Specimen collection cards are revolutionizing the way biological samples are collected, stored, and analyzed in diagnostics, genomics, pharmacokinetics, and forensic science. Their ability to simplify the logistics of sample handling, extend the life of analytes at ambient temperatures, and eliminate the need for refrigeration has made them indispensable tools in a wide array of applications. As the global healthcare landscape shifts towards decentralization and remote diagnostics, the market for specimen collection cards is experiencing significant growth.

In this article, we will delve into the key factors driving the market's growth, its segmentation, regional trends, market dynamics, and the leading players shaping its future.

Overview of the Specimen Collection Cards Market

The global specimen collection cards market is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. The market size is expected to reach USD 671.2 million by 2032, up from USD 477.0 million in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.0% during the forecast period. Specimen collection cards are widely used in genomics, diagnostics, and other scientific disciplines due to their ability to stabilize analytes such as small molecules, DNA, and RNA, even in remote and field-based settings.

A critical driver of this market is the increasing adoption of decentralized diagnostic models and remote sample collection, especially in genomic and field research applications. Specimen collection cards also find growing use in newborn screening, forensic science, and bio-banking, as their practical features allow for the easy and reliable storage of samples at ambient temperatures.

The market is led by key players such as QIAGEN N.V., PerkinElmer Inc., and Danaher Corporation, all of which are making significant advancements in improving the quality and applicability of these cards. Furthermore, technological innovations and growing demand for genetic testing and home-based diagnostics are likely to sustain the market's growth in the years ahead.

Market Statistics and Key Growth Drivers

1. Market Size and Forecast: The global specimen collection cards market was valued at USD 477.0 million in 2025 and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 5.0%, reaching USD 671.2 million by 2032.

2. Leading Segment: Blood specimen collection cards are expected to dominate the market with a share of approximately 88.4% in 2025, driven by their ability to perform quantitative analysis of hormones, metabolites, and drugs.

3. Leading Geographical Region: North America is predicted to lead the global market, accounting for approximately 35.4% of the market share in 2025. This is primarily due to robust government funding for infectious disease surveillance and the growing prevalence of at-home sample collection services.

Key Highlights from the Report

• The specimen collection cards market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2025 to 2032.

• Blood specimen cards are expected to account for approximately 88.4% of the market share in 2025.

• Whatman 903 cards are forecasted to hold a 41.7% share in 2025, owing to their consistent performance and broad regulatory acceptance.

• North America is anticipated to lead the market with a 35.4% share in 2025, driven by government initiatives in newborn screening and infectious disease monitoring.

• The FTA cards segment is expected to witness a significant rise, driven by their robustness in preserving nucleic acids for molecular diagnostics.

• The surge in telehealth and home diagnostics will propel demand for user-friendly, remote sample collection solutions.

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Market Segmentation

The specimen collection cards market can be segmented based on various parameters, including specimen type, product type, and end-user applications. Understanding these segments helps to comprehend the diverse needs of the market and the factors driving its expansion.

Specimen Type

The market is primarily segmented by the type of specimen collected, which includes blood, saliva, urine, and buccal cells. Among these, blood-based specimens are expected to dominate the market, with an anticipated share of around 88.4% by 2025. This dominance is due to the versatility of dried blood spot (DBS) cards, which offer a cost-effective, minimally invasive alternative to traditional venipuncture. They are especially beneficial for remote, pediatric, and geriatric populations, who may find traditional blood collection methods challenging.

Saliva-based specimen collection cards are also gaining traction, particularly for non-invasive genetic testing and hormone analysis. The non-invasive nature of saliva collection, coupled with the growing trend of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing, is expected to propel this segment at a steady CAGR. Companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA are increasingly adopting saliva-based cards for user-friendly, home sampling solutions.

Urine and buccal specimens are comparatively smaller segments but are important in specific applications like forensic science and disease monitoring.

Product Type

The market for specimen collection cards is divided into different types, including Whatman 903, Ahlstrom 226, and FTA cards. Whatman 903 cards are forecast to capture the largest market share, at 41.7% in 2025. Known for their high-purity cotton linters and minimal analyte interference, Whatman 903 cards are trusted in clinical diagnostics, especially for newborn screening programs. Their consistent performance in PCR amplification and RNA extraction has made them a go-to solution for public health initiatives, including HIV early infant diagnosis (EID) programs in Africa.

On the other hand, FTA cards are gaining ground due to their superior nucleic acid preservation capabilities, which are essential for forensic, infectious disease, and genetic applications. The rising demand for these cards is particularly notable in low-resource settings, where refrigeration is not feasible.

Regional Insights

The global specimen collection cards market is geographically diverse, with varying adoption rates and trends across regions. North America is the leading region, primarily driven by the U.S., where specimen collection cards are extensively used for newborn screening, infectious disease monitoring, and forensic science. The government’s investment in public health initiatives, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funding, has further accelerated the market’s growth in the region.

In Europe, particularly in the UK and Germany, specimen collection cards are being integrated into forensic toxicology workflows. As the demand for remote toxicology screening rises, law enforcement agencies are incorporating dried matrix spot cards into their field testing kits.

In the Middle East and Africa, specimen collection cards are seeing increased adoption due to their critical role in newborn screening programs. Countries like Saudi Arabia and those in sub-Saharan Africa are leveraging these cards for efficient disease monitoring and viral load testing, particularly for HIV and hepatitis. The ability to store and transport samples without the need for cold-chain logistics has been a major advantage in these regions.

Asia Pacific is another region where specimen collection cards are witnessing significant growth, particularly in countries like India and China. India’s large-scale newborn screening programs and China’s increasing use of specimen collection cards for infectious disease research are contributing to this growth.

Market Drivers

Several factors are fueling the growth of the specimen collection cards market. One of the primary drivers is the rise in genetic testing, which is fueling the demand for DNA, RNA, and other biological sample collection methods. Specimen collection cards, such as FTA and Whatman 903, offer a convenient and reliable means to store and transport DNA and RNA samples without requiring refrigeration, making them invaluable for remote or field-based research.

Furthermore, the shift towards decentralized diagnostics, particularly in resource-limited areas, is accelerating the need for cost-effective and easy-to-use sample collection solutions. Telehealth, home testing, and the growth of direct-to-consumer genetic testing have also contributed significantly to the demand for specimen collection cards.

Market Restraints

Despite the promising growth of the specimen collection cards market, certain challenges are limiting its widespread adoption. One significant restraint is the hematocrit bias associated with dried blood spot (DBS) cards. Variations in blood viscosity and cell-to-plasma ratios can lead to inconsistencies in analyte concentration, which could impact the accuracy of tests, particularly in hormone and drug monitoring. This issue is especially problematic in regulated clinical settings, where high precision and reproducibility are essential.

Market Opportunities

One of the most promising opportunities in the specimen collection cards market lies in their application in forensic science, especially for toxicology screening. With the rise of synthetic drugs and opioid abuse, law enforcement agencies are turning to dried specimen collection cards for field testing. These cards offer a non-invasive, tamper-evident, and room-temperature-stable solution for collecting samples such as saliva, urine, and blood, which can later be analyzed for toxic substances.

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Company Insights

Several key players dominate the specimen collection cards market, with a focus on enhancing product innovation, expanding their geographic reach, and forming strategic partnerships with public health agencies and diagnostic labs.

• QIAGEN N.V.
• PerkinElmer Inc.
• Danaher Corporation
• DBS System SA
• GenTegra LLC
• CENTOGENE N.V.
• Eastern Business Forms, Inc.
• Ahlstrom
• ARCHIMED Life Science GmbH
• FortiusBio

Recent Developments

1. Capitainer, a leading MedTech company, introduced the CapitainerSEP10 in November 2024. This new card allows the collection of separated blood from a finger prick, eliminating the need for a centrifuge and providing at-home sampling capabilities for underserved regions.

2. In February 2024, Baylor College of Medicine, in collaboration with Capitainer, announced the development of Dried Fecal Spot (DFS) cards, aimed at improving fecal sample collection and storage in remote settings.

Conclusion

The specimen collection cards market is on an impressive growth trajectory, driven by technological advancements, the shift toward decentralized diagnostics, and the increasing demand for genetic testing and forensic applications. North America currently holds the largest market share, followed by regions like Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, each displaying unique trends and opportunities. While challenges like hematocrit bias persist, the continued evolution of specimen collection card technologies and their expanding applications in genomics, diagnostics, and forensic science ensure that the market will continue to flourish well into the next decade.