by The forensic swab market has been growing steadily over the past few years owing to rising crime rates and increasing adoption of DNA profiling techniques by law enforcement agencies globally. Forensic swabs are absorbent, sterile cotton tipped or foam applicators used for collecting and transporting biological samples like blood, semen, saliva and other bodily fluids from crime scenes for analysis in forensic laboratories. By swabbing surfaces that may contain biological residue, forensic scientists are able to lift trace evidence and transfer it safely to storage containers for DNA extraction and profiling. This allows identifying individuals by their DNA and using genomic data in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
The Global Forensic Swab Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 6.92 Billion in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.6% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2031
Key Takeaways
Forensic Swab Market Companies are Puritan Medical Products, COPAN Diagnostics Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Merck KGaA, Sirchie, MWE, SARSTEDT AG & Co. KG, Medical Wire & Equipment Co., Medline Industries, Inc., Alpha Laboratories Ltd., BÜHLMANN Laboratories AG, GeneDx, Inc., Huachenyang (Shenzhen) Technology Co., TM Media, ELMED Life Sciences, VWR International, LLC, GPC Medical Ltd. The growing demand for DNA sample collection devices from forensic laboratories is fueling market growth. Technological advancements in DNA analysis techniques are further propelling the demand.
The rapidly growing demand for DNA profiling from law enforcement agencies for criminal investigations and intelligence purposes is a key growth driver for the Forensic Swab Market Demand. With rising crime rates globally, especially violent and sexual crimes, there is increased focus on using DNA evidence for promoting public safety. This has significantly boosted the uptake of DNA collection kits containing forensic swabs.
The forensic swab market is also expanding globally due to increasing international cooperation between law enforcement agencies. By sharing DNA databases, law enforcement across borders can solve more crimes involving suspects from different geographic locations. This is prompting greater adoption of standardized DNA collection methods involving forensic swabs. Key companies are focused on global expansion through partnerships to capitalize on this trend.
Market Key Trends
One of the key trends gaining traction in the forensic swab market is increased digitization through smartphone apps and portable devices. To make DNA collection more convenient and efficient in field conditions, key players are developing integrated digital platforms. For example, smartphone apps allow first responders to photograph sample barcodes or metadata in situ and wirelessly transfer the data to databases. Similarly, portable devices are integrating DNA amplification and analysis, minimizing the need to transport samples to fixed laboratories. This brings more cases under the ambit of DNA-led investigation and speeds up the process.
Porter’s Analysis
Threat of new entrants: Low barriers to entry as it requires less capital to produce forensic swabs. However, existing players have strong brand recognition and supply chain advantages.
Bargaining power of buyers: Buyers have moderate to high bargaining power as they can choose from different suppliers and have substitutes available. They try to negotiate on pricing and quality standards.
Bargaining power of suppliers: Suppliers have low-to-moderate bargaining power as there are many raw material suppliers and switching costs are low. However, patented technologies provide some suppliers with bargaining power.
Threat of new substitutes: Forensic DNA analysis faces threat from alternative methods like chemical analysis, fingerprints, odontology, etc. However, DNA testing is considered more reliable.
Competitive rivalry: Intense as global players compete on pricing, innovation, and quality to gain market share in this growing market.
Geographical Regions
North America accounts for the largest value share currently due to growing awareness and stringent regulations supporting DNA-based testing. Growth is also strong in Asia Pacific due to increasing crime rates and government initiatives to adopt DNA profiling.
The fastest growing region for the forensic swab market is expected to be Asia Pacific between 2024-2031. This is attributed to rising awareness, increasing government spending on forensic infrastructure, and growing crime rates in developing countries like India, China, and other Southeast Asian countries.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
