Canada Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product (Instruments and Reagents & Kits), By Setting (Laboratory Testing and Point-of-Care (POC)), By Application (Chlamydia, Syphilis, Genital Herpes, Gonorrhea, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Trichomonas Vaginalis, Mycoplasma Genitalium, Candida Vaginitis, Bacterial Vaginosis, and Others), By End-user (Independent Clinical Laboratories, Hospital-based Laboratories, Homecare Settings, and Others), and Country Forecast, 2024-2032

The Canada sexually transmitted disease testing market size was valued at USD 320.1 million in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 332.1 million in 2024 to USD 465.7 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are infections that are typically spread through sexual intercourse, and some, such as herpes and HPV, can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Many STDs do not show symptoms initially, although they can lead to serious health complications. Testing for STDs involves samples of blood, urine, and other body fluids. There is a rising prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, HIV/AIDS, and HPV.

The rise in the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, coupled with the increased government efforts to raise awareness about sexual health and STD diagnosis, is expected to drive the growth of the Canada sexually transmitted disease testing market.

• For instance, in June 2023, according to the Alberta Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV 2022 report, the total number of 25,405 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) cases were reported in 2022 in the Alberta Province of Canada. The cases of chlamydia increased by 19.4% compared to 2021.

This scenario is expected to boost the growth of the market for sexually transmitted disease testing in Canada.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the growth of the sexually transmitted disease testing market in Canada. Testing for STDs at various locations, such as diagnostic centers and hospitals, decreased as resources were diverted to combat the spread of COVID-19. This resulted in a lower number of STD cases being tested and an increase in the undiagnosed population in Canada.

Sales of STD diagnostic kits also declined in 2020 due to a decrease in demand and disruptions in the supply chain. Many market players witnessed a drop in revenues during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the market displayed a significant recovery in 2021 and fully rebounded by 2022, driven by an increase in untreated STD cases during the pandemic.

Government initiatives to raise awareness about STD diagnosis and treatment and the introduction of new products for Point-of-care Testing (POCT) in Canada are expected to contribute to the stable growth of the market during the forecast period of 2024-2032.

Canada Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing Market Trends

Transition toward STD Point-of-Care Testing is a Prominent Trend in the Market

An important trend in the STD testing market is the growing preference for point-of-care testing over traditional laboratory testing. STD diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of transmission, and as a result, there is a shift toward more convenient and accessible testing methods.

With the rise in STD cases, government efforts to raise awareness about the importance of STD diagnosis have increased. There is also a focus on improving STD testing rates nationwide. In addition, government research is being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of various diagnostic tools for infectious diseases.

• The Government of Canada released a research study report in March 2022. It was related to the evaluation of RevealTM Rapid TP (Treponema pallidum) Antibody test and DPP Syphilis Screen test for syphilis.

Moreover, the government of Canada has launched awareness programs to make people self-sample and utilize point-of-care tests. Such government initiatives to make people aware of STD testing is poised to boost the growth of the market during the forecast period.

• For instance, in January 2024, the Government of Canada launched the cervix self-screening program. With this program, women aged 25 to 69 in British Columbia can order the self-screening kit for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Such initiatives by the government are slated to lead to the growth of the market during the forecast period.

In addition, there is flexibility associated with point-of-care testing, as it can be performed at various locations such as home settings, hospitals, physicians' offices, and clinics. The point-of-care test shows accurate results in less time, and thus, these advantages aid in getting early result reports. Such advantages are expected to boost the market growth during the forecast period.

Canada Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing Market Growth Factors

Increasing Number of Sexually Transmitted Disease Cases to Boost Market Expansion

The rising prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in Canada is projected to increase the need for testing of these infections.

• According to data released by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), there were 13,953 reported cases of infectious syphilis in 2022, amounting to a rate of 36.1 cases per 100,000 population. This marks a 109.0% increase from 2018. These escalating case numbers are anticipated to drive an uptick in testing demand at clinical laboratories, contributing to overall market growth.

Moreover, the increasing focus of key market players on launching diagnostic kits and tests is expected to contribute toward the Canada sexually transmitted disease testing market growth during the forecast period.

• For instance, in March 2023, bioLytical Laboratories received marketing approval from Health Canada for the INSTI Multiplex HIV-1/2 Syphilis Antibody Test that can be used at the professional point-of-care setting across Canada.

Lack of education on safe sexual practices and sharing of contaminated personal items such as needles, equipment for drug use, tattooing, and others increases the concerns about the STD rates in the Canadian population.

• For instance, in February 2020, according to the McMaster University study on safe sex practice, it was found that seven out of ten Canadians do not use condoms while having penile-vaginal intercourse. Such scenarios are leading to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and thus increase the demand for STD testing.

Moreover, increasing product launches for rapid diagnosis and rising incidence of sexually transmitted diseases in Canada drive the growth of the market.  

Rise in Government Initiatives to Disseminate STI Testing Awareness to Propel Market Growth

The Canadian government has heightened its efforts to raise awareness about the detection and diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases due to the rising prevalence of STDs and a significant number of untreated individuals in the population. Moreover, to increase convenience and maintain privacy, the government is taking initiatives to self-sampling techniques. The increasing initiatives by the government to enhance diagnostic and treatment plans are propelling market growth.

• In addition to this, in February 2024, the Canadian Minister of Health launched the Government of Canada's Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBI) action plan 2024-2030 to prevent the spread of STBBI and to provide proper treatment for it.

Furthermore, the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) has identified three key strategies for preventing the sexual transmission of HIV such as proper condom use, the use of oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and ensuring that individuals maintain an undetectable viral load through Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) when in contact with those infected with HIV. As a result, government efforts to raise awareness about STDs have led to an increase in STD testing across the country.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Hesitation for STD Testing May Hamper the Market Expansion during the Forecast Period

Despite the government's efforts to increase awareness and control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases in Canada, a considerable portion of the population still avoids STD testing. Factors such as stigma surrounding sexual health, lack of awareness, and limited resources for sexual health counseling contribute to the low adoption rates of STD testing. This hesitancy is a key barrier to market growth. In addition, the treatment structure and time-intensive nature of testing and treatment procedures further frighten individuals from seeking diagnosis and care for sexually transmitted diseases.

• In 2018, according to an article by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), around half of Canadians were never tested for Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBI). The common reasons identified for the reluctance of Canadians were stigma and fear associated with the disease and privacy concerns. Such scenarios are limiting the adoption of sexually transmitted disease testing in the region and thus hampering the growth of the market.

Moreover, it is anticipated that the growing efficacy of HPV vaccines will raise awareness about HPV immunization in Canada, ultimately helping to prevent the population from contracting these infections.

• For example, the Public Health Association of British Columbia reports that vaccines such as Cervarix (HPV2) and Gardasil 9 (HPV9) safeguard against the types of HPV responsible for the majority of anal and cervical cancer cases.

As a result, immunization against HPV is projected to reduce the need for future screenings. Such developments may hamper the growth of the sexually transmitted disease testing market in Canada.

Canada Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Analysis

Rising Number of STI Cases Coupled with Increasing Diagnosis to Accelerate the Growth of Reagents & Kits Segment

On the basis of product, the market is bifurcated into reagents & kits and instruments.

The market is dominated by the reagents & kits segment, which held a significant share in 2023 and is expected to maintain a strong presence throughout the forecast period. This is primarily due to the increasing prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in Canada and the growing utilization of these reagents & kits in diagnostic testing.

• For instance, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC),  in 2020, there were approximately 62,790 individuals in Canada suffering from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, and an estimated 1,520 people were newly diagnosed with the condition in 2020.

However, the instruments segment is projected to experience significant growth at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the heightened government initiatives focusing on raising awareness about sexually transmitted disease testing and the increased adoption of these instruments in hospitals and diagnostic centers.

By Setting Analysis

Increasing Focus of Patients on Laboratory Testing to Favor Segment Growth

In terms of setting, the market is divided into laboratory testing and point-of-care (POC), with the laboratory testing segment holding the largest market share in 2023. This segment is witnessing significant growth, driven by a rise in the number of patients opting for STD testing at independent clinical laboratories.

• For instance, in October 2023, as reported by CBC/Radio-Canada, the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) laboratory is handling an average of 18,000 to 25,000 analysis requests daily from both private and public health facilities throughout the Quebec Province.

The point-of-care (POC) segment is estimated to have the fastest-growing CAGR during the forecast period. The benefits offered by point-of-care testing over laboratory testing, such as ease of sampling, quicker diagnosis, rapid results, and simplicity, are driving the segment's growth. Moreover, increasing launches of point-of-care testing kits by market players for the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections is expected to boost the segmental growth further.

By Application Analysis

Rising Cases of Chlamydia to Boost the Demand for Testing During the Forecast Period

Based on application, the market is segmented into syphilis, bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, human immunodeficiency virus, trichomonas vaginalis, mycoplasma genitalium, candida vaginitis, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and others.

The chlamydia segment is projected to dominate the Canada sexually transmitted disease testing market share during the forecast period, fueled by a growing number of chlamydia cases and an increasing demand for testing among patients for chlamydia.

• For instance, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), a total of 104,426 cases of chlamydia were reported across all 13 Canadian provinces and territories in 2021, resulting in a rate of 273.2 cases per 100,000 people. Such a rising number of cases of chlamydia propels the growth of the segment in the market.

The syphilis segment is projected to experience a noteworthy increase in CAGR in the upcoming years. The rising cases of syphilis infections among the Canadian population are anticipated to drive the strongest growth within this segment during the forecast period.

Furthermore, the gonorrhea and human immunodeficiency virus segments held a considerable share of the market in 2023. The growth of these segments is attributed to the increasing rate of testing for them in Canada.

In addition, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) segment held a significant market share, augmented by a rise in the number of HPV cases in Canada.

Moreover, candida vaginitis, mycoplasma genitalium, candida vaginitis, and bacterial vaginosis segments hold a substantial share in the sexually transmitted disease testing market. Thus, increasing cases and a rising number of tests for STDs are poised to lead to the expansion of the Canadian sexually transmitted disease testing market during the projected time.

By End-user Analysis

Increasing Visits of Patients in Independent Clinical Laboratories to Favor the Segmental Growth

On the basis of end-user, the market is segmented into hospital-based laboratories, independent clinical laboratories, homecare settings, and others.

The independent clinical laboratories segment is projected to lead the market during the forecast period, driven by factors such as a rising number of patient visits to independent clinical laboratories in Canada and the strong presence of these facilities in the country.

Furthermore, the rising government support and funding for laboratories aimed at controlling the spread of sexually transmitted diseases have contributed to the growth of this segment.

• In August 2022, the Canadian government allocated USD 17.9 million in funding to improve accessibility to testing. Of this amount, USD 9.9 million was designated for the National Microbiology Laboratory to expand community-based testing in northern, remote, and isolated regions. These government initiatives are driving growth in the segment.

The homecare settings segment is projected to experience the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. Market players are increasingly concentrating on introducing self-tests for STD diagnosis in Canada, which is anticipated to bolster the growth of this segment.

List of Key Companies in Canada Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing Market

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. is a Key Player Due to its Comprehensive Product Offerings and Strong Distribution Channels

The competitive landscape of the market is consolidated in nature. It is dominated by a few key players, including F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Abbott, and Hologic, Inc., who hold a significant share in the Canada sexually transmitted disease testing market. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. stands out as a major player in the market thanks to its extensive distribution network and diverse range of testing kits and reagents for sexually transmitted diseases.

• For instance, in May 2022, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. expanded its diagnostic capacity through its global access program and raised global funds to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in the low-and middle-income countries that are facing higher issues of these diseases.

Moreover, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) and Seegene Inc. held a notable portion of the market's revenue in 2023. These companies' new product launches and improvements in their distribution network across Canada are slated to strengthen their market shares during the forecast period.

Other significant players include Cepheid (Danaher), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., bioMerieux, Inc., DiaSorin S.p.A., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., and others. These companies have captured a significant market share in 2023 for sexually transmitted disease testing in Canada and are projected to increase their market share further in the coming years. This growth can be attributed to their proactive measures, such as introducing new products and expanding their distribution network nationwide.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland)


• Abbott (U.S.)


• BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (U.S.)


• Hologic, Inc. (U.S.)


• Cepheid (Danaher) (U.S.)


• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.)


• bioMérieux SA (France)


• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.)


• DiaSorin S.p.A. (Italy)


• Seegene Inc. (South Korea)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2024 – Cepheid (Danaher) received FDA clearance for Xpert Xpress MVP, a multiplex vaginal panel that can be conducted in near-patient settings. The test provides results for Bacterial Vaginosis, Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, and Trichomoniasis.


• November 2023 – Abbott received FDA approval for a molecular human papillomavirus or HPV screening solution with an aim to add a powerful cancer screening tool for the detection of high-risk HPV infections to the Alinity m family of diagnostic assays.


• May 2022 – Abbott announced FDA clearances for Alinity m STI Assays to detect & differentiate four common STIs 


• May 2022 – BD launched the new BD COR MX instrument and an analytical instrument used to detect sexually transmitted infections.


• May 2021 – F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. acquired GenMark Diagnostics, which provides molecular diagnostics solutions.


• November 2019 – Abbott announced the discovery of a new strain of HIV. This innovation has spread awareness and helped researchers to be alert to mutating viruses and avoid further health crises.


• May 2019 – F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. received FDA approval for the Cobas TV/MG test combined with the Cobas 6800/8800 system for the detection of sexually transmitted diseases.

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report provides a detailed competitive landscape. It focuses on key aspects such as major companies, settings, products, applications, and end-users. In addition, it offers insights into the market trends, the incidence rate of key diseases, reported STI cases, Canadian guidelines, technological advancements, key industry developments, reimbursement scenarios, and the impact of COVID-19. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation

ATTRIBUTE	DETAILS
Study Period	2019-2032
Base Year	2023
Estimated Year	2024
Forecast Period	2024-2032
Historical Period	2019-2022
Growth Rate	CAGR of 4.3% from 2024 to 2032
Unit	Value (USD Million)
Segmentation	By Product Instruments Reagents & Kits
By Setting Laboratory Testing Point-of-Care (POC)
By Application Chlamydia Syphilis Genital Herpes Gonorrhea Human Immunodeficiency Virus Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Trichomonas Vaginalis Mycoplasma Genitalium Candida Vaginitis Bacterial Vaginosis Others
By End-user Independent Clinical Laboratories Hospital-based Laboratories Homecare Settings Others