Last Updated: 18 Jun 2025
Source: Statifacts
The global pathology laboratories market size was estimated at USD 380.88 billion in 2024 and is projected to be worth around USD 818.4 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.94% from 2025 to 2034.
Industry Worth | Details |
Market Size in 2025 | USD 411.92 Billion |
Market Size by 2034 | USD 818.4 Billion |
Market Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 | CAGR of 7.94% |
The pathology laboratories market is becoming progressively vital as healthcare systems worldwide shift from reactive to preventive and proactive care models. The growing focus on early detection, specialized diagnostics, and continuous monitoring, thus, is due to the rising incidence of cardiovascular problems, cancer, infectious diseases, and diabetes. Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud-based laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and digital pathology, adapt to the fate of data analytics and pathological diagnosis. Digital transformation supports labs to enhance efficiency, lessen turnaround times, and implement remote pathology services that are mainly important in underserved or rural areas.
"By integrating BioReference Health’s oncology and related clinical testing services into our portfolio, we're providing greater access to our world-class services to patients, physicians, and healthcare providers across the country,” said Mark Schroeder, EVP and President, Diagnostics Laboratories and Chief Operations Officer, Labcorp. “This acquisition also aligns with our strategy to lead in oncology and reinforces our commitment to advancing cancer care through innovative and comprehensive laboratory services. We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and working together to deliver even greater value to the healthcare community."
AI in medical diagnostics has mainly been developed to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in clinical caregiving. One of the greatest benefits of AI in pathology is in the precision image-processing, and that too at a greater speed. Besides, it assists in determining biomarkers at an early stage of testing, thus saving pathologists time for determining samples. Further, with the advancement of brightfield and virtualization, fluorescent slide scanners are assisting pathologists in predicting hidden issues. Processes such as immunohistochemistry and digital histopathology are aiding medical providers in their routine jobs.
The pathology laboratories market is experiencing significant growth, with North America maintaining its position as the dominant region while Europe emerges as the rapidly growing market. The Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest-growing in the pathology laboratories market during the forecast period.
North America
North America dominated the global pathology laboratories market in 2024. High acceptance rates of the latest diagnostic technologies, which include digital pathology and AI-derived tools, are vital factors. The region's well-known healthcare infrastructure, as well as a strong regulatory framework, led to its dominance. The growing target of personalized medicine also drives the demand for accurate and specialized diagnostic testing, thus accelerating the market.
Europe
Europe is experiencing rapid growth in the pathology laboratories market during the forecast period. The rising proportion of older individuals in Europe is contributing to a higher requirement for diagnostic services. Advancements in diagnostic technologies, like next-generation sequencing and digital pathology, improve the efficiency and accuracy of pathology testing.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing pathology laboratory market during the forecast period. Raised investment in the healthcare framework and expanding acceptance of healthcare services are driving the need for pathology services. Digital pathology, AI-derived diagnostics, and automation enhance the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of pathology testing.
The pathology laboratories market is enduring substantial expansion, driven by factors such as rising chronic disorder prevalence, an older population, and developments in healthcare infrastructure.
Spectra Laboratories, a subsidiary of Fresenius Medical Care North America, faces competition in the renal-specific laboratory testing market from other large diagnostic firms and specialized laboratories.
Eurofins Scientific faces competition from several firms across its numerous business areas. Eurofins also targets competition from various smaller, specialized firms within specific niche markets, like environmental testing, food testing, and agroscience services.
Sonic Healthcare aims to compete with various global and regional key players in the pathology sector and laboratory medicine. The competitive landscape is molded by factors like pricing pressures from payers, the demand for continuous investment in technology, and the potency for consolidation amongst healthcare providers.
Published by Kesiya Chacko
The market is being driven primarily by the increasing global burden of chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. These conditions demand early and accurate diagnosis, significantly boosting the demand for pathology services. Additionally, the industry is witnessing rapid digital transformation with the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and cloud-based Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), all of which enhance diagnostic accuracy, speed, and operational scalability. The global shift toward preventive and personalized medicine is further fueling growth, as healthcare stakeholders prioritize continuous monitoring and early detection.
The market is highly attractive for investors, projected to grow from USD 411.92 billion in 2025 to USD 818.4 billion by 2034 at a robust CAGR of 7.94%. This sustained growth is underpinned by structural healthcare changes, rising diagnostic volumes, and digital health integration. Emerging markets, particularly in Asia Pacific, offer strong upside potential due to healthcare infrastructure expansion and increasing diagnostics penetration. Consolidation opportunities through mergers and acquisitions also present avenues for value creation and competitive positioning.
The sector is undergoing a transformation through innovations like digital pathology, AI-powered diagnostics, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). AI, in particular, plays a pivotal role by improving image analysis accuracy, enabling early biomarker identification, and streamlining workflows. Fluorescent slide scanners and virtual microscopy are enabling remote diagnosis and expanding access in underserved regions. These advancements not only enhance clinical outcomes but also optimize cost-efficiency crucial for both private labs and hospital-based systems.
Regulations are evolving to match the pace of digital and AI adoption in diagnostics. In markets like North America and Europe, stringent compliance with standards such as CAP 15189 accreditation ensures quality and consistency. Governments and regulatory bodies are also increasingly focusing on data privacy and cybersecurity, especially with the proliferation of cloud-based systems. In developing economies, regulatory support is growing in tandem with healthcare investment, aiding market formalization and accelerating laboratory expansion.
Hospital-based pathology labs currently hold the largest market share, owing to their integration with inpatient and outpatient care. However, diagnostic chains are projected to grow at the fastest pace due to their scalability, brand trust, and ability to offer specialized services. From a testing services perspective, clinical and physiological tests remain dominant, while esoteric testing driven by complex and specialized diagnostics is expected to see the fastest growth. On the end-use side, physician referrals lead today, but corporate health screening and occupational health testing are rapidly gaining traction.
North America leads the market due to high-tech adoption and robust healthcare infrastructure. Europe is witnessing accelerated growth, driven by an aging population and innovation in molecular diagnostics. However, the Asia Pacific region stands out as the fastest-growing market, propelled by rising healthcare expenditures, expanding insurance coverage, and digital health initiatives. Countries like India and China are seeing particularly aggressive investments in diagnostic infrastructure, including private-public partnerships and government initiatives.
AI is significantly enhancing the productivity and diagnostic capabilities of pathology labs. It supports pathologists by rapidly analyzing slides, flagging anomalies, and assisting in the early detection of disease-specific biomarkers. Moreover, AI helps reduce error rates and allows for scalable remote diagnostics, especially important in rural or underserved areas. It is also transforming processes like digital histopathology and immunohistochemistry, contributing to faster turnaround times and reduced human fatigue.
Stats ID: | 8437 |
Format: | Databook |
Published: | June 2025 |
Delivery: | Immediate |
Last Updated: 18 Jun 2025
Source: Statifacts
Last Updated: 18 Jun 2025
Source: Statifacts
Subsegment | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | 2031 | 2032 | 2033 | 2034 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
COVID-19 Tests | 34.90 | 36.50 | 38.20 | 39.90 | 41.70 | 43.50 | 45.30 | 47.00 | 46.00 | 46.80 | 47.10 |
Esoteric Tests | 49.50 | 53.50 | 57.90 | 62.70 | 67.90 | 73.50 | 79.50 | 86.10 | 93.30 | 100.00 | 106.90 |
Imaging & Radiology Tests | 119.90 | 129.30 | 139.40 | 150.40 | 162.30 | 175.10 | 188.90 | 203.80 | 220.00 | 235.30 | 250.90 |
Clinical Tests and General Physiological | 176.70 | 192.60 | 209.90 | 228.90 | 249.50 | 272.00 | 296.60 | 323.40 | 355.50 | 384.10 | 413.50 |
Last Updated: 18 Jun 2025
Source: Statifacts
Stats ID: | 8437 |
Format: | Databook |
Published: | June 2025 |
Delivery: | Immediate |
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