Dried Blood Spot Collection Cards Market Size and Growth Report, 2033

Dried Blood Spot Collection Cards Market Overview

The Dried Blood Spot Collection Cards Market size was valued at USD 303 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 402.56 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2025 to 2033.

The dried blood spot (DBS) collection cards market has seen significant growth over the past few years. These cards, which are utilized for collecting small samples of blood, have been increasingly adopted in diagnostics, genetic testing, and pharmaceutical applications.

The use of DBS for blood collection offers several advantages, such as cost-effectiveness, ease of transportation, and minimal requirements for sample processing. According to industry studies, over 200 million DBS cards are used globally each year for various testing and research purposes. The widespread adoption of point-of-care testing and the rise in chronic disease management are driving the demand for these collection cards. The growing prevalence of conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases has led to an increased need for regular testing, further boosting the market.

Additionally, innovations in medical diagnostics, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and personalized medicine, have further contributed to the demand for DBS. As of 2023, nearly 45% of all DBS cards are used in clinical laboratories, while the rest are employed in research and healthcare services. This rapid growth is expected to continue as the healthcare and biotechnology sectors continue to expand.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Rising adoption of home diagnostic tests and point-of-care testing.

COUNTRY/REGION: North America is the largest region, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure.

SEGMENT: Hospitals and clinics dominate the application segment due to the frequent need for diagnostics in these settings.

Dried Blood Spot Collection Cards Market Trends

The Dried Blood Spot (DBS) collection cards market has witnessed several key trends. A significant driver of this growth is the rising adoption of non-invasive diagnostic methods. This shift is being led by improvements in testing technologies, which allow for accurate results using minimal blood samples. Innovations in genetic testing have also seen a boost, as DBS is often used in next-generation sequencing (NGS) and other molecular diagnostics. For instance, DBS samples are increasingly used in neonatal screening programs, which have been a critical factor in the widespread adoption of these collection cards. Moreover, the pharmaceutical industry's use of DBS for drug trials and patient monitoring is on the rise. The ability to transport blood samples more easily and store them for long periods without refrigeration makes DBS cards an essential tool for clinical research and global drug development programs. The market is also seeing increased investments in R&D, with major companies working on improving the performance of these collection cards to cater to a wide variety of testing needs, from genetic screening to infectious disease diagnostics.

Dried Blood Spot Collection Cards Market Dynamics

The dynamics of the Dried Blood Spot (DBS) collection cards market are influenced by a variety of factors, including drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges that impact market growth and direction.

DRIVER

Increasing demand for personalized medicine and genetic testing.

Personalized medicine is one of the major drivers of growth in the DBS collection cards market. As the demand for precision medicine increases, healthcare providers are using DBS as an ideal method for genetic testing and biomarker discovery. The ease of sample collection and its non-invasive nature make it especially suitable for conditions that require regular monitoring, such as genetic disorders and chronic diseases like diabetes. This growing focus on personalized healthcare has substantially increased the demand for DBS in both clinical and research applications.

RESTRAINT

Regulatory hurdles and quality control issues.

Despite the widespread benefits of DBS, several challenges remain, especially concerning regulatory approvals and quality control. Different countries have varying regulations around the use of blood-based diagnostic tools, which can lead to delays in market entry for new products. Furthermore, maintaining the quality and integrity of blood samples during transportation and storage remains a challenge. These factors create barriers for companies entering new markets and for existing companies looking to expand their product offerings.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of home-based diagnostic applications.

The growth of home-based diagnostic tests presents a major opportunity for the DBS collection cards market. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend toward remote healthcare services, including home testing for conditions such as diabetes and infections. With the increasing demand for at-home blood tests, DBS collection cards are becoming more popular as they allow patients to collect samples conveniently at home and send them to diagnostic labs without needing a healthcare professional present. This opens up a broad range of opportunities for manufacturers to expand their offerings in the consumer healthcare segment.

CHALLENGE

Limited awareness and training for healthcare professionals.

While DBS cards are an established diagnostic tool, the adoption rate among healthcare professionals, especially in emerging markets, remains lower than expected. Lack of awareness about the advantages of DBS collection cards and insufficient training for healthcare professionals are challenges that could potentially hinder market growth. Increasing the educational initiatives about the benefits and usage of DBS in diagnostics and research could help overcome this challenge.

Dried Blood Spot Collection Cards Market Segmentation

The Dried Blood Spot (DBS) collection cards market is segmented based on type and application, each contributing significantly to the overall market dynamics.

By Type

Whatman 903: Whatman 903 is one of the most commonly used types of DBS collection cards, particularly in newborn screening programs. Known for its ability to absorb a precise amount of blood, it ensures accurate testing results. These cards are widely used in clinical diagnostics, especially for metabolic disorders.
Ahlstrom 226: Ahlstrom 226 cards are particularly used in molecular diagnostics and testing for infectious diseases. The high absorption quality and consistent performance make these cards popular in research and diagnostics for both genetic and infectious diseases.
FTA: FTA cards are used primarily for DNA and RNA analysis. These cards are especially favored in research settings due to their ability to preserve nucleic acids for long periods, even at room temperature, making them ideal for use in genomic studies.
Others: Other types of DBS cards include customized cards designed for specific tests or unique applications. These cards are used for various niche markets and specialized diagnostic methods, such as veterinary testing and niche research studies.

By Application

Hospital: The hospital segment holds the largest share of the DBS collection cards market, driven by their use in routine blood tests, especially for newborn screening and genetic disorder tests. Hospitals require efficient, cost-effective, and non-invasive diagnostic tools to streamline patient care and reduce procedural complications.
Clinic: Clinics utilize DBS collection cards mainly for chronic disease management and pre-symptomatic genetic testing. The convenience of at-home collection and reduced logistical costs make these cards particularly useful in smaller healthcare settings.
Ambulatory Surgical Centers: While not as large as the hospital or clinic segments, ambulatory surgical centers also use DBS cards for diagnostic purposes before or after surgical procedures. These settings benefit from the ease of handling and storage that DBS offers.

Regional Outlook for the Dried Blood Spot Collection Cards Market

The regional outlook for the Dried Blood Spot (DBS) collection cards market varies across different geographical regions, each demonstrating unique growth trends and influencing factors.

North America

North America dominates the DBS collection cards market, with the United States leading the market share. The well-established healthcare infrastructure, the widespread adoption of personalized medicine, and the increasing demand for genetic testing drive the growth of the market in this region. Key health institutions in the U.S. are adopting DBS for both clinical and research applications, contributing to market expansion.

Europe

In Europe, countries such as Germany, the UK, and France are major contributors to the market. The region has a strong healthcare system with significant investment in genomics and personalized healthcare. The high prevalence of chronic diseases in Europe, along with increasing funding for genetic research, is fostering the growth of the DBS market.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth, primarily due to the increasing healthcare expenditures and the rising prevalence of infectious diseases. Countries like China and India are investing heavily in healthcare infrastructure, creating opportunities for DBS adoption in both clinical and research environments. Additionally, the expansion of diagnostic laboratories in the region is facilitating the demand for DBS collection cards.

Middle East & Africa

In the Middle East and Africa, market growth is driven by expanding healthcare access and the adoption of advanced diagnostics in countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and South Africa. Although the region is in the early stages of market penetration, the increasing focus on healthcare modernization is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the DBS collection cards market.

List of Top Dried Blood Spot Collection Cards Companies

Qiagen
PerkinElmer
Roche
Shimadzu (Novilytic Labs)
Ahlstrom-Munksjö
Danaher
Eastern Business Forms, Inc.
ARCHIMEDlife
Centogene
GenTegra LLC

QIAGEN: QIAGEN is renowned for its comprehensive portfolio of molecular diagnostics and sample collection technologies. The company has significantly contributed to the DBS market through its innovative solutions that facilitate non-invasive testing methods, particularly in genetic testing and infectious disease diagnostics. QIAGEN's commitment to advancing molecular diagnostics has positioned it as a leader in the DBS collection cards market.

PerkinElmer: PerkinElmer has been instrumental in expanding the applications of DBS collection cards, especially in newborn screening and therapeutic drug monitoring. Their products are widely utilized in clinical laboratories and research institutions, owing to their high-quality standards and reliability. PerkinElmer's continuous innovation and focus on healthcare solutions have reinforced its leadership in the DBS market.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The DBS collection cards market presents several investment opportunities, particularly in the growing segments of personalized medicine and at-home diagnostic testing. Several pharmaceutical and biotech companies are investing heavily in R&D to enhance the applications of DBS. As more healthcare providers adopt DBS testing, particularly for genetic and molecular diagnostics, new market entrants and established companies are creating specialized products to cater to this increasing demand. Investment opportunities also lie in emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, where rapid healthcare development presents opportunities for market expansion. For instance, new healthcare policies in India and China are driving growth in the demand for diagnostic tools like DBS collection cards. The potential for public-private partnerships in these regions further increases investment prospects.

New Product Development

Innovations in DBS collection cards have focused on improving sample preservation, reducing contamination risks, and enabling easier transportation and storage. Newer products incorporate advanced materials for enhanced blood absorption, which facilitates more accurate and consistent testing. Companies are also integrating barcode scanning technology into DBS cards, which streamlines data collection and enhances traceability in diagnostic applications. Further product developments are focusing on improving the performance of DBS cards in specific applications, such as genomic and proteomic testing. Additionally, new product lines are being designed to accommodate emerging diagnostic platforms, especially in the fields of infectious disease testing and genetic disorder screenings.

Five Recent Developments

Qiagen announced the launch of a new line of DBS collection cards with enhanced sample preservation properties, aimed at improving test accuracy and sample integrity.
PerkinElmer released a breakthrough in DBS testing technology, which improves sensitivity for neonatal screening.
Roche expanded its use of DBS collection cards for COVID-19 diagnostics, focusing on ease of sampling and accurate virus detection.
Ahlstrom-Munksjö introduced a new variety of DBS cards with faster drying time for large-scale research applications.
Danaher acquired a small diagnostics firm specializing in innovative DBS collection solutions, expanding its portfolio of diagnostic tools.

Report Coverage of Dried Blood Spot Collection Cards Market

The report on the dried blood spot collection cards market covers a comprehensive analysis of market trends, dynamics, segmentation, and regional outlook. Key drivers of growth, such as the increasing demand for genetic testing and non-invasive diagnostic methods, are thoroughly examined. Market restraints, such as regulatory challenges and quality control issues, are also addressed. Segmentation by type, application, and region is analyzed in detail, with specific focus on the major players in the industry and the opportunities for growth in emerging markets. The report offers a complete overview of market trends, recent developments, and investment opportunities that are shaping the future of the DBS collection cards market.