Drug Testing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Consumables, Instruments), By Sample (Urine Samples, Oral Fluid Samples), By Drug (Alcohol, Cannabis/Marijuana, Cocaine), By End-use, By Region)- Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Regional Outlook, and Forecast 2024-2033

Drug Testing Market Size and Forecast 2024 to 2033

The global drug testing market size was valued at USD 6.85 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach around USD 11.05 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2024 to 2033.

Drug Testing Market Key Takeaways

• North America drug testing market dominated and accounted for a 40.19% share in 2023.
• Asia Pacific drug testing market is anticipated to witness the fastest growth of 5.6% CAGR over the forecast period.
• The consumables segment dominated the market with a share of 36.12% in 2023
• The Rapid testing devices are anticipated to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period.
• The urine sample dominated the market and accounted for the largest share of 40.18% in 2023.
• The oral fluid segment is also expected to register the fastest growth over the forecast period.
• The cannabis/marijuana dominated the market and accounted for the largest share of 24.16% in 2023.
• The cannabis/marijuana segment is also expected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period.
• The drug testing laboratories segment dominated the end use segments with the largest market share of 36.11% in 2023.
• The workplace segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest growth rate over the forecast period.

The rise in substance abuse worldwide has led to a growing demand for drug testing solutions. Governments have implemented stringent regulations requiring alcohol and drug testing for safety purposes, alongside various initiatives to monitor and combat substance abuse. This combination is driving market growth in the drug testing industry.

Substance abuse is a significant concern, with the National Institute on Drug Abuse reporting that over 106,000 people in the U.S. died from overdoses in 2021, including both illegal drugs and prescription opioids. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice has highlighted that around 50% of workplace accidents and up to 40% of employee theft can be attributed to substance abuse.

In response to this crisis, the U.S. government passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (CAA 23) in December 2022. This act allocated funds to the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for the 2023 fiscal year, strengthening and expanding its substance use disorder and mental health programs. The law builds on previous legislation, such as the SUPPORT Act, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), and the 21st Century Cures Act.

Globally, other countries are also taking action. For instance, in 2018, Canada approved the use of roadside oral fluid screening devices to detect drug-impaired drivers. Health Canada's Substance Use & Addictions Program (SUAP) funds projects addressing substance use problems, supporting prevention, harm reduction, and treatment efforts across the country. Similarly, the UK government launched a 10-year drug plan in December 2021 to reduce crime and save lives by cutting off the drug supply and helping individuals overcome addiction.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the overdose and addiction crisis, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the healthcare sector. People with substance use disorders are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, which has led to worse health outcomes for this group. However, the pandemic has also spurred innovation in healthcare delivery, increasing accessibility to essential services. The U.S. government’s regulatory flexibility during this period has allowed for remote prescribing of buprenorphine and take-home dosing of methadone, which are crucial for treating opioid use disorder. Although data is limited, there has been a noticeable increase in various types of drug use in the U.S. since March 2020.

U.S. Drug Testing Market Size, Industry Report, 2033

The U.S. drug testing market size was USD xx billion in 2023, calculated at USD xx billion in 2024 and is expected to reach around USD xx billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of xx% from 2024 to 2033.

North America drug testing market dominated and accounted for a 40.19% share in 2023. This high share is attributable to the local presence of key global market players, such as Bio-Rad Laboratories, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Thermo Fisher Scientific, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. and others. Moreover, the growth of the drug testing market in North America can majorly be attributed to the increasing incidence of abuse, stringent government regulations, and active screening programs. The governments are actively engaged in controlling the consumption of hazardous drugs to minimize the cost burden associated with it. In addition, the authorities are focusing on formulating new policies. For instance, in September 2023, San Francisco Human Services Agency (SFHSA) announced a new initiative that would need people suffering from substance use disorder who wish to gain access to county funds to enroll in treatment and services.

U.S. Drug Testing Market Trends

The drug testing market in the U.S. is expected to grow over the forecast period due to increasing alcohol consumption. Moreover, according to data published by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) in February 2023, around 46% of the U.S. drug users have reported consumption of cannabis and prescription stimulants, which includes 10% of the population consuming cocaine, 36% using opioids & methamphetamine, and 15% heroin. The authorities are taking these steps to control the spread of illicit drugs.

Europe Drug Testing Market Trends

Drug testing market in Europe was identified as a lucrative region in this industry. Growth is attributable to the rising emphasis on workplace safety, increasing awareness of substance abuse issues, and efforts to ensure public safety, especially in transportation and heavy industries. Furthermore, the increasing incidence of illicit drug trade is expected to offer growth opportunities for market growth during the forecast period.

The drug testing market in the UK is expected to grow over the forecast period due to the increased government focus and substantial investments to control drug abuse. For instance, in August 2023, the Office for Life Sciences, UK, awarded funding of USD 6.24 million to develop new technologies, which can improve testing services. Additionally, government authorities are focusing on controlling deaths caused by addiction and overdose.

France Drug Testing Market is anticipated to witness significant growth over the forecast period owing to rising consumption of illicit drugs, misuse of prescriptions, and stringent government regulations. Furthermore, the growing illegal handling and supply of illicit drugs is projected to have a positive impact on the market. In addition, an increase in government initiatives to boost drug abuse testing is anticipated to propel the demand for testing solutions in France.

The drug testing market in Germany is expected to grow over the forecast period due to ongoing developments in the country, such as, implementation of stringent government regulations, evolving societal attitudes toward substance use, and advancements in testing technologies. The country places a strong emphasis on employee rights and privacy, influencing the adoption of testing practices within legal boundaries. In August 2023, the German Federal Cabinet approved a new draft for the controlled use of cannabis. The new regulation will focus on the utilization of cannabis for medicinal purposes, its supply, and issues related to cannabis handling.

Asia Pacific Drug Testing Market Trends

Asia Pacific drug testing market is anticipated to witness the fastest growth of 5.6% CAGR over the forecast period. Several key trends are reshaping the landscape of the drug testing market in the Asia Pacific. One prominent trend is the increasing focus on preventing the consumption of illicit drug consumption. Healthcare providers as well as government authorities in Asia Pacific recognize the importance of spreading awareness about the harmful effects of illicit drugs. Moreover, there is a growing emphasis on the innovation of new testing technologies and growing investments in product development. In March 2023, Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced a new plan to deploy a new saliva test kit for the detection of drugs at roadblocks and checkpoints. The new test is capable of providing accurate results in about 10 minutes

The drug testing market in China is expected to grow over the forecast period due to the rise in drug abuse, especially alcohol and illicit drug abuse, which is very common among youngsters. Moreover, the growth of the market can also be attributed to the increasing number of product launches and growing availability of rapid test kits. For instance, in March 2021, the Hong Kong police force deployed DrugWipe 6 S Ketamine for rapid screening tests for roadside drug screening.

Japan Drug Testing Market is expected to grow over the forecast period. This is attributable to the government making collaborative efforts to boost drug testing in the region. In October 2023, the Japanese government dispensed drug testing kits to the Maldives Customs Service and Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF). Moreover, in April 2023, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) introduced and deployed Japan's very first simple test kit for detection of "date rape drugs.”

Latin America Drug Testing Market Trends

Latin America drug testing market is anticipated to grow at a substantial growth rate over the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the increasing penetration of key players in the region. Several key players have established their testing laboratories in countries such as Brazil and Mexico to gain a competitive edge. High consumption in several Latin American countries and increased prevalence of substance use disorder in the region are anticipated to create lucrative opportunities in the market.

The drug testing market in Brazil is expected to grow over the forecast period. The high prevalence of drug abuse in Brazil is anticipated to be a major factor boosting the demand for testing in the region. To fulfill the growing demand for testing, several key players operating in the market are entering the Brazilian drug testing market by implementing organic and inorganic growth strategies.

Saudi Arabia Drug Testing Market Trends

The drug testing market in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow over the forecast period. This can be attributed to the increase in the incidence of substance abuse and growth in the trend of workplace drug testing in the country. In September 2022, Saudi authorities seized amphetamine pills worth USD 47 million. In the past few decades, pre-employment testing has become a common mandatory practice in the workplace. Pre-employment testing laboratories accredited by the Saudi Arabian government generally test around 46,000 samples per year. However, low funding for specialized health programs, such as drug addiction treatment, is expected to hamper the market growth.

Drug Testing Market Report Scope

Drug Testing Market Report Segmentation Insights

Product Insights

The consumables segment dominated the market with a share of 36.12% in 2023 as consumables, including various kits, reagents, columns, calibrators, blue dye tablets, specimen & temperature test strips, and controls play an important role in drug testing. Consumables are widely used for improving confirmation testing. In June 2023, almost 100,000 xylazine test strips were procured after the introduction of a new statewide ordering system by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. This would enable the public & clinicians to obtain the essential damage mitigation tool to combat the hazards linked to xylazine and its growing illegal trade by offering free test strips. Such initiatives are expected to drive market growth.

Rapid testing devices are anticipated to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period, owing to the increasing use of substance use products like opioids. According to WHO estimates, there would be about 296 million people worldwide who consumed drugs at least once in 2021. Of this, about 60 million consumed opioids. Thus, rising consumption of opioids and other drugs is projected to fuel demand for rapid testing devices during the forecast period. Strategic initiatives like new product launches, partnerships, and mergers & acquisitions are being carried out by government & nongovernment bodies to curb the use of drugs, contributing to the market growth. For instance, in October 2023, the Kerala Police launched a handheld rapid drug testing device system, SoToxa Mobile Test, to identify people who took drugs even 2 days before. This rapid device system uses human saliva as a sample, giving results in just 5 minutes.

Sample Insights

The urine sample dominated the market and accounted for the largest share of 40.18% in 2023. This can be attributed to increasing urine collection for testing purposes. A crucial tool for adhering to a prescribed regimen and preventing substance misuse or abuse is Urine Drug Monitoring (UDM). UDM is a tool for screening patients receiving opioid therapy for adherence and spotting potential abuse & misuse. Urine sample testing is one of the only methods approved for testing by the Department of Health and Department of Transportation. These samples can be used for point-of-care and laboratory diagnostic conditions.

The oral fluid segment is also expected to register the fastest growth over the forecast period. Oral fluid samples are used in oral fluid testing to detect concentration that correlates to plasma concentration. These samples are advantageous in detecting under-influence cases and depicting recent use. This type of sample requires specialized collection devices to maintain sample stability. Moreover, quantification is an issue in oral fluid samples as many devices tend to absorb the collected oral fluid, thus giving poor drug identification results. However, advancements in products and the launch of specialized collectors, such as Oral-Eze, facilitate the use of oral fluid sample collection.

Drug Insights

The cannabis/marijuana dominated the market and accounted for the largest share of 24.16% in 2023. This can be attributed to the increasing use of marijuana or cannabis as an illicit drug in the world, creating a demand for its testing kits and instruments. Furthermore, cannabis/marijuana is most frequently used in important markets, which drives up demand for testing supplies and equipment.

The cannabis/marijuana segment is also expected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period. In the U.S., marijuana is categorized under the Controlled Substances Act as a hallucinogen. It is illegal under federal law; however, some states have legalized its recreational use. Countries such as Canada, the U.S. (only in some states), and Uruguay have legalized the recreational use of cannabis. As marijuana or cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide, the demand for its testing solutions is expected to remain high over the forecast period. One of the main reasons for the market's expansion has been the rising demand for legal Cannabis/Marijuana. Many nations have recently made it legal to use medical marijuana to treat a range of conditions. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of medical marijuana and its derivatives in treating the symptoms of a range of substance use disorders.

End-use Insights

The drug testing laboratories segment dominated the end use segments with the largest market share of 36.11% in 2023. This is attributable to the testing laboratories’ large presence and offerings. However, the workplace segment is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period owing to strict regulation undertaken by public and private organizations to maintain substance drug use-free environment. Moreover, laboratories can test for any drug’s presence, which is not possible with rapid tests. In addition, strict certification processes make results from laboratories more accurate. Hence, laboratory testing is requested to initiate appropriate treatment based on drug use and overdose.

The workplace segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest growth rate over the forecast period. Workplaces are key end users of drug testing as most organizations conduct pre-employment drug tests and tests during employment. Urine samples are one of the most common types of testing sample collection methods used by government agencies and employers. Typical drugs that are screened during pre-employment procedures include amphetamines & marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, Phenylcyclohexyl Piperidine (PCP), and opiates. Workplace drug testing is rising rapidly to ensure drug-free premises for companies.

Drug Testing Market Top Key Companies:

The following are the leading companies in the drug testing market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends.

• Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
• Abbott
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
• Quidel Corporation
• Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
• Siemens Healthcare GmbH
• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
• Agilent Technologies, Inc.
• Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
• Clinical Reference Laboratory, Inc.
• Cordant Health Solutions

Drug Testing Market Recent Developments

• In February 2024, Swiss sample collection company Capitainer, announced fund raising of USD 7.7 million via a Series A financing round. This funding aims at expanding and scaling up production capacity, solidifying sales of its self-sampling blood sample products in the EU and US, and initiating key collaborations.
• In February 2024, Veriteque announced a new distributor agreement with OraSure Technologies, a leading manufacturer of in vitro diagnostic products. Under this agreement, the company will utilize OraSure's rapid point-of-care (POC) tests for infectious diseases, including HIV, HCV, and syphilis, in [specific regions/countries]. The partnership will enable healthcare providers and patients in these regions to access these life-saving tests more easily and efficiently.
• In December 2023, Quest Diagnostics announced the launch of its new 88-Compound Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) Test Panel, a comprehensive test designed to detect and identify novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in urine samples. The 88-Compound NPS Test Panel is designed to help healthcare providers, laboratories, and law enforcement agencies detect and monitor the use of NPS, which are increasingly being used as alternatives to illegal drugs.
• In October 2023, ProciseDx Inc. received de novo FDA clearance for its groundbreaking therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) tests for adalimumab and infliximab innovative tests, called Procise ADL and Procise IFX, which enable healthcare professionals to accurately quantify the levels of adalimumab and infliximab in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) who are undergoing treatment with these medications.
• In July 2023, Siemens Healthineers launched its Atellica RX Series and CI analyzer, a next-generation immunoassay analyzer that can perform high-volume testing for toxicology and other clinical chemistry applications.

Drug Testing Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the Drug Testing market.

By Product 

• Consumables
• Instruments
• Rapid Testing Devices
• Services

By Sample 

• Urine Samples
• Oral Fluid Samples
• Hair Samples
• Other Samples

By Drug 

• Alcohol
• Cannabis/Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Opioids
• Amphetamine & Methamphetamine
• LSD
• Others

By End-use 

• Drug Testing Laboratories
• Workplaces
• Hospitals
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)