors expected to drive market growth in Asia-Pacific countries.

Furthermore, the rise in the adoption of miniaturized models and various measures to reduce hospital and clinic stays are expected to boost the demand for POC glucose testing products. Adoption of POC glucose diagnostics in operating rooms, emergency rooms, intensive care units, path labs, and hospitals is expected to increase owing to the early and efficient delivery of results.

In Latin America, POC tests are associated with clinical diagnostics and self-monitoring in the current market scenario. POC products are used for diagnosis and monitoring in hospitals, clinics, health assessment centers, and at home. These products are usually portable and mobile for performing tests at almost any location, thus boosting the adoption rate of these products. Increasing government spending, the rising focus of key multinational market players in this region, and growing patient awareness are among the factors expected to drive market growth over the forecast period.

Segmental Analysis

The global network point-of-care glucose testing market is bifurcated into products.

Based on products, the global network point-of-care glucose testing market is bifurcated into I-STAT, accu-chek inform II, statstrip, Homecue, Caresens Expert Plus, and Barozen h expert plus. 

The I-STAT segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.8% over the forecast period. I-STAT portable clinical analyzer developed by Abbott is one of the POC analyzers used at patients’ bedside for critical care tests for electrolytes, coagulation, blood gases, and metabolites. The device is equipped with several testing cartridges for monitoring different sets of analytes, which eliminates the need for several analyzers for different analytes.

The Accu-Chek Inform II glucose meter is designed for in vitro diagnostic applications aiding in determining blood glucose levels. This glucose meter monitors blood glucose levels in capillary, venous, neonatal, arterial, and whole blood samples. Healthcare professionals adopt Accu-Chek Inform II, as it serves as a bedside system that aids in the measurement of glucose and automates the management of data generated by blood glucose tests. This helps healthcare professionals offer quality patient care. The table below enlists the properties and features of the Accu-Chek Inform II glucose meter.

Recent Developments

• June 2023- Roche launched the Accu-Chek Inform II Connect, a new network point-of-care glucose testing system.The system allows users to share their glucose readings with their healthcare providers in real time.
• May 2023- Abbott Diabetes Care launched the FreeStyle Libre 3, a new continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system.The system is the first CGM system to offer 14 days of continuous glucose monitoring without needing fingerstick calibration.