Central Lab Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis growing at a CAGR of 6.56% from 2025 to 2030

The global central lab market size was estimated at USD 3.46 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.04 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.56% from 2025 to 2030. The growth can be attributed to the increasing investment in R&D and the increased focus of sponsors & investigators on reducing research costs.
Key Market Trends & Insights
- North America central lab market dominated the global industry with a share of 40.82% in 2024.
- The central lab market in Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 7.82% over the forecast period.
- By services, the biomarker services segment held the largest share of 38.54% in 2024.
- By end use, the pharmaceutical companies held the largest market share of 44.78% in 2024.
Market Size & Forecast
- 2024 Market Size: USD 3.46 Billion
- 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 5.04 Billion
- CAGR (2025-2030): 6.56%
- North America: Largest market in 2023
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Moreover, the increasing adoption of outsourcing laboratory services by pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies and other end users to reduce the overall cost of research activities further supports the market growth over the forecast period. Increased focus on diagnostics owing to COVID-19 led to a rise in funding for novel diagnostics with the potential to improve diagnosis scenarios. For instance, in April 2023, according to LabCentral 2022 Impact Report, companies raised USD 6.05 billion in funding, including 21% of all early-stage funding globally, dosed 4,504 participants in 37 clinical trials, and granted 56 patents. Such strategies are likely to improve the demand for central laboratory services for clinical studies in the country. Furthermore, in March 2021, Bio-Techne Corporation opened a new immunoassay-focused R&D and manufacturing facility in Minneapolis, U.S. This facility is engaged in the production of ELLA immunoassay cartridges for rapid detection of biomarkers for the diagnosis of diseases. Thus, the opening of such manufacturing facilities in countries strengthens the production of immunoassay test kits for the diagnosis of infectious respiratory diseases during the forecast period.
The preference of consumers toward small- and medium-scale enterprises is rising, owing to the presence of depth & breadth of specialty lab solutions. For instance, in February 2023, Cerba Research signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Teddy Clinical Research Laboratory to enter into a joint venture with an aim to combine Teddy’s well-established reputation in mainland China, known for providing high-quality central lab solutions backed by more than 12 years of clinical trial experience, with Cerba Research’s technical capabilities and scientific expertise. Cerba Research excels in areas such as vaccines, immuno-oncology, cell & gene therapy, and infectious disease research and drug development.
The presence of up-to-date and novel instruments in the new laboratory is expected to enhance automation and provide more efficient results with high-quality data. In May 2023, the China Association of Clinical Laboratory Practice Expo stood as the premier exhibition for IVD within China. Drawing a gathering of more than 30,000 experts, including entrepreneurs, scholars, users, and thought leaders in the clinical laboratory sector from across the world, CACLP fosters the exchange of advancements in the industry. It serves as a platform for enhancing partnerships and collectively shaping the future of the IVD industry. However, changes in government regulations can adversely affect the central lab market growth.
Central laboratories play a critical role in the clinical research ecosystem by providing standardized testing, data consistency, and logistical support that are essential for the success of global clinical trials. Labcorp, a leading central lab provider, exemplifies this through a well-structured set of four core services designed to ensure precision and reliability across every phase of sample management.