Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market
By Product;
Devices, Kits and OthersBy Sample Type;
Blood, Urine and OthersBy Application;
Diabetes, Infectious Diseases, Pregnancy, Genetic Disorders and OthersBy Distribution Channel;
Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies & Stores and Online PharmaciesBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market Overview
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market (USD Million)
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market was valued at USD 22,342.34 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 46,581.64 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.1%.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 11.1 %
| Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2024 |
| CAGR (%) | 11.1 % |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 22,342.34 Million |
| Market Size (2031) | USD 46,581.64 Million |
| Market Concentration | Low |
| Report Pages | 347 |
Major Players
- Abbott Laboratories
- Roche Diagnostics
- Quest Diagnostics
- Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Siemens Healthineers
- Bio-Rad Laboratories
- BioMérieux SA
- Danaher Corporation
- PerkinElmer, Inc.
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market is witnessing steady momentum due to the growing shift toward self-diagnosis and home-based health solutions. With over 60% of consumers favoring rapid, private testing kits, convenience and discretion have become key growth factors. As awareness of personal health continues to rise, the market benefits from technological improvements that enhance both speed and reliability. These conditions present expansive opportunities for innovation and market advancement.
Accessibility Through Technological Simplicity
The market is undergoing transformation through innovative designs that prioritize ease of use. About 55% of recent test launches are optimized for home users, eliminating the need for professional assistance. The integration of digital platforms is also streamlining the testing process and improving user confidence. These enhancements are laying the foundation for market expansion, with a promising future outlook tied to digital health solutions and preventive care adoption.
Growth Through Strategic Partnerships
Increasing collaborations between diagnostic companies and consumer retailers are enabling broader reach and easier access to OTC testing kits. Over 45% of market strategies now involve direct retail engagement, which boosts product visibility and convenience. These strategic alliances also support bundling services and value-added offerings. The trend signals a clear shift toward collaborative growth models that help scale availability and elevate the standard of care.
Future Outlook Fueled by Smart Technologies
The OTC Tests Market is being redefined by emerging technologies like biosensors and AI-powered diagnostics, with over 50% of current innovations involving intelligent testing capabilities. These advancements are setting new standards for accuracy, speed, and responsiveness in consumer diagnostics. Continued investment in these technologies signals strong growth potential and strategic opportunities, reshaping the way users interact with at-home healthcare solutions.
Over-The-Counter Tests Market Key Takeaways
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Growing prevalence of chronic & infectious diseases rising rates of diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, respiratory illnesses and viral outbreaks are driving demand for OTC testing kits that empower individuals to monitor their health at home.
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Surge in self-care & at-home diagnostics consumers increasingly prefer convenient, private, and rapid test solutions outside traditional clinical settings, spurring growth in direct-to-consumer OTC test products.
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Technological innovation & digital integration advancements in lateral-flow assays, biosensors, smartphone connectivity, AI-enabled interpretation and remote monitoring enhance usability and accuracy of OTC test kits.
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Regulatory & accuracy challenges remain constraints regulatory approval complexity, concerns over user interpretation, data privacy and the need for clinical-grade accuracy limit broader adoption of some OTC test formats.
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Emerging markets & online channels present significant opportunity while North America leads in revenue, the Asia-Pacific region shows the fastest growth potential, and e-commerce/online pharmacies are rapidly becoming dominant distribution channels.
Over-The-Counter Tests Market Recent Developments
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In March 2021, SD Biosensor launched the STANDARD GlucoNavii GDH, an advanced device for accurate blood glucose monitoring. Designed for both clinical and personal use, the system enhances testing precision and user convenience, supporting better management of diabetes care through reliable real-time results.
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In September 2022, LabStyle Innovations partnered with Better Living Now (BLN) to distribute its Blood Glucose Monitoring System integrated with the DarioEngage digital health platform. The collaboration combines device technology and digital health insights to deliver personalized diabetes management solutions and improve patient engagement.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market Segment Analysis
In this report, Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market has been segmented by Product, Sample Type, Application, Distribution Channel and Geography.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market, Segmentation by Product
The Product segmentation captures how value pools concentrate across form factors and user experiences that enable at-home diagnostics. Vendors emphasize ease of use, accuracy, and packaging that supports clear instructions and safe disposal, while partnerships with retailers bolster shelf visibility. As innovation cycles shorten, players leverage portfolio refreshes and co-branding to expand reach, and regulators increasingly focus on labelling clarity to improve consumer outcomes across categories.
Devices
Devices include hardware-enabled OTC test formats that integrate digital readers, timers, or connectivity to guide interpretation. Manufacturers invest in human-factors engineering to reduce user errors and in modular designs that support multiple analytes. Growth strategies often involve ecosystem apps for result logging and optional telehealth escalation, improving adherence and supporting real-world evidence generation for future claims.
Kits
Kits are consumable test packs optimized for fast results and cost accessibility in home settings. Branding highlights sensitivity/specificity claims, simple sample collection, and clear result windows, while contract manufacturing maintains scalability for seasonal or outbreak-driven spikes. Suppliers differentiate via compact packaging, storage stability, and multilingual instructions that align with OTC retail standards.
Others
The Others category captures emerging or niche OTC formats such as hybrid analog-digital strips, bundled wellness panels, and specialized single-use accessories. Companies test limited releases through select retail chains and online channels to validate demand, while refining unit economics and supply assurance. Portfolio optionality here supports category expansion into adjacent self-testing needs without large capital outlays.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market, Segmentation by Sample Type
Sample Type drives usability, comfort, and test reliability, shaping consumer preference and repeat purchase behavior. Brands prioritize minimally invasive workflows and biohazard safety, with instructions tailored to reduce handling errors and improve result interpretability. As acceptance grows across demographics, suppliers align materials sourcing and sterility controls with evolving quality standards for home environments.
Blood
Blood-based OTC tests typically rely on finger-prick collection, balancing analytical performance with user comfort. Vendors provide lancets, alcohol swabs, and disposal guidance, while optimizing buffer chemistry for stability. Education around capillary sampling and timing improves outcomes, and packaging often includes control checks to build consumer trust.
Urine
Urine sampling offers a non-invasive method favored for routine at-home screening with straightforward workflows. Products emphasize clear result windows, sample volume guidance, and hygienic handling aids to reduce contamination. Retailers value this segment for its broad category familiarity, while manufacturers refine membrane performance and shelf-life to maintain reliability.
Others
The Others segment includes alternative matrices such as saliva or nasal samples used where convenience or target analyte suitability dictates. Vendors compete on comfort, collection aids, and intuitive timing cues to minimize invalid results. As new use-cases emerge, suppliers pilot instructional visuals and QR-linked tutorials to standardize technique at home.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market, Segmentation by Application
Application segments reflect clinical needs translated into consumer-friendly testing solutions. Companies prioritize clinical validity, post-market surveillance, and claims substantiation to sustain confidence among pharmacists and end-users. Category leaders collaborate on education campaigns and integrate digital guidance to support correct usage, while ensuring pricing tiers address both value and premium preferences.
Diabetes
Diabetes OTC testing focuses on frequent monitoring with easy-to-read outputs that inform self-management. Product roadmaps emphasize accuracy, strip stability, and optional data logging for trend tracking. Pharmacy partnerships and reimbursement awareness improve access, while educational inserts encourage proper technique and interpretation.
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Diseases tests support rapid at-home detection to guide timely isolation or clinical follow-up. Suppliers differentiate on time-to-result, clarity of interpretation, and packaging that supports surge demand. Retail inventory planning and omnichannel distribution ensure availability during seasonal peaks, reinforcing consumer trust in OTC pathways.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy tests remain a core OTC category with high expectations for discretion, sensitivity, and result certainty. Brands compete on readability, ergonomics, and subtle form-factor differentiation to improve user experience. Consistent pharmacist endorsement and private-label offerings sustain category depth across price points.
Genetic Disorders
Genetic Disorders OTC screening addresses select traits or carrier status with consumer-oriented reporting and clear limitations to guide next steps. Providers invest in data privacy, consent flows, and optional tele-genetic counseling linkages. As awareness grows, education emphasizes test scope versus diagnostic confirmation pathways in clinical settings.
Others
The Others application bucket covers assorted self-testing needs that benefit from rapid answers and accessible pricing. Companies explore bundle packs and multi-analyte positioning to improve category discovery. Marketing highlights everyday wellness use-cases, while maintaining safeguards around claims language and consumer guidance.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market, Segmentation by Distribution Channel
Distribution Channel choices define how consumers discover, purchase, and replenish OTC tests, influencing pricing power and brand loyalty. Vendors balance in-store presence with digital reach, aligning promotions to category seasonality and public-health messaging. Supply strategies prioritize on-shelf availability, responsible inventory turns, and last-mile reliability across regions.
Hospital Pharmacies
Hospital Pharmacies offer trusted points of purchase aligned with clinical guidance and post-discharge needs. Brands leverage formularies and clinician education to recommend appropriate OTC options. This channel supports credibility for newer categories and can seed broader retail adoption through demonstrated outcomes.
Retail Pharmacies & Stores
Retail Pharmacies & Stores remain the primary OTC shelf for high-velocity SKUs, where planogram placement and point-of-sale messaging drive conversion. Co-marketing with pharmacists enhances category navigation, while private-label offerings expand price ladders. Effective forecasting and replenishment protect service levels during seasonal and event-driven spikes.
Online Pharmacies
Online Pharmacies extend reach through convenience, discreet delivery, and rich product content that improves decision confidence. Vendors deploy DTC storefronts, subscription replenishment, and verified seller programs to mitigate counterfeit risk. Analytics inform SKU rationalization and tailored promotions that lift lifetime value across cohorts.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market, Segmentation by Geography
Geography shapes regulatory pathways, consumer adoption, and retail infrastructure for OTC testing. Companies calibrate pricing and pack sizes to local purchasing power, align labeling to language requirements, and build pharmacy partnerships to accelerate education. Omnichannel strategies balance brick-and-mortar visibility with e-commerce convenience to expand access across diverse health systems.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
North America
North America benefits from mature OTC retail ecosystems, strong pharmacist engagement, and high awareness of self-testing protocols. Brands focus on claim clarity, child-safe packaging, and omnichannel fulfillment to sustain category velocity. Policy attention to accessibility and consumer education supports continued expansion across product types.
Europe
Europe features diverse regulatory frameworks and country-specific pharmacy models that influence assortment and pricing. Suppliers tailor labelling languages, instructions, and quality marks to drive confidence and compliance. Cross-border e-commerce and private-label partnerships help harmonize availability while respecting national guidelines.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific exhibits rapid growth in urban retail and digital marketplaces, with rising demand for affordable self-testing. Players localize pack sizes, invest in consumer education, and leverage mobile guidance to improve usage. Supply chains emphasize scalability and distribution reach across heterogeneous healthcare systems.
Middle East & Africa
Middle East & Africa presents expanding opportunities as pharmacy networks modernize and health awareness campaigns grow. Vendors collaborate with distributors for targeted assortment and adapt price points to local purchasing dynamics. Education on proper sampling and result interpretation underpins sustainable category adoption.
Latin America
Latin America balances strong pharmacy retail presence with increasing online purchasing for OTC categories. Manufacturers emphasize clear instructions, multilingual packaging, and inventory resilience to manage demand fluctuations. Strategic partnerships with leading chains and DTC initiatives broaden access across urban and peri-urban populations.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market Forces
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Over-The-Counter Tests Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Comprehensive Market Impact Matrix
This matrix outlines how core market forces Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities affect key business dimensions including Growth, Competition, Customer Behavior, Regulation, and Innovation.
| Market Forces ↓ / Impact Areas → | Market Growth Rate | Competitive Landscape | Customer Behavior | Regulatory Influence | Innovation Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivers | High impact (e.g., tech adoption, rising demand) | Encourages new entrants and fosters expansion | Increases usage and enhances demand elasticity | Often aligns with progressive policy trends | Fuels R&D initiatives and product development |
| Restraints | Slows growth (e.g., high costs, supply chain issues) | Raises entry barriers and may drive market consolidation | Deters consumption due to friction or low awareness | Introduces compliance hurdles and regulatory risks | Limits innovation appetite and risk tolerance |
| Opportunities | Unlocks new segments or untapped geographies | Creates white space for innovation and M&A | Opens new use cases and shifts consumer preferences | Policy shifts may offer strategic advantages | Sparks disruptive innovation and strategic alliances |
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers:
- Increasing Consumer Awareness of Health Management
- Convenience and Accessibility of Self-Testing
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Advancements in Testing Technology - Advancements in testing technology represent a pivotal driver in the evolution of the global Over-The-Counter (OTC) tests market. Breakthroughs in diagnostic methods, such as the integration of microfluidics, nanotechnology, and biosensors, have revolutionized the design and performance of OTC testing kits. These innovations have led to the development of compact, portable, and user-friendly testing devices capable of delivering rapid and accurate results. With improved sensitivity and specificity, these next-generation OTC tests offer consumers greater confidence in their ability to monitor various health parameters from the convenience of their homes.
Technological advancements have enabled the expansion of the range of conditions and parameters that can be tested using OTC kits. From traditional pregnancy tests and blood glucose monitors to more complex tests for infectious diseases, genetic predispositions, and hormonal imbalances, the capabilities of OTC testing devices continue to grow. Miniaturization and integration of multiple testing functions into single devices have made comprehensive health monitoring more accessible and affordable for consumers. As a result, individuals can proactively manage their health and detect potential issues early, leading to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
While advancements in testing technology offer immense opportunities for the OTC tests market, challenges such as regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and affordability must be addressed. Regulatory agencies play a critical role in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and accuracy of OTC testing devices, imposing stringent requirements on manufacturers for product approval and quality control. Moreover, as testing technology becomes more sophisticated, ensuring affordability and equitable access to these advanced OTC tests for all segments of the population remains a priority. Collaboration between stakeholders, including governments, regulatory bodies, manufacturers, and healthcare providers, is essential to harness the full potential of advancements in testing technology and drive continued innovation in the OTC tests market.
Restraints:
- Regulatory Complexity
- Concerns about Test Accuracy and Reliability
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Need for Proper Consumer Education - The growing availability and accessibility of Over-The-Counter (OTC) tests in the global market highlight the critical importance of proper consumer education. As individuals increasingly rely on self-administered tests for various health concerns, ensuring that consumers understand how to correctly conduct tests, interpret results, and seek appropriate follow-up care is paramount. Proper education can help mitigate risks associated with misdiagnosis, inaccurate results, and delayed treatment, ultimately improving health outcomes.
Consumer education plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. By providing clear instructions on how to use testing kits correctly and interpret results accurately, manufacturers can enhance consumer confidence in OTC tests. Additionally, educating consumers about the limitations of OTC tests, such as the need for confirmatory testing by healthcare professionals for certain conditions, can prevent unnecessary anxiety or reliance on incomplete information.
As the OTC tests market continues to expand and diversify, effective consumer education becomes even more crucial. With the emergence of new testing technologies and the availability of tests for a wide range of health conditions, ensuring that consumers understand the differences between various tests and their intended purposes is essential. Through targeted educational initiatives, healthcare providers, regulatory agencies, and manufacturers can empower consumers to take proactive steps towards monitoring their health while promoting safe and responsible use of OTC testing products.
Opportunities:
- Surge in Demand Due to COVID-19
- Innovation in Testing Technology
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Expanding Range of Testing Solutions - The expanding range of testing solutions within the global Over-The-Counter (OTC) tests market signifies a pivotal shift towards empowering individuals to monitor various health parameters conveniently from their homes. With advancements in technology and diagnostic techniques, OTC testing kits now offer an increasingly diverse array of options, covering an extensive range of health conditions and concerns. From pregnancy tests and ovulation prediction kits to cholesterol monitoring and infectious disease screening, consumers have access to a broader spectrum of testing solutions than ever before, enabling proactive health management and early detection of potential health issues.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the innovation and adoption of OTC testing solutions, particularly for infectious diseases. Rapid antigen tests and self-administered molecular tests have become integral tools in diagnosing COVID-19 and facilitating widespread testing efforts globally. This surge in demand for OTC COVID-19 tests has prompted manufacturers to expand their product offerings and develop new testing solutions tailored to emerging public health needs. As a result, consumers now have access to a wide range of OTC COVID-19 testing options, including nasal swab tests, saliva tests, and antigen rapid tests, providing flexibility and choice in testing methodologies.
The expansion of the range of testing solutions within the OTC market presents opportunities for addressing unmet healthcare needs and improving healthcare accessibility, particularly in underserved communities and remote areas. By offering testing solutions for a diverse range of health conditions, including chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and wellness monitoring, OTC tests empower individuals to take proactive steps towards managing their health and well-being. Additionally, the increasing availability of user-friendly and cost-effective testing kits enhances consumer access to diagnostic services, reducing barriers to healthcare and promoting early intervention and disease prevention.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market reflects a highly competitive environment with diversified manufacturers, diagnostic firms, and retail distributors. The market shows intense rivalry as companies employ advanced strategies, forge partnerships, and invest in innovation to secure competitive advantages. Around 70% of the sector is influenced by integrated supply chains and technological advancements in rapid and self-administered testing.
Market Structure and Concentration
The Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market exhibits a moderately consolidated structure with leading players accounting for more than 55% of market presence. Increasing merger activities, cross-sector collaboration, and diversified product portfolios shape its competitive balance. This concentration supports growth while encouraging standardized quality and technological advancements across different testing segments.
Brand and Channel Strategies
Manufacturers are refining brand visibility through multi-channel strategies and direct-to-consumer approaches. Nearly 60% of sales are driven by large pharmacy networks and e-commerce platforms. Enhanced partnerships with retailers and healthcare providers ensure broader reach, while continuous innovation in marketing supports sustained growth and differentiation.
Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements
Innovation remains a core driver in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market with more than 65% of companies investing in R&D. Key areas include technological advancements in digital diagnostics, AI-powered test interpretation, and improved test sensitivity. These strategies accelerate growth and foster collaboration among firms to maintain leadership in evolving diagnostic solutions.
Regional Momentum and Expansion
Regional expansion continues as firms capture emerging healthcare markets, with 50% of new entrants focusing on Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Strategic partnerships, localized strategies, and targeted marketing strengthen presence in these areas. This geographic diversification stimulates growth and accelerates technological advancements adoption across different consumer segments.
Future Outlook
The future of the Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market is defined by rising self-testing adoption, increased collaboration with digital platforms, and continued R&D investments. Over 70% of firms anticipate sustained growth through diversified product lines and enhanced distribution. This proactive strategy underscores long-term innovation and positions the industry for consistent expansion across multiple regions.
Key players in Over-The-Counter Tests Market include:
- Abbott Laboratories
- Roche Diagnostics
- Quest Diagnostics
- Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Siemens Healthineers
- Bio‑Rad Laboratories
- bioMérieux SA
- Danaher Corporation
- PerkinElmer, Inc.
- Hologic, Inc.
- QIAGEN N.V.
- Ortho Clinical Diagnostics
- Sysmex Corporation
- Grifols, S.A.
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Market Share Analysis
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Product
- Market Snapshot, By Sample Type
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By Distribution Channel
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market Forces
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Increasing Consumer Awareness of Health Management
- Convenience and Accessibility of Self-Testing
- Advancements in Testing Technology
- Restraints
- Regulatory Complexity
- Concerns about Test Accuracy and Reliability
- Need for Proper Consumer Education
- Opportunities
- Surge in Demand Due to COVID-19
- Innovation in Testing Technology
- Expanding Range of Testing Solutions
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market, By Product, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Devices
- Kits
- Others
- Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market, By Sample Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Blood
- Urine
- Others
- Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Diabetes
- Infectious Diseases
- Pregnancy
- Genetic Disorders
- Others
- Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Hospital Pharmacies
- Retail Pharmacies & Stores
- Online Pharmacies
- Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Over-The-Counter (OTC) Tests Market, By Product, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Abbott Laboratories
- Roche Diagnostics
- OraSure Technologies
- i-Health Lab
- ACON Laboratories
- SD Biosensor
- Sinocare
- Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)
- Siemens Healthineers
- Quidel Corporation
- Danaher Corporation
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- PerkinElmer
- Cardinal Health
- Henry Schein, Inc.
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market

