Bacterial and Viral Specimen Collection Market Size – By Product, By Application, By Indication, By End Use & Global Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Bacterial and Viral Specimen Collection Market Size

The global bacterial and viral specimen collection market was estimated at USD 24.6 billion in 2024 and is set to reach USD 89.4 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 13.9% during 2025 to 2034. Bacterial and viral specimen collection refers to the systematic process of obtaining biological samples, such as swabs, fluids, or tissues, from a patient or an environment for the purpose of diagnosing bacterial or viral infections.
 

The global bacterial and viral specimen collection market is witnessing substantial growth, fueled by the increasing prevalence of infectious diseases worldwide. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV/AIDS continue to pose significant global health challenges.
 

In 2022, malaria accounted for 249 million cases and 608,000 deaths, while TB affected 10.8 million individuals globally in 2023, resulting in 1.25 million deaths, including 161,000 among people living with HIV. Thus, these statistics highlight the need for advanced bacterial and viral specimen collection tools which enable accurate pathogen detection, early diagnosis, and effective treatment. This demand is driving innovation in swabs, transport media, and automated systems for efficient infectious disease management.
 

Additionally, the increasing importance on preventive healthcare has significantly constructed the demand for effective bacterial and viral specimen collection methods, which helps in early disease detection, monitoring and timely medical intervention. Public health initiatives and global surveillance programs have created the need for the high-quality specimen collection, specifically used in light of pandemics such as the COVID-19 and emerging infectious diseases. Further, government initiatives such as World Health Organization have implemented infection control guidelines and screening programs, escalating the adoption of advanced specimen collection kits.
 

For example, the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), the mission of GISRS is to protect people from the threat of influenza by continuously functioning as a global mechanism of surveillance, preparedness and response for seasonal, pandemic and zoonotic influenza, global platform for monitoring influenza epidemiology and disease; and global alert for novel influenza viruses and other respiratory pathogens. Moreover, the growing need for accurate diagnostics and advancements in diagnostic technologies, are propelling market growth.
 

Bacterial and Viral Specimen Collection Market Trends

• The field of bacterial and viral specimen collection has seen significant advancements, driven by the rising need for accurate and timely diagnostic solutions in the fight against infectious diseases. These developments have introduced emerging technologies that are revolutionizing sample collection, transport, and preservation, ensuring specimen integrity for precise laboratory analysis.
   
• A key innovation in the enhancement of transport media, such as viral transport media (VTM) and amies medium, which has significantly improved the viability of bacterial and viral samples during transportation. For example, BD’s Universal Viral Transport (UVT) System and Copan’s eSwab have transformed specimen preservation, which ensures the stability of bacterial and viral samples during transport.
   
• Thus, these specialized media are thoroughly designed to maintain pathogen reliability, confirming specimens reach diagnostic labs in original condition for accurate detection and analysis.
   
• Further, specimen collection technologies are incorporated with next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows. This integration enables comprehensive genomic analysis of pathogens, providing critical insights into microbial resistance and virulence factors. For instance, a research study states that nanopore sequencing, known for real-time analysis, shows positive result for rapid clinical infection diagnosis.
   
• Additionally, the introduction of specialized transport systems that stabilize nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) has become a keystone in molecular diagnostics, which is estimated to reach USD by 36 billion by 2032. By preserving genetic material essential for techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing, these systems play a vital role in increasing diagnostic sensitivity and reliability. Thus, these innovations contribute to boosting the market growth.
   

Bacterial and Viral Specimen Collection Market Analysis

Based on product, the market is segmented into swabs, bacterial transport media, blood collection kits, and other products. Further swabs is bifurcated into nasal swabs, throat swabs, other swabs. The bacterial and viral specimen collection industry accounted a revenue of USD 21.9 billion in 2023. The swabs segment is likely to exceed USD 9.2 billion in 2024 and is poised for significant growth rate of over 14% during 2025 to 2034.
 

• Swabs are user-friendly and require minimum training, which makes them ideal for specimen collection in both clinical and non-clinical settings. They allow healthcare professionals and even patients to collect samples with ease and efficiency. For example, everlywell’s OraQuick At-Home HIV Test Kit, which is FDA-approved, over-the-counter HIV test for quick, private at-home testing, give results in 20 minutes.
   
• Additionally, swab-based specimen collection is non-invasive, helps in minimizing patient discomfort. This makes swabs suitable for sensitive areas such as the nasal cavity, throat, or wound surfaces. The establishment of soft-tipped and flocked swabs, such as Copan’s FLOQSwabs, has improved the patient comfort while improving sample absorption and pathogen recovery, which leads to more accurate test results.
   
• Furthermore, swabs are very versatile and can collect samples for a various bacterial and viral diagnostics, which includes respiratory infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and wound infections. For instance, Cue Health’s COVID-19 nasal swab test provides lab-quality results within minutes using a compact, at-home molecular testing devices, thereby driving the bacterial and viral specimen collection market growth.
   

Based on application, the market is bifurcated into diagnostics and research. The diagnostics segment accounted for a 75.2% market share in 2024 and is projected to hit USD 66.5 billion by 2034.
 

• Advanced diagnostic techniques allow for precise identification of bacterial and viral pathogens, which ensures that infections are accurately diagnosed. This leads to targeted treatment, minimizing the risk of misdiagnosis and inappropriate therapies. For example, Abbott’s ID NOW COVID-19 2.0 detects SARS-CoV-2 in 6?12 minutes with the option to add on an ID NOW Influenza A & B 2 test without collecting another sample, delivering rapid results by using isothermal technology to provide molecular results faster than PCR.
   
• In addition, faster and more accurate diagnosis, allows better clinical outcomes, which ensures early and targeted treatment. With the advanced automated specimen processing and next-generation sequencing (NGS) integration, it helps laboratories to detect pathogens with higher sensitivity. Thus, this benefits patients to receive the appropriate treatment sooner, leads to quicker recoveries and reduced complications.
   
• Further, diagnostics play a vital role in tracking the spread of infectious diseases. With precise diagnostic data from bacterial and viral specimen collection, this helps public health authorities to monitor trends, identify outbreaks, and implement timely control measures.
   
• For instance, according the study published in National Institute of Health, Xpert MTB/RIF substantially increases TB detection among culture?confirmed cases. Xpert MTB/RIF has higher sensitivity for TB detection in smear?positive than smear?negative patients, helping to control emerging infections. These advantages are driving market growth.
   

Based on indication, the bacterial and viral specimen collection market is bifurcated into bacterial infection and viral infection. Further, bacterial infection segment is bifurcated into tuberculosis, pneumonia, cholera, salmonella, sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), and other bacterial infections. The viral infection segment is segmented into influenza, covid-19, HIV, hepatitis B, dengue, zika virus, and other viral infections. The viral infection segment accounted for a 54.8% market share in 2024.
 

• The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases escalates the growth of the segment.
   
• For instance, according to data from UNAIDS states that, in 2023, 39.9 million [36.1 million–44.6 million] people globally suffered from HIV, 1.3 million [1 million–1.7 million] people became newly infected with HIV. Further, 6,30 000 individuals died from AIDS-related illnesses, globally.
   
• In addition to this, bacterial and viral specimen collection plays a vital role in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of viral infections. Specimens are collected from areas affected by the infection such as throat swabs, nasopharyngeal swabs, or respiratory tract secretions, which helps to identify the viral pathogen by using advanced techniques such as PCR, antigen detection, or viral culture.
   
• The collection of specimens at various stages of infection helps to measure the viral load, helping clinicians to assess disease severity and treatment efficiency. For instance, For example, the Abbott RealTime HIV-1 assay is an in vitro reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for the quantitation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) in whole blood spotted on cards as dried blood spots (DBS).
   
• Furthermore, specimens are specifically used for genotyping viruses to recognize mutations or strains. In cases of chronic viral infections, such as HIV or hepatitis, this can guide in the selection of the most effective antiviral drugs. These advantages are escalating the market growth.
   

Based on end use, the bacterial and viral specimen collection market is bifurcated into hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, home testing, and other end users. The hospitals segment accounted for a 45.2% market share in 2024.
 

• Hospitals encounter a greater number of patients requiring bacterial and viral specimen collection for diagnostic and therapeutic use, which includes respiratory infections, bloodstream infections, and antimicrobial resistance monitoring.
   
• Hospitals have the capability to address larger volume of infectious diseases cases in both emergency as well as in patient department making them a key contributor for the number of bacterial and viral specimen collection  performed, thereby propelling the market growth.
   
• Moreover, hospital encompass large number of skilled professionals such as microbiologists, infectious disease specialists, and laboratory technicians under the pathology and microbiology, making them a preferred choice among patients requiring accurate and timely specimen collection.
   
• Further, these facilities are well equipped with advanced specimen collection kits, laboratories, and automated diagnostic platforms such as the PCR testing and next generation sequencing, thereby boosting the segmental growth.
   

The North America bacterial and viral specimen collection market size crossed USD 10 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to reach USD 35.6 billion by 2034. The U.S. dominated the North America market with the largest revenue of USD 8.1 billion in 2023.
 

• This growth is largely attributed to the increasing prevalence of infectious diseases in the U.S.
   
• For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, the reported number of new cases for various infectious diseases in the U.S. was as follows: 8,916 cases of tuberculosis, 58,371 cases of salmonella, 34,945 cases of Lyme disease, and 371 cases of meningococcal disease.
   
• Additionally, despite a stringent regulatory environment, there is strong support for the approval and commercialization of innovative healthcare solutions such as specimen collection kits.
   
• Moreover, the technological advancements and adoption of the advanced bacterial and viral specimen collection kits across the country are further boosting the growth of the market in the country
   

Europe: The bacterial and viral specimen collection market in UK is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The country’s well established healthcare system and the rising demand for accurate and efficient diagnostic solutions are the key factors stimulating the growth of the market in the country.
   
• Moreover, the growing aging population base and an increasing awareness early disease detection are further solidifying the growth of bacterial and viral specimen collection market in the country.
   
• For instance, as per the data from Office for National Statistics, the elderly population of the UK is expected to rise significantly. In 2020, an estimated 2.5% of the total population comprised of people aged 85 and over, by 2040 the figure is projected to reach 4.3% of the total population.
   
• Thus, this demographic shift stimulates the need for high quality specimen collection, specifically for infectious diseases diagnosis, as aging individuals are more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, thereby fostering the market growth in the region.
   

Asia Pacific: Japan bacterial and viral specimen collection market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2025 – 2034.
 

• The country has one of fastest aging population which necessities frequent infectious disease screening and monitoring. Bacterial and viral specimen collection provides an effective and convenient option for diagnosing infections, impelling their adoption in the country.
   
• For example, in 2023 projections from the World Economic Forum revealed that 1 in 10 people in Japan are aged 80 years and above which is about one-third of the population.
   
• Thus, this demographic shift has created awareness among the healthcare providers and policy makers for the need of effective strategies to address age related susceptibility to the infections, thereby escalating the market growth.
   

Middle East and Africa: The bacterial and viral specimen collection market in Saudi Arabia is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• Saudi Arabia’s advance healthcare infrastructure and rising investment in advanced healthcare technologies create opening for the development and adoption of advanced bacterial and viral specimen collection kits tailored to the country’s patient specific needs.
   
• Further, the rising awareness regarding the importance of early and accurate infectious diseases diagnosis across various age group of individuals in the country, further propelling the market growth.
   

Bacterial and Viral Specimen Collection Market Share

The top 4 players of the bacterial and viral specimen collection industry account for approximately 40% of the market share which includes companies such as Becton, Dickinson, and Company, BIOMÉRIEUX, Quidel Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, among others. These companies maintain their dominance in the market through innovative product launches, extensive distribution networks and strong regulatory approval. Moreover, strategic partnerships with research institutes, and government agencies play a primary role in advancing the development of new specimen collection kits and getting the necessary permits. The development of public awareness about infectious diseases and its health impact through the social media platform, will encourage more individuals to seek the early diagnosis and treatment, enabling market players to strengthen their position in this growing sector.
 

Bacterial and Viral Specimen Collection Market Companies

Some of the eminent participants operating in the bacterial and viral specimen collection industry include:

• Becton, Dickinson And Company
• BIOMÉRIEUX
• COPAN Italia
• DiaSorinGroup
• Hardy Diagnostics
• HiMedia Laboratories
• Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics
• Medical Wire & Equipment
• Puritan Medical Products
• Pretium Packaging
• Quidel Corporation
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• Trinity Biotech
• Vircell S.L.
• Wuxi Nest Biotechnology
   
• BioMérieux  has robust geographical presence which enables it to enhance its market reach. BioMérieux operates in 45 countries and serves more than 160 countries with the support of a large network of distributors, thus involving a strong distribution network.
   
• Thermo Fisher Scientific has strong global workforce of approximately 122,000 employees, which enables the company to drive innovation, and deliver high-quality solutions
   

Bacterial and Viral Specimen Collection Industry News:

• In April 2024, BD India launched the BD Vacutainer UltraTouch Push Button Blood Collection Set in India. The innovative product strengthened BD's market position by enhancing patient comfort and safety during blood collection, aligning with the company’s commitment to advancing healthcare solutions.
   

The bacterial and viral specimen collection market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Swabs
  • Nasal swabs
  • Throat swabs
  • Other swabs
• Bacterial transport media
• Blood collection kits
• Other products

Market, By Application

• Diagnostics
• Research

Market, By Indication

• Bacterial infection
  • Tuberculosis
  • Pneumonia
  • Cholera
  • Salmonella
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Other bacterial infections
• Viral infection
  • Influenza
  • COVID-19
  • HIV
  • Hepatitis B
  • Dengue
  • Zika virus
  • Other viral infections

Market, By End Use

• Hospitals 
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Home testing
• Other end use

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE