The medical biology laboratory market - Spain

The global market for medical biology laboratories has been experiencing significant growth, which was further accelerated by the health crisis in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Spain, this market saw an increase of 33% in 2021, with the market size estimated at 4.8 billion euros. The pandemic resulted in an unprecedented demand for COVID tests, contributing to a substantial portion of sales for many laboratories, such as Unilabs reporting 40% of sales from COVID tests in 2020. The market in Spain, however, remains highly fragmented with the top two companies accounting for just 8.6% of the market share. COVID-19 tests were found to be expensive in Spain, with PCRs costing between 75 and 150 euros without a prescription. Despite this upsurge, the market is expected to return to slightly above pre-crisis levels in 2022. The demand for medical laboratory services is driven by the need for routine care, with clinical biochemistry and hematology comprising 93% of total analyses. Environmental management and digital transformation, including automation and Big Data, are current trends shaping the future of medical biology laboratories

Analyzing the Demand for Medical Laboratory Services in Spain

The demand for medical biology laboratories in Spain paints a picture of a steadfast industry where demand trends have exhibited stability with a modest upward tick. Over a period stretching, the number of analyses conducted per year displayed an increase of approximately 1%. An average of between 10 and 15 analyses accompanied each request, indicating a consistent need and application for laboratory services across the country. Most sought-after services within the sector emerged to be clinical biochemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology and parasitology. Combined, these specializations covered an overwhelming majority of the analyses, indicating both the health needs of the Spanish population and the areas of focus for medical labs. The geographical distribution of service requests varied, with specialized outpatient care and primary care forming the lion's share, indicating that the majority of laboratory referrals are rooted in routine healthcare and emergency services. While the health crisis of the early 2020s caused a substantial surge in demand for certain tests—specifically, those related to COVID-19—Spain's laboratories managed to quickly respond, with COVID tests comprising a notable percentage of sales for leading companies in the marketplace.

This unexpected boom in test demand illustrated the sector's resilience and ability to adapt under pressure. Environmental management and waste protocols also indicated a strong trend towards sustainable practices, showcasing an industry that is not only focused on human health but also on environmental stewardship. This reflects a broader, global trend where consumers and businesses alike are more aware of and concerned with their environmental impact. The interest in medical laboratory services, as reflected by online searches, however, presented a complex picture. Regions like Murcia, Aragón, and Castilla la Mancha led in terms of Google search volume, a metric that contradicts the physical presence of laboratories, underscoring a potential gap between laboratory accessibility and demand. Moreover, the digital transformation with the incorporation of technologies like Big data and automation is shaping the future of the industry. Approximately 90% of labs have adopted environmental programs, and almost total adherence to waste management protocols reflects this trend. In conclusion, the Spanish medical laboratory market is marked by stable demand with specialized services at the core. The adaptability shown during the health crisis and the progressive stride towards sustainable practices and digitalization augur well for the future of the industry. The market remains pivotal as it adapts to the scientific advancements and societal changes, maintaining its crucial role in public health.

Profiling the Major Contenders in Spain's Medical Biology Laboratories Scene

As we delve into the landscape of medical biology laboratories in Spain, several names emerge as the pillars of the industry, each bringing its unique strengths and strategic operations to the forefront. These laboratories have not only been instrumental in addressing routine medical needs but have also played a crucial role in responding to the heightened demand for diagnostic testing during health crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Eurofins Megalab - A Foremost Leader in Diagnostic Solutions With a workforce that ranges between 5,000 to 10,000 employees, Eurofins Megalab stands tall as one of the leading entities in the sector. Known for its comprehensive suite of diagnostic services and an established network that ensures accessibility and reach, Megalab has been a crucial player, especially noted for its rapid response during the pandemic by providing a significant number of Covid-19 tests.
• Synlab - A Global Giant with Local Impact Synlab, a group employing over 10,000 individuals, is another behemoth with an indelible mark on the Spanish medical landscape. Its extensive array of services, which extend beyond the borders of Spain, have not only provided invaluable medical insights but also positioned Synlab as a critical stakeholder in public health initiatives.
• Unilabs - Specialized Services Meeting Diverse Needs The Madrid subsidiary of Unilabs, with its cohort of 1,000 to 5,000 employees, emphasizes specialized analyses and has shone particularly in the backdrop of the global health crisis by attributing a significant portion of sales to Covid-19 related tests. Their tailored approach in diagnostic services has undoubtedly affirmed their reputation and indispensability in the market.
• Laboratorios Echevarn - A Stalwart with a Historic Legacy Laboratorios Echevarne, with around 800 employees, exemplifies a blend of tradition and modernity. With decades of experience under their belt, Echevarne has continually evolved, providing a range of diagnostic services that align with current technological and medical advancements while retaining the trust accrued over generations.
• Ribera Salud (Cialab) and Cerba International are also notable mentions, each bringing their unique flavor to the mix. Ribera Salud's strong foothold, courtesy of its 900 employees, is paralleled by Cerba's 100-employee strong operations, which, while comparatively smaller in scale, punch above their weight in service provision. 

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 08/03/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Health Expenditure of EU Countries
• Average amount spent per capita per country per year
• Market size in the clinical analysis sector
• Breakdown of private and public analysis laboratories
• The 10 regions with the most biological laboratories
• Number of medical biology laboratories
• Number of centers per laboratory
• The different types of contract
• Breakdown of employees by degree
• Training in medical biology laboratories
• Breakdown of medical biology expenses by pathology
• Number of specializations per laboratory
• Consumer price index for the healthcare sector
• Analysis requests by specialization
• Analysis by specialization
• Analysis by origin
• Number of analyses per year
• Evolution of the Google Trends index for the "prueba laboratorio" search
• Total number of covid tests per million inhabitants in the countries most affected by the health crisis