What is driving the growth of the global faecal occult testing market?

The faecal occult testing market was valued at USD 1.10 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1.84 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.30% during 2025–2034. The market’s expansion is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of colorectal cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, coupled with rising awareness about early diagnosis and preventive screening.

As healthcare systems globally emphasize early detection, faecal occult blood tests (FOBT) have become a crucial non-invasive screening tool. The market is benefiting from technological advancements in immunochemical testing (FIT kits), government screening programs, and the rising elderly population, who are at higher risk for colorectal diseases.

Understanding the Faecal Occult Testing Market

Faecal occult testing (FOBT) is a diagnostic procedure used to detect hidden (occult) blood in the stool, often an early sign of colorectal cancer (CRC) or other gastrointestinal conditions. It serves as a first-line screening test before more invasive methods such as colonoscopy are performed.

There are two major types of faecal occult tests:

  • Guaiac-based Faecal Occult Blood Test (gFOBT) – detects peroxidase activity of hemoglobin.

  • Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT or iFOBT) – uses antibodies to specifically detect human hemoglobin.

The shift from guaiac-based to immunochemical testing has boosted accuracy, reduced false positives, and simplified testing procedures, making faecal occult testing more reliable and user-friendly.

Market Overview and Key Growth Factors

The global faecal occult testing market is evolving rapidly due to several interrelated factors:

  • Increasing Colorectal Cancer Cases: According to the World Health Organization, colorectal cancer ranks among the top three cancers globally. The growing disease burden fuels demand for early screening.

  • Government Screening Initiatives: National programs in countries like the UK, Japan, and Australia recommend routine FIT tests for adults above 50, boosting market penetration.

  • Technological Innovation: The introduction of automated analyzers, point-of-care testing, and high-sensitivity immunoassays is expanding diagnostic efficiency.

  • Rising Awareness and Preventive Healthcare: Public health campaigns and physician recommendations have increased the adoption of preventive testing.

  • Aging Population: With rising life expectancy, the number of people at risk for colorectal disorders continues to grow.

Market Segmentation

1. Market Breakup by End Use

Hospitals

Hospitals dominate the global faecal occult testing market due to the high patient volume, advanced diagnostic infrastructure, and integration of laboratory automation systems. Many hospitals include faecal occult testing as part of routine annual screenings.

Physicians’ Office Laboratories

This segment is growing steadily as point-of-care tests (POCTs) gain popularity for faster diagnosis and convenience. These facilities often serve as the first contact point for patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Clinical Diagnostic Laboratories

Clinical laboratories form a vital segment, supported by specialized testing capabilities, bulk test processing, and partnerships with hospitals and insurance providers for screening programs.

Regional Insights

North America

North America leads the global market, primarily driven by high awareness levels, established colorectal cancer screening programs, and technological advancements in diagnostic testing. The United States is the largest contributor, supported by initiatives such as the CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP).

Europe

Europe holds a significant market share, with countries like the UK, Germany, and France implementing nationwide FIT-based screening programs. The region’s focus on preventive healthcare and well-developed reimbursement systems are major growth enablers.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing market, fueled by the rising incidence of gastrointestinal cancers, improving healthcare access, and increasing adoption of diagnostic screening in countries such as Japan, China, and South Korea.

Latin America

Growing public-private collaborations and awareness initiatives are gradually boosting screening rates across Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina. However, limited access to testing facilities remains a challenge.

Middle East and Africa

MEA is expected to witness moderate growth due to the expansion of diagnostic infrastructure and increasing healthcare expenditure in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Key Market Trends

  • Shift from gFOBT to FIT: The faecal immunochemical test is increasingly replacing the guaiac test due to higher sensitivity and patient compliance.

  • Rising Home-Based Test Kits: Self-testing kits and mail-in sample services are making screening more accessible.

  • Automation and AI Integration: Diagnostic companies are incorporating machine learning algorithms to improve accuracy and interpretation of results.

  • Expansion of Public Screening Programs: Governments are subsidizing colorectal cancer tests to promote early detection.

  • Growing Role of POCT (Point-of-Care Testing): Portable test devices and rapid result systems are enhancing diagnostic efficiency in primary care settings.

Market Challenges

Despite its growth, the faecal occult testing market faces some limitations:

  • False Positives/Negatives: Diet and medication can influence results in guaiac-based testing.

  • Low Awareness in Developing Regions: Many individuals remain unaware of screening importance until symptoms appear.

  • Preference for Colonoscopy in High-Income Regions: In some regions, direct colonoscopy screening reduces reliance on occult testing.

  • Reimbursement Barriers: Lack of insurance coverage in emerging economies hinders widespread adoption.

Competitive Landscape

Leading players in the faecal occult testing market are focusing on technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and expanding their product portfolios to strengthen their market presence.

Key Companies Covered:

  • Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT)

  • bioMérieux SA

  • Danaher Corporation

  • Eiken Chemical Co. Ltd.

  • Quidel Corporation

  • Eurolyser Diagnostica GmbH

  • HemoCue America

  • Others

These companies are investing in next-generation immunochemical testing kits, automated analyzers, and AI-driven detection systems. Strategic collaborations with healthcare providers and public screening programs further enhance their reach.

Future Outlook

The future of the faecal occult testing market is promising, with the integration of digital health technologies, telemedicine, and remote sample collection methods enhancing accessibility. As governments intensify colorectal cancer prevention efforts, demand for affordable, accurate, and non-invasive testing solutions will rise.

By 2034, the market will likely see:

  • Wider use of FIT as the global standard for CRC screening.

  • Growth in home-based and point-of-care testing devices.

  • Increased collaboration between diagnostic firms and public health agencies.

  • Development of AI-based predictive analytics for early cancer risk assessment.

Overall, the faecal occult testing market will remain central to global colorectal cancer prevention strategies.

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