Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay Test Market Outlook:
Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay Test Market size was valued at USD 785.21 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 1.15 billion by 2035, expanding at around 3.9% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2026-2035. In the year 2026, the industry size of cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay test is evaluated at USD 812.77 million.
The increase can be ascribed to the rising prevalence of cryptococcal infection worldwide as well as the growing demand for accurate and timely diagnostic instruments. An estimated 15% of HIV-related deaths worldwide are attributed to it, with three-quarters of those deaths taking place in sub-Saharan Africa. An estimated 223,100 cases of cryptococcal meningitis lead to 181,000 deaths annually among people living with HIV. Early detection of cryptococcal infection using these tests enables timely treatment and better patient outcomes. Furthermore, lateral flow tests can be used in resource-constrained environments without complex laboratory equipment because they are frequently portable and simple to operate. For example, the flow test for cryptococcal antigen has shown excellent sensitivity and specificity in identifying cryptococcal antigen in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples.
Increased approvals for the cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay tests are also driving the growth of the market. For instance, a dipstick-test lateral flow assay (Immuno-Mycologics, USA) for the semi-quantitative detection of cryptococcal antigen was authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011. This test has the potential to be more advantageous than conventional techniques due to its quick turnaround time, simplicity of use, and reagent stability at room temperature. The World Health Organization suggests using this assay to check for cryptococcal antigen in HIV-positive individuals.
