Polymerase Chain Reaction Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Government investments and procurement: The worldwide shift toward early detection and prevention is pushing global authorities to make PCR a mainstream practice in every healthcare institution and organization. Thus, they are heavily investing in the market to cultivate sufficient resources. In addition, significant funding from the governing bodies, particularly during pandemics or epidemics, is securing a sustainable capital influx in this sector. For instance, the U.S. Medicare spending increased 8.1% to $1,029.8 billion in 2023 and expanded its coverage for infectious disease and oncology testing, stated by the CMS report in June 2025.
• Association with oncology and genomics research: The growing R&D expenditure is the primary growth factors behind the ongoing advancements in the market. For instance, the NIH report in July 2025n NIC had a budget allocation of approximately USD 7.2 billion in 2024, of which a significant share was allocated to cancer genomics, molecular diagnostics, and early detection programs, including liquid biopsy research. Thus, the progress in molecular testing, coupled with the utilization of tech-based production methods, is expanding the pipeline of this sector. In this regard, the FDA reported that automation of assembly lines in this category reduced lead times, enhancing production efficiency and product pricing competency among manufacturers.
• Manufacturers strategies and innovations: Corporate strategies are driving the adoption of PCR. For instance, NIH's RADx initiative (Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics) allocated more than $1.5 billion to expand PCR technologies, allowing businesses to expand throughput and lower costs. Industry leaders have aligned with hospitals and governments to expand access. Strategic actions include the automation of PCR workflows, as well as liquid biopsy platform integration and point-of-care PCR systems. These innovations minimize the turnaround time and maximize the PCR's utility outside of central labs. Organizations using these techniques witness a growth in market share, hence, making PCR as a valuable diagnostic platform.

Applications of PCR

Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, FDA

Total COVID-19 PCR Tests Performed till June 2022

Source: Our World in Data, June 2022

Challenges

• Limitations in worldwide tech-based integration: The financial barriers and lack of infrastructural support in underserved regions often impose difficulties in implementing next-generation technologies in the market. There are several medical settings, particularly in rural regions, that hesitate to adopt AI-driven PCR systems due to limited funding and legacy infrastructure. Consumer trust in these advanced solutions is also sluggish, which may slow the integration of efficiency-boosting technologies, hence restricting future progress in this sector. However, the recent upgrades in regulatory frameworks are fostering an accepting culture for AI in the healthcare industry, showing a potential to mitigate this roadblock.