Drug Screening Market Size

Drug Screening Market Analysis

The Drug Screening Market size is estimated at USD 7.30 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 15.60 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 16.36% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The global drug screening market is primarily fueled by factors such as the rise in drug and alcohol consumption, stringent alcohol and drug testing regulations, generous government funding for pharmaceutical research, and expedited regulatory approvals.

The increasing consumption of drugs is expected to increase demand for drug screening products which is anticipated to boost the market growth. For instance, approximately 83.4 million adults (29%) in the European Union have reportedly used illicit drugs at least once, according to the 2023 European Drug Report. Cannabis is the predominant illicit drug consumed in Europe, with an estimated 8% of European adults using it in 2022 based on national surveys. Thus, a high number of the population consumes drugs, which impacts the lives of individuals and is likely to increase demand for drug screening, thereby boosting segment growth.

Moreover, increasing consumption of drugs and alcohol and treatment is expected to increase demand for drug screening in hospital settings and thus likely to boost to market growth over the projected period. For instance, as per National statistics published by GOV. UK in December 2023, between April 2022 and March 2023, 290,635 adults received support for substance use issues. This is a small rise compared to the previous year 289,215. Moreover, the same source stated that the number of adults entering treatment from 2022 to 2023 was 137,749, which is higher than the previous 2 years’ figures of 130,490 and 133,704. Thus, the rise in drug and alcohol consumption is often linked to public safety concerns and is likely to boost the market growth.

Several laws and regulations mandate drug and alcohol testing in various sectors and implementation of such laws is expected to increase demand for drug screening products and devices, likely to contribute to the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in November 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released updates outlining the drug and alcohol testing requirements were implemented by the FMCSA and its preceding agency. These regulations specify the individuals subject to testing, the frequency of testing, and the circumstances triggering testing. Additionally, the regulations safeguard employee privacy by limiting the use and disclosure of sensitive drug and alcohol testing information by employers and service agents.

Presence of key market players their continuous efforts to expand the drug screening products are expected to fuel the market growth. For instance:

In December 2023, test kits for date rape drugs are available in emergency rooms across all Quebec hospitals. These test kits can detect over 200 psychoactive substances, including gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), called a date-rape drug.

Thus, growing alcohol and drug consumption and stringent regulation for drug screening as well as product launches is expected to contribute in market growth over the forecast period. Alcohol and drug consumption prohibitions in certain countries impede the global drug screening market's expansion. Restrictions on drug testing in workplaces, especially in developed economies, further hinder market growth.