Global Laboratory Proficiency Testing Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In July 2023, LGC Limited (US) acquired Kavo International (US) to enhance its range of quality measurement tools.

• In March 2023, the College of American Pathologists (US) introduced a new proficiency testing program for the monkeypox (mpox) virus. This initiative aims to improve the quality assurance of molecular testing processes and ensure accurate and reliable test results for detecting mpox.

• In April 2022, Spex CertiPrep (US) acquired NSI Lab Solutions (US) to expand its product offerings in the proficiency testing sector.

• In January 2022, Fera Science Ltd. - FAPAS (I-JK) partnered with BioFront Technologies, which will serve as the representative for FAPAS proficiency testing services in the United States.

The global laboratory proficiency testing market has seen considerable growth driven by increasing demand for accuracy and reliability in laboratory results. Proficiency testing, also known as interlaboratory comparison, is essential for ensuring that laboratory procedures and results meet established standards. This market encompasses various testing services including analytical chemistry, microbiology, and clinical diagnostics. Factors contributing to market expansion include stringent regulatory requirements, the growing emphasis on quality control in laboratories, and advancements in laboratory technologies.

The laboratory proficiency testing market can be segmented by testing type into chemical testing, microbiological testing, and clinical testing. Chemical testing holds a significant share, largely due to the extensive application of proficiency testing in analytical chemistry and environmental testing. Microbiological testing is also crucial, especially in pharmaceuticals and food safety sectors, where accuracy is critical. Clinical testing, driven by the need for high-quality diagnostic results, is growing rapidly with advancements in clinical laboratories and increasing disease prevalence.

Key drivers of the laboratory proficiency testing market include rising demand for accurate and reliable test results, stringent regulatory requirements, and growing emphasis on laboratory accreditation and certification. Technological advancements, such as automation and digitalization in laboratories, are also enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of proficiency testing. However, challenges such as high costs associated with proficiency testing programs and limited awareness in some regions may hinder market growth. The market is expected to witness emerging trends such as increased integration of proficiency testing with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and the adoption of proficiency testing in new laboratory domains.

Global Laboratory Proficiency Testing Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Laboratory Proficiency Testing Market has been segmented by Product Type, Application and Geography.

Global Laboratory Proficiency Testing Market, Segmentation by Product Type

The Global Laboratory Proficiency Testing Market has been segmented by Product Type into Pharmaceuticals, Biologics and Clinical Diagnostics.

This segment involves proficiency testing for various pharmaceutical products, including those used in clinical trials and routine quality control. Ensuring that pharmaceutical labs adhere to rigorous standards is essential for the safety and efficacy of new and existing medications. The growth in this segment is driven by the increasing demand for high-quality pharmaceuticals and the need for stringent quality assurance processes to meet regulatory requirements.

The biologics segment covers proficiency testing related to biological products, including vaccines, blood products, and gene therapies. This segment is expanding rapidly due to the advancements in biotechnological research and the rising number of biologics being developed and marketed. Proficiency testing in this area helps ensure that laboratories can accurately assess the potency, safety, and efficacy of these complex products. As the biologics market grows, there is an increasing emphasis on ensuring that testing laboratories maintain high standards to support the safety and effectiveness of biologic products.

Clinical diagnostics is another significant segment of the laboratory proficiency testing market. It involves the evaluation of diagnostic tests and procedures used in patient care. This segment includes proficiency testing for a wide range of diagnostic assays, from routine blood tests to more specialized tests for rare diseases. The demand for clinical diagnostics proficiency testing is driven by the need for accurate and reliable test results to guide patient diagnosis and treatment decisions. The growth in this segment is also supported by advancements in diagnostic technologies and the increasing emphasis on personalized medicine.

Global Laboratory Proficiency Testing Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Laboratory Proficiency Testing Market has been segmented by Application into Spectrophotometry, Chromatography, ELISA, PCR, Cell Culture and Others.

Spectrophotometry is a widely utilized technique in laboratory proficiency testing due to its fundamental role in measuring how much a chemical substance absorbs light. This method helps in determining the concentration of solutes in a solution and is crucial for accurate and reliable quantitative analysis in various fields including pharmaceuticals, environmental analysis, and clinical diagnostics. The proficiency testing for spectrophotometry ensures that laboratories maintain precision and accuracy in their measurements, which is essential for compliance with regulatory standards and for the credibility of their results.

Chromatography is another significant application in laboratory proficiency testing, encompassing techniques like gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC). These methods are essential for separating and analyzing compounds in complex mixtures, such as in drug testing, food and beverage analysis, and environmental monitoring. Proficiency testing in chromatography focuses on the ability of laboratories to accurately separate and quantify substances, ensuring that analytical procedures are performed correctly and that results are reproducible and reliable.

ELISA is a popular immunoassay technique used for detecting and quantifying substances such as proteins, hormones, and antibodies. Its applications are extensive, spanning clinical diagnostics, research, and quality control in manufacturing processes. Proficiency testing for ELISA ensures that laboratories can accurately perform assays and interpret results, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of diagnostic and research outcomes and for adhering to stringent regulatory requirements.

PCR is a critical technique used for amplifying small amounts of DNA or RNA, making it indispensable in genetic research, clinical diagnostics, and forensic analysis. Proficiency testing in PCR is vital to ensure that laboratories can accurately replicate genetic material and detect specific sequences, thereby providing reliable and reproducible results. This type of testing helps in verifying the effectiveness of PCR protocols and the accuracy of genetic analyses.

Cell culture techniques involve growing cells under controlled conditions and are fundamental for research in cell biology, drug development, and disease modeling. Proficiency testing in cell culture assesses a laboratory's ability to maintain, propagate, and analyze cells accurately. This ensures the reliability of experimental results and the proper handling of cell cultures, which is critical for the advancement of biomedical research and the development of new therapeutic interventions.

The Others category in laboratory proficiency testing encompasses a range of additional techniques and methods that are not covered by the primary applications mentioned above. This includes emerging or specialized testing methods that may be used in specific research areas or industries. Proficiency testing for these methods ensures that laboratories are capable of performing accurate and reliable analyses, contributing to the overall quality and credibility of laboratory services.

Global Laboratory Proficiency Testing Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Laboratory Proficiency Testing Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Laboratory Proficiency Testing Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

The North American region is a significant contributor to the global laboratory proficiency testing market. The growth in this region is driven by the advanced healthcare infrastructure, high investments in research and development, and stringent regulatory requirements. The United States, in particular, is a major market due to its large number of laboratories, high standards for testing accuracy, and ongoing technological advancements. Canada also plays a key role with its robust healthcare system and increasing emphasis on quality assurance in laboratory testing.

Europe holds a substantial share in the global laboratory proficiency testing market, with countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and France leading the way. The region benefits from a strong emphasis on healthcare quality and safety standards, supported by various regulations and policies aimed at ensuring laboratory proficiency. Additionally, the presence of a large number of accredited laboratories and a growing focus on improving laboratory practices further propels market growth in this region.

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth in the laboratory proficiency testing market, driven by expanding healthcare infrastructure, increasing investments in scientific research, and rising awareness about quality control in laboratories. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are at the forefront of this growth, supported by their large populations, growing healthcare needs, and advancements in laboratory technologies. The region's expanding pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries also contribute to the rising demand for proficiency testing.

The Middle East and Africa region is emerging as a growing market for laboratory proficiency testing, albeit at a slower pace compared to other regions. The growth in this area is driven by increasing healthcare investments, improving laboratory standards, and a rising focus on quality control. Countries like South Africa and Saudi Arabia are leading the market in this region, with efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure and regulatory frameworks contributing to market development.

Latin America shows a steady increase in the laboratory proficiency testing market, supported by improvements in healthcare systems and regulatory environments. Brazil and Mexico are the key markets in this region, with their expanding healthcare sectors and growing emphasis on laboratory quality. The region's progress in adopting international standards and increasing investment in healthcare infrastructure are expected to drive further growth in the laboratory proficiency testing market.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Laboratory Proficiency Testing Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers

• Increasing laboratory quality standards
• Expanding healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors
• Technological advancements in testing

• Growing demand for accuracy: The global Laboratory Proficiency Testing (LPT) market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for accuracy and reliability in laboratory results. As industries and regulatory bodies place greater emphasis on the precision of laboratory testing, proficiency testing has become a critical component in ensuring that laboratories meet stringent quality standards. This heightened focus on accuracy is spurred by the need for reliable test results in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and environmental testing, where even minor inaccuracies can have substantial implications.

  One of the primary factors contributing to the market's expansion is the growing complexity of testing procedures and the advancement of laboratory technologies. Laboratories are now dealing with more intricate and sophisticated analyses, which necessitate rigorous proficiency testing to validate their capabilities. Additionally, the rise in regulatory requirements across various regions has amplified the need for labs to regularly participate in proficiency tests to maintain compliance. This trend is particularly evident in markets with stringent quality assurance regulations, such as the European Union and North America.

  The increasing adoption of proficiency testing by emerging economies is fueling market growth. As these regions enhance their laboratory infrastructure and strive to meet international standards, there is a growing recognition of the value of proficiency testing in ensuring the credibility of their results. This global expansion is supported by both public and private sector initiatives aimed at improving laboratory practices and fostering international cooperation in quality assurance. As a result, the global Laboratory Proficiency Testing market is set to continue its upward trajectory, driven by the universal quest for accuracy and reliability in laboratory testing.

Restraints

• High cost of proficiency tests
• Limited availability of test providers
• Regulatory compliance challenges

• Lack of standardization across regions: The global Laboratory Proficiency Testing (LPT) market is facing significant challenges due to a lack of standardization across regions. This issue is primarily driven by the diverse regulatory environments and varying levels of maturity in laboratory practices around the world. In some regions, proficiency testing programs are well-established and closely regulated, ensuring consistent and high-quality performance metrics. However, in others, the absence of robust standards leads to inconsistent testing methodologies and unreliable results, which can undermine the credibility of the proficiency testing process.

  The lack of standardization impacts not only the accuracy of test results but also the overall effectiveness of laboratory accreditation programs. Laboratories in regions with less stringent regulations may struggle to meet the expectations of international standards, leading to discrepancies in data quality and reliability. This inconsistency can create challenges for multinational organizations that rely on uniform testing standards across their operations. The absence of a harmonized approach to proficiency testing may also hinder the ability to compare results from different regions effectively, complicating the process of ensuring global quality control.

  Efforts to address these challenges involve developing and promoting international guidelines and frameworks that encourage greater standardization in proficiency testing practices. Collaborative initiatives by international organizations and regulatory bodies aim to create a more cohesive approach to testing and accreditation. By bridging the gaps in standardization, these efforts seek to enhance the reliability and comparability of laboratory results globally, ultimately improving the overall quality of laboratory services and fostering greater confidence in the testing process.

Opportunities

• Emerging markets growth potential
• Rising emphasis on laboratory accreditation
• Innovations in testing technologies

• Increased funding for research programs: In recent years, the global laboratory proficiency testing market has experienced significant growth, largely driven by increased funding for research programs. Governments and private organizations are investing heavily in research and development to foster scientific advancements and ensure high standards in laboratory practices. This funding supports the development of new testing methodologies, the enhancement of existing technologies, and the expansion of proficiency testing programs, which are crucial for maintaining accuracy and reliability in laboratory results.

  The surge in research funding is also fueling innovations in laboratory proficiency testing services, with an emphasis on improving the precision and efficiency of testing procedures. Increased financial resources allow laboratories to adopt advanced technologies and methodologies, such as automated systems and data analytics tools, which enhance their testing capabilities and overall performance. Furthermore, this funding helps facilitate the development of comprehensive proficiency testing programs that cover a wide range of analytical techniques and laboratory disciplines.

  As research programs continue to receive substantial financial support, the laboratory proficiency testing market is expected to grow and evolve in response to emerging scientific challenges and technological advancements. Enhanced proficiency testing programs ensure that laboratories remain compliant with industry standards and regulatory requirements, ultimately contributing to the reliability of research outcomes and the advancement of scientific knowledge. This ongoing investment in laboratory proficiency underscores the critical role of accurate and reliable testing in driving scientific progress and innovation.

Key players in Global Laboratory Proficiency Testing Market include:

• LGC Limited
• Intertek Group plc
• SGS S.A
• Bureau Veritas S.A
• Eurofins Scientific
• DHL Supply Chain
• Qualsys Ltd
• Health Canada
• American Association for Laboratory Accreditation
• National Institute of Standards and Technology

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis