Market Overview:
Specimen Collection Cards market size was valued USD 459.1 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 668.03 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period.
| REPORT ATTRIBUTE |
DETAILS |
| Historical Period |
2020-2023 |
| Base Year |
2024 |
| Forecast Period |
2025-2032 |
| Specimen Collection Cards Market Size 2024 |
USD 459.1 million |
| Specimen Collection Cards Market, CAGR |
4.8% |
| Specimen Collection Cards Market Size 2032 |
USD 668.03 million |
The specimen collection cards market is led by prominent players such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, PerkinElmer Inc., QIAGEN, Danaher Corporation, DBS System SA, Eastern Business Forms, Inc., Ahlstrom, ARCHIMED Life Science GmbH, GenTegra LLC, FortiusBio, and CENTOGENE N.V. These companies strengthen their position through product innovation, partnerships, and expansion into emerging markets. North America emerged as the leading region in 2024, holding over 35% share, driven by mandatory newborn screening programs and advanced diagnostic infrastructure. Europe followed with around 30% share, supported by strong adoption in public health initiatives, while Asia Pacific showed the fastest growth, fueled by expanding healthcare access and rising investments in preventive healthcare
.Market Insights
- The specimen collection cards market was valued at USD 459.1 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 668.03 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%.
- Rising adoption of newborn screening programs and growing demand for infectious disease testing are major drivers fueling market growth.
- Trends include increasing use of non-invasive sample collection methods such as saliva and buccal cells, along with integration into molecular diagnostics and personalized healthcare solutions.
- The market is competitive with global players focusing on innovation, product quality, and strategic partnerships, while smaller firms target niche applications to strengthen presence.
- North America led with over 35% share in 2024, Europe followed with 30%, and Asia Pacific accounted for 22% with the fastest growth, while blood-based specimen type dominated the market holding over 50% share due to its critical role in diagnostics.
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Market Segmentation Analysis:
By Product Type
Cotton and cellulose-based specimen collection cards dominated the market in 2024, holding over 45% share. Their dominance comes from high absorbency, cost-effectiveness, and widespread adoption in clinical diagnostics. These cards are widely used in healthcare due to their proven efficiency in collecting, storing, and transporting biological samples without contamination. Fiber-based cards are gaining traction for enhanced durability and improved analyte stability, while other product types serve niche applications. Rising demand for reliable point-of-care testing and newborn screening programs continues to drive adoption of cotton and cellulose-based formats across global healthcare settings.
- For instance, Cytiva’s Whatman 903 cards provide 5 sample spots, each holding 75–80 µL
By Specimen Type
Blood-based specimen collection cards accounted for the largest share in 2024, exceeding 50% of the market. Blood samples are critical for diagnostic tests such as infectious disease screening, therapeutic monitoring, and genetic analysis. The cards allow easy collection and long-term storage without the need for refrigeration, making them highly suitable in resource-limited settings. Saliva and urine cards are growing due to non-invasive sampling advantages, while buccal cells and other types support niche research. The dominance of blood is driven by its established role as a standard diagnostic specimen in hospitals and labs worldwide.
- For instance, Copan’s NUCLEIC-CARD devices come in 1-, 2-, and 4-spot formats for room-temperature storage.
By Application
Newborn screening (NBS) led the market in 2024, representing more than 40% share of global demand. Governments mandate NBS programs for early detection of metabolic and genetic disorders, boosting adoption of specimen collection cards. Their stability, portability, and minimal sample volume requirements make them ideal for large-scale public health initiatives. Infectious disease testing is also expanding due to rising global disease surveillance needs, while forensics, drug monitoring, and wellness applications add further opportunities. The dominance of NBS reflects both regulatory requirements and increasing focus on preventive healthcare for infants across developed and emerging economies.
Market Overview
Rising Adoption in Newborn Screening Programs
Newborn screening (NBS) has become a critical driver for specimen collection cards, accounting for a large share of global adoption. Governments across developed and emerging nations mandate NBS programs to detect genetic and metabolic disorders early. Cotton and cellulose-based cards are widely used in these programs due to their stability and ability to preserve samples. The increasing focus on preventive healthcare and expanding state-sponsored screening initiatives directly fuels market demand, making newborn screening one of the most influential growth drivers.
- For instance, Revvity’s technologies are currently used to screen over 33 million newborns annually for life-threatening disorders across 110 countries.
Expanding Use in Infectious Disease Testing
The rising prevalence of infectious diseases, including viral and bacterial infections, drives demand for reliable sample collection tools. Specimen collection cards simplify sample storage and transport without requiring cold chain logistics, making them particularly valuable in remote and resource-limited settings. Global health initiatives and rising investments in disease surveillance further accelerate adoption. Their role in ensuring accurate diagnostic outcomes during outbreaks, such as influenza or emerging infections, reinforces their importance as a primary growth driver in the healthcare diagnostics sector.
- For instance, Genomics England is sequencing 100,000 babies to test for 200+ genetic conditions.
Advancements in Non-Invasive Sample Collection
The growing preference for non-invasive methods, such as saliva and buccal cell collection, supports wider adoption of specimen collection cards. These methods reduce patient discomfort and simplify self-sampling for at-home health monitoring and wellness applications. The cards’ compatibility with modern diagnostic platforms enhances their appeal in both clinical and consumer healthcare settings. Increased demand for personalized healthcare solutions and preventive testing strengthens the role of non-invasive collection as a major growth driver, particularly in expanding applications beyond traditional hospital-based diagnostics.
Key Trends & Opportunities
Integration with Molecular Diagnostics
The increasing integration of specimen collection cards with molecular diagnostic platforms presents a strong opportunity. These cards enable the preservation of DNA and RNA, which are critical for genetic analysis, forensic testing, and advanced research. Their stability and low-cost storage appeal to laboratories aiming to expand molecular testing without large infrastructure investments. As personalized medicine and genetic testing grow, the alignment of cards with molecular diagnostic workflows will create significant long-term opportunities for manufacturers.
- For instance, Studies evaluating plasma separation cards for HIV viral load have shown strong agreement with standard plasma testing, and a 2024 study published in PNAS compared Roche’s card against a newer patterned dried plasma spot (pDPS) card using 75 donors.
Expansion in Wellness and Preventive Health
Wellbeing and preventive health monitoring are emerging as key growth areas for specimen collection cards. With rising consumer interest in home-based health tests, demand for saliva and blood spot cards is increasing. These cards support applications in nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle-related biomarker analysis. The convenience of self-sampling and the growing presence of direct-to-consumer health platforms expand the opportunity for card suppliers. This trend enhances market reach beyond traditional healthcare, opening new revenue channels in the consumer health industry.
- For instance, DNA Genotek shipped saliva DNA kits to 1,000+ researchers in 46 countries within 15 months.
Key Challenges
Sample Integrity and Standardization Issues
Maintaining consistent sample integrity remains a major challenge for the specimen collection cards market. Variability in environmental conditions, handling methods, and card quality can affect analyte stability and test accuracy. Lack of universal standards across regions further complicates global adoption, particularly for regulated diagnostic uses. Ensuring quality control and developing standardized guidelines for storage and processing are essential to address this limitation and improve reliability in clinical diagnostics and public health programs.
Regulatory and Reimbursement Barriers
Complex regulatory pathways and limited reimbursement frameworks restrict market growth. In many regions, specimen collection cards are not uniformly covered under healthcare reimbursement policies, creating financial barriers for large-scale adoption. Additionally, obtaining approvals for use in regulated diagnostic testing can be lengthy and costly for manufacturers. These challenges slow product commercialization and limit access in low- and middle-income markets. Addressing these regulatory and reimbursement hurdles will be critical to expand adoption and unlock broader market potential.
Regional Analysis
North America
North America held the largest share of the specimen collection cards market in 2024, accounting for over 35%. The dominance is supported by strong adoption in newborn screening programs, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and high investment in diagnostic testing. Government-backed initiatives and mandatory screening policies across the United States and Canada continue to boost demand. The region also benefits from rapid integration of specimen collection cards with molecular diagnostics and forensic applications. The increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases and growing focus on preventive healthcare further reinforce North America’s leading position in the global market outlook.
Europe
Europe captured around 30% of the specimen collection cards market in 2024, driven by established newborn screening frameworks and robust healthcare systems. Countries such as Germany, France, and the UK actively implement large-scale public health screening initiatives. The region’s demand is also strengthened by rising research in genetic testing and forensic investigations. Increased regulatory support for preventive diagnostics and expansion of infectious disease surveillance enhance market growth. Moreover, the region benefits from strong adoption of non-invasive sampling methods, making Europe a key contributor to the global demand for specimen collection cards during the forecast period.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific accounted for nearly 22% of the specimen collection cards market in 2024 and is projected to grow rapidly. Rising government investments in public health programs and expanding newborn screening initiatives in countries like China, India, and Japan are key growth drivers. Growing awareness of preventive healthcare and rising prevalence of infectious diseases contribute further. Additionally, improvements in diagnostic infrastructure and increasing adoption of point-of-care testing strengthen the region’s market potential. Asia Pacific is expected to show the fastest growth rate, supported by large population bases and expanding healthcare access in emerging economies.
Latin America
Latin America represented approximately 7% of the specimen collection cards market in 2024, supported by growing adoption of newborn screening and infectious disease testing programs. Brazil and Mexico lead the region due to government-backed initiatives and expanding diagnostic networks. The market faces challenges related to uneven healthcare access and regulatory delays, but increasing collaborations with global healthcare providers create growth opportunities. Rising demand for affordable diagnostic solutions and improvements in health infrastructure are expected to drive steady adoption of specimen collection cards, particularly in maternal and child health applications across Latin America during the forecast period.
Middle East and Africa
The Middle East and Africa held around 6% of the specimen collection cards market in 2024, with growth led by South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Limited infrastructure in some parts of the region has slowed adoption, but rising healthcare investments and donor-funded screening programs are improving uptake. Infectious disease surveillance remains a key driver, particularly in regions with high disease burden. The expansion of newborn screening initiatives and growing adoption of cost-effective, portable diagnostic solutions strengthen market prospects. Despite challenges, the region shows potential for gradual growth through international partnerships and health sector reforms.
Market Segmentations:
By Product Type:
- Cotton & cellulose-based
- Fiber-based
- Other product types
By Specimen Type:
- Blood
- Saliva
- Urine
- Buccal cell
- Other specimen types
By Application:
- Newborn screening (NBS)
- Infectious diseases testing
- Therapeutic drug monitoring
- Forensics & research
- Wellbeing/health monitoring
By Geography:
- North America
- Europe
- UK
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Spain
- Russia
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Austria
- Sweden
- Poland
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- Australia
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Taiwan
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Peru
- Chile
- Colombia
- Rest of Latin America
- Middle East
- UAE
- KSA
- Israel
- Turkey
- Iran
- Rest of Middle East
- Africa
- Egypt
- Nigeria
- Algeria
- Morocco
- Rest of Africa
Competitive Landscape
The specimen collection cards market is shaped by leading players such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, DBS System SA, PerkinElmer Inc., FortiusBio, Danaher Corporation, ARCHIMED Life Science GmbH, Eastern Business Forms, Inc., CENTOGENE N.V., QIAGEN, GenTegra LLC, and Ahlstrom. These companies compete by expanding product portfolios, investing in research, and strengthening global distribution networks. Innovation in card materials, improved analyte stability, and compatibility with advanced diagnostic techniques are central strategies to capture market share. Firms also focus on collaborations with healthcare agencies and diagnostic laboratories to widen adoption in newborn screening and infectious disease testing. Strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and regulatory approvals play a critical role in enhancing their market presence. Additionally, expanding into emerging markets and developing cost-effective solutions for resource-limited settings help in broadening customer reach. With rising demand for preventive healthcare, personalized medicine, and point-of-care testing, competition continues to intensify, encouraging constant innovation and differentiation among key market participants.
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Key Player Analysis
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- DBS System SA
- PerkinElmer Inc.
- FortiusBio
- Danaher Corporation
- ARCHIMED Life Science GmbH
- Eastern Business Forms, Inc.
- CENTOGENE N.V.
- QIAGEN
- GenTegra LLC
- Ahlstrom
Recent Developments
- In 2025, Ahlstrom announced that its biological sample collection cards, including its GenSaver™ and AutoCollect™ lines, received official U.S. FDA Class 1 medical device listing.
- In 2025, QIAGEN announced the launch of a new solution for malaria research that uses qPCR in conjunction with QIAcard FTA cards.
- In 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific launched the NUCLEIC-CARD, an integrated buccal sample collection device.
Report Coverage
The research report offers an in-depth analysis based on Product Type, Specimen Type, Application and Geography. It details leading market players, providing an overview of their business, product offerings, investments, revenue streams, and key applications. Additionally, the report includes insights into the competitive environment, SWOT analysis, current market trends, as well as the primary drivers and constraints. Furthermore, it discusses various factors that have driven market expansion in recent years. The report also explores market dynamics, regulatory scenarios, and technological advancements that are shaping the industry. It assesses the impact of external factors and global economic changes on market growth. Lastly, it provides strategic recommendations for new entrants and established companies to navigate the complexities of the market.
Future Outlook
- The market will expand steadily, supported by rising demand for preventive healthcare.
- Newborn screening will remain the largest application, driving consistent adoption worldwide.
- Infectious disease testing will grow due to global health surveillance programs.
- Non-invasive specimen collection methods will gain wider preference among patients.
- Integration with molecular diagnostics will strengthen adoption in genetic testing and forensics.
- Digital health platforms will create opportunities for at-home health monitoring solutions.
- Asia Pacific will record the fastest growth, driven by healthcare expansion.
- Regulatory approvals and quality standardization will shape future product adoption.
- Partnerships between manufacturers and public health agencies will increase market penetration.
- Continuous innovation in card materials will improve sample stability and accuracy.
