Overview of the Russian laboratory diagnostics market
Read more about how the key growth drivers of the domestic laboratory diagnostics market have changed in recent years
Following a period of decline following the end of the pandemic, the domestic market for laboratory diagnostics services is showing signs of growth. At the same time, the market is undergoing changes.
A review of the current position in the Russian laboratory diagnostics market
Over the past four years, the domestic laboratory diagnostics market has undergone a number of phases of development. In the 2020-2021 period, the high demand for laboratory diagnostics services was driven by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. This is corroborated by the statistics, which show that in 2020, the number of customers using these services increased by 11.5 million (from 105.4 million to 116.9 million). As a result, the market-wide turnover in 2020 increased by 60% (to 178 billion rubles), and in 2021 by a further 50% (to 260 billion rubles). The number of studies, according to BusinessStat, reached its peak in 2021 at almost 483 million studies.
Following the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions in spring 2022, there was a notable decline in demand for diagnostic services, with the number of tests conducted falling to 413 million in 2022. This trend has continued, with a shift towards more traditional types of tests (hormonal, genetic, coagulation, prenatal tests), as well as comprehensive tests. Furthermore, experts have identified 2023 as the first year in which demand for diagnostic services was not supported by coronavirus testing.
Concurrently, sales of laboratory and diagnostic services increased by 19% in 2024, according to calculations by Chek Index and SberHealth experts, with an accompanying 10% rise in average cost. This trend can be attributed to a growing awareness of the importance of personal health, a development that has emerged since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
One of the current trends in the Russian market is the expansion of the branch network, including the entry of its players into new regions and municipalities. For example, in 2023, Gemotest opened more than 120 new branches and almost 30 laboratories. At the same time, the laboratory diagnostics market in large cities is approaching saturation and is highly competitive, while in small towns and rural areas demand for such services is not fully satisfied.
In terms of the impact of the sanctions policy, it is worth noting that the negative effects have been largely overcome to date, including through government support. The majority of affected products and equipment have been replaced by suitable alternatives or imported from other markets.
Key growth points and prospects for the Russian laboratory diagnostics market
We will examine the outlook for the domestic market of laboratory diagnostics in the coming years. If current inputs are maintained and no significant epidemiological challenges arise, growth rates will remain on par with those of 2023-2024.
Market analysts have identified an increase in demand for comprehensive programs, which include screening of major organs and a number of tests that allow a conclusion to be drawn about a person's state of health and recommendations on diet, physical activity and medication. This demand is driven by clients seeking to reduce the time spent at the doctor's office and to have the results of analyses and examinations ready for review.
It is also worth noting the market players' desire to expand their product lines, which helped to offset the negative impact of the decline in revenue from covid tests. The introduction of new products, including Allergodiagnostics, prenatal and genetic tests, has contributed to this growth.
Showcase your equipment at Analitika Expo 2025
In order to maintain current levels of laboratory and diagnostic testing, market participants will require access to high-quality laboratory equipment. Concurrently, it is of equal importance to reinforce the company's existing positions, including through the introduction of new products. Participation in Analitika Expo 2025, Russia's only inter-industry exhibition of laboratory equipment and reagents, will facilitate the resolution of a number of urgent business tasks. For over 20 years, the exhibition has been a key event for the target audience, attracting 5,747 specialists from 19 countries and 68 regions of Russia in 2024. Furthermore, 85% of visitors indicated that they planned to purchase products as a result of the exhibition, while 73% of participants met with existing customers and partners. It is notable that among the leading sections of interest to visitors, 83% indicated interest in laboratory equipment, while 49% indicated interest in laboratory ware and consumables.
