Medlab Middle East, the MENA region’s largest medical laboratory exhibition and congress, in partnership with leading research firm Frost & Sullivan, has revealed the global in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) market grew by 14% in 2020 to US$85.9 billion, up from US$ 75.2 billion the previous year, as a result of meeting the demand for COVID-19 testing.
IVD, which refers to tests done on samples such as blood or tissue taken from the human body, can detect diseases or other conditions and can be used to help cure, treat, or prevent disease. The need for IVD has grown exponentially as a result of POCT and molecular diagnostics due to the surge of COVID-19 testing globally.
Medlab ME Covid-19 testing 
Tom Coleman Group Exhibition Director Informa Markets
Tom Coleman, Exhibition Director for Informa Markets, said: “According to the Frost & Sullivan report, hospital-based testing unrelated to COVID-19, which accounts for 57% of the IVD market, was severely impacted as a result of reduced patient volumes. However, the IVD market is expected to witness robust growth in 2021 driven by new innovations and the ramp-up of rapid COVID-19 tests and the resumption of routine testing.”
The report also revealed the UAE and Saudi Arabia have already seen great progress in the clinical laboratory segment by introducing new technologies and the increasing penetration of private independent labs. The research has revealed a clear shift from hospital-based labs to independent labs with advanced technology, leading to lower-priced tests due to economies of scale.
“There are an anticipated four key growth areas for the POCT industry. We have already seen a rise in demand for rapid, economical, easy-to-use POCT devices for infectious disease diagnostics in the UAE to free up resources and monitor containment efforts. Other key areas that represent the biggest opportunities for growth are the adoption of managed clinical services in the region’s hospitals, smart labs-as-a-service for automation of laboratory services and the need for next-generation sequencing testing for genetic testing,” added Coleman.
The Medlab Middle East Congress will host a dedicated session on 21 June addressing the challenges in laboratory management resulting from COVID-19, chaired by Carlo Kaabar, Medical Director, MOHAP Laboratories, Purehealth, Sharjah, the conference will deep dive into the significant challenges clinical laboratories have faced, from initial testing and diagnosis to patient monitoring and treatment.
On day two, a dedicated COVID-19 session will take place chaired by Dr Eiman Ahmed Al Zaabi, Chair of Department, Physician-Laboratory Medicine Services, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE and Dr Gehad Eltayeb ElGhazali, Consultant Physician and Service Lead Clinical Immunologist, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The conference track will provide a unique opportunity for global experts and leading voices in SARS-CoV-2 virology, immunology, vaccines, clinical care, therapeutic guidelines, and trials to help shape development and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Insights will come from leading lights in the sector, and in addition to the chairs of the session, will also include Dr Farida Al Hosani, Official Spokesperson for Health Sector in the UAE, and Dr Nawal Ahmed Mohamed Al Kaabi, UAE Principal Investigator, Shaikh Khalifa Medical City CMO and Chairperson of the National COVID-19 Clinical Management Committee.
“We expect to see continued investment and innovation in POCT diagnostics, with several examples on show at Medlab Middle East Middle 2021. Testing will remain a priority throughout 2021 and beyond, with convenience and speed set to be a major factor for both patients and laboratories,” said Coleman.
“With this in mind, we have developed a conference programme designed to include the latest science on COVID-19 and its impact on healthcare in the region – with perspectives on different types of tests, vaccines, and ongoing research – as well as how lab specialists can work together for the benefit of a brighter tomorrow,” he added.
Coinciding with Arab Health, Medlab Middle East will take place from 21 – 24 June at the Dubai World Trade Centre and is set to attract a range of key laboratory and trade professionals from across the region for the live and in-person event. It will feature keynote speeches and scientific lectures, industry briefings, product demonstrations and networking opportunities, as well as a series of pre-arranged one-to-one meetings, with an emphasis on creating lasting relationships. A virtual showcase will take place from 23 May – 22 July.
For more information, please visit www.medlabme.com.
