Increasing Preference for Non-invasive Diagnostic Tests Propels Fecal Occult Testing Market, says Market.us

Fecal occult testing is a medical screening test that detects small amounts of blood in the stool, which may indicate the presence of various gastrointestinal disorders, including colorectal cancer. The test is performed using a stool sample and is usually recommended for people over 50 years old or those with certain risk factors for colorectal cancer.

The fecal occult testing market refers to the industry involved in the production and distribution of fecal occult testing kits and related products used in medical settings for diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders.

According to the latest report by Market.us, “The global fecal occult testing market size was valued at over USD 1,431 Million in 2023 to reach USD 2,361 Million by 2032 at a CAGR of 5.2%.” 

The market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years due to an increased incidence of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases, as well as growing demand for non-invasive and convenient diagnostic tools.

The key driving factor for the growth of the fecal occult testing market is the Increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, particularly colorectal cancer. Growing awareness about the importance of early detection and screening for colorectal cancer. Advancements in testing methods and technologies, lead to more accurate and sensitive tests. 

Rising demand for non-invasive and convenient diagnostic tools. The growing elderly population, who are at higher risk for gastrointestinal disorders and cancer. Government initiatives and reimbursement policies supporting colorectal cancer screening programs.

Anurag Sharma, senior research analyst at market.us said that  “Technological advancements in testing methods, such as the development of more sensitive and accurate tests, are also expected to drive market growth. The market is geographically diverse, with major regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.”

Development of multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA) tests, which can detect multiple biomarkers associated with colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders. Increasing use of automated and point-of-care fecal occult testing devices for rapid and convenient screening. 

Adoption of digital fecal occult testing technologies, which can transmit test results to healthcare providers remotely and improve patient compliance with screening recommendations. Growing focus on patient-centric and personalized screening strategies, which take into account individual risk factors and preferences. 

The emergence of artificial intelligence and machine learning-based fecal occult testing algorithms, which can improve the accuracy and efficiency of test interpretation. Integration of fecal occult testing with other diagnostic modalities, such as imaging and genetic testing, to improve diagnostic accuracy and inform treatment decisions. These trends are expected to shape the future of the fecal occult testing market and drive innovation in the development of new and improved screening technologies.

Patient discomfort and reluctance to participate in fecal occult testing due to the perceived unpleasantness of the test. Limited sensitivity and specificity of traditional fecal occult tests, leading to high false positive and false negative rates. Lack of awareness and education among healthcare providers and patients about the importance of colorectal cancer screening and the benefits of fecal occult testing.

High cost of some fecal occult testing products, which can limit access to screening for some patients and healthcare facilities. Competition from alternative screening modalities, such as colonoscopy and non-invasive imaging tests, which may be preferred by some patients and providers. 

Regulatory challenges and quality control issues, particularly in emerging markets, can limit the availability and reliability of fecal occult testing products. These factors may present challenges for the growth and adoption of fecal occult testing in certain markets and populations, but continued research and development of new screening technologies and improved education and awareness efforts can help to mitigate these challenges.

The fecal occult testing market offers several types of tests, such as guaiac-based tests, immunochemical tests, and DNA-based tests. The fecal occult testing market serves a variety of end-users, including. Fecal occult testing is primarily used for the diagnosis and screening of colorectal cancer, but can also be used to detect other gastrointestinal disorders. Fecal occult testing products can be distributed through various channels, including direct sales, online platforms, and third-party distributors.

An example of fecal occult testing is the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which is a type of immunochemical test used to screen for colorectal cancer. The test is designed to detect tiny amounts of blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal disorders.

The test involves collecting a small sample of stool, either at home or at a healthcare provider’s office and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. In the laboratory, the stool sample is mixed with a solution that reacts with human hemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells. 

If there is blood present in the stool, the solution will change color, indicating a positive result. FIT is a non-invasive and convenient screening test that is recommended for average-risk individuals starting at age 45 or 50, depending on the guidelines of the relevant medical organizations. If the test result is positive, further testing, such as a colonoscopy, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.