Specimen Collection Cards Market By Product Type (Dried Blood Spot Cards, Saliva Collection Cards, Buccal Swab Cards, Nucleic Acid Preservation Cards); By Application (Clinical Diagnostics, Newborn Screening, Forensics, Research, Epidemiology); By End User (Hospitals & Diagnostic Laboratories, Forensic Agencies, Research Institutes & Biobanks, NGOs & Public Health Agencies); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Specimen Collection Cards Market will witness a steady CAGR of 6.1%, valued at USD 820 million in 2024, and projected to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2030, according to Strategic Market Research.

 

Specimen collection cards are specialized paper-based tools designed to collect, dry, store, and transport biological samples such as blood, saliva, or buccal cells. Unlike conventional specimen tubes that demand refrigeration and complex logistics, these cards preserve DNA, RNA, and proteins at room temperature for years. This makes them critical in newborn screening, genetic testing, infectious disease monitoring, forensic investigations, and biobanking.

 

Several macro factors explain why this market is gaining strategic relevance. First, healthcare systems are moving toward decentralized diagnostics and precision medicine, making low-cost and reliable sample handling essential. Second, global public health agencies increasingly use these cards for population-scale disease surveillance in areas where cold-chain transport is impractical. Third, forensic applications are expanding, with law enforcement and disaster response teams adopting DNA-based cards for quick, stable, and legally defensible specimen storage. Finally, sustainability pressures are encouraging a shift away from plastic-heavy sample transport systems toward lighter, energy-efficient card-based formats.

 

Key stakeholders in this market include diagnostic laboratories, forensic institutions, hospitals, public health agencies, OEMs of specimen handling devices, pharmaceutical research companies, and biobanks. Investors are also paying attention, recognizing the market’s potential as a bridge between traditional laboratory infrastructure and next-generation, decentralized diagnostics.

 

In short, specimen collection cards are moving from being a niche backup solution for sample preservation to a frontline enabler of global health research, forensic science, and personalized medicine.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The specimen collection cards market is segmented across multiple dimensions to capture the full spectrum of applications and adoption. The following categories provide a clear view of how demand is shaping globally.

By Product Type

• Dried Blood Spot (DBS) Cards: The most widely used format, DBS cards are essential in newborn screening and epidemiological studies, offering room-temperature stability and simple logistics. Their dominance is reinforced by global mandates and standardized testing protocols.

• Saliva Collection Cards: Gaining adoption in consumer genomics and forensic identification, these cards are non-invasive and easier to self-administer, making them suitable for both at-home and clinical use.

• Buccal Swab Cards: Common in DNA testing and law enforcement, buccal cards offer an alternative to blood sampling for identity verification, paternity testing, and forensic profiling.

• Nucleic Acid Preservation Cards: A high-growth niche used in clinical research, oncology, and biobanking, these cards are engineered to stabilize RNA and DNA simultaneously — enabling long-term molecular analysis.

In 2024, DBS cards account for over 60% of the global market, but nucleic acid preservation and saliva cards are gaining momentum, driven by personalized medicine and decentralized research needs.

 

By Application

• Clinical Diagnostics: The largest segment, encompassing genetic testing, infectious disease monitoring, and chronic condition management. As telehealth and decentralized care grow, specimen cards offer a reliable link between patients and labs.

• Newborn Screening: A foundational use case — mandated in many countries. DBS cards are integral to identifying congenital disorders early, especially in state-run or national public health programs.

• Forensics: The fastest-growing application, with adoption fueled by DNA database expansion, disaster victim identification, and crime scene traceability. Forensic agencies value specimen cards for their tamper resistance and legal defensibility.

• Research: Includes academic, clinical, and pharmaceutical trials. Specimen cards provide low-cost, scalable solutions for large-sample genomic studies and are frequently used in population research and rare disease cohorts.

• Epidemiology: Especially relevant in low-resource settings, where cards facilitate field collection and remote disease surveillance without cold-chain reliance.

 

By End User

• Hospitals & Diagnostic Laboratories: Primary users of DBS and saliva cards for clinical testing, newborn screening, and chronic disease programs. Their needs include high-throughput compatibility, sample integrity, and regulatory alignment.

• Forensic Agencies: Use cards for crime scene evidence collection, DNA profiling, and postmortem identification. These users prioritize chain-of-custody control and long-term sample stability.

• Research Institutes & Biobanks: Store thousands of specimens at room temperature, reducing biostorage costs. Specimen cards support longitudinal genomic studies and are critical to decentralized clinical trials.

• NGOs & Public Health Agencies: Operate in resource-limited environments and use specimen cards for infectious disease control, maternal-child health monitoring, and field-based screening campaigns. Cards offer logistical and financial efficiency in areas lacking lab infrastructure.

 

By Region

• North America: The global leader, with strong infrastructure for newborn screening, forensic DNA databases, and biobank networks. U.S. state programs and Canadian health systems drive consistent volume demand and innovation in regulatory-compliant formats.

• Europe: High adoption driven by genetic testing mandates, epidemiological research, and DNA databasing. Western Europe leads in biobanking and forensic adoption, while Eastern Europe is scaling up through public-private partnerships.

• Asia Pacific: The fastest-growing region, with rising demand from China, India, Japan, and South Korea. Expanding public health initiatives, biobank programs, and clinical research investments are fueling card usage across all product types.

• Latin America: Brazil and Mexico are leading adopters, particularly in newborn screening and forensic modernization projects. Wider regional growth is supported by NGO involvement and government health reforms.

• Middle East & Africa: Still emerging but showing promise. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are integrating cards into genomic medicine and public health strategies. In Africa, international health organizations are using specimen cards for HIV and malaria surveillance, especially where refrigeration is unreliable.

 

Scope-wise, the forecast covers revenue projections from 2024 to 2030 across all these dimensions. While DBS dominates today, saliva and DNA preservation cards are set to expand quickly, reshaping the competitive mix. Regional differences will remain stark, with advanced economies driving innovation and emerging regions fueling high-volume adoption.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The specimen collection cards market is evolving quickly as technology, regulation, and end-user expectations reshape how biological samples are collected and stored. What was once a simple paper-based medium has now become a highly engineered solution supporting genomics, forensics, and decentralized diagnostics.

Shift Toward Decentralized Testing

A major trend is the integration of specimen cards into at-home and point-of-care testing. The growth of consumer genomics, remote clinical trials, and telemedicine has made self-sampling increasingly common. Specimen cards allow individuals to collect samples safely at home and ship them to central labs without cold storage. This shift not only broadens access but also reduces healthcare costs tied to in-clinic sample collection.

 

Advances in Card Materials and Coatings

Innovation in absorbent matrices and chemical coatings is improving the stability of DNA, RNA, and proteins on cards. Newer generations can preserve nucleic acids at room temperature for longer periods, enabling reliable analysis even after months of storage. Some products now include antimicrobial or oxidation-resistant coatings to reduce degradation, making them suitable for long-distance transport in tropical climates.

 

Rising Role in Forensics and Law Enforcement

Forensic science is becoming one of the fastest-growing adoption areas. Governments are expanding DNA databases, and cards provide a stable, easy-to-use solution for crime scene collection. In disaster victim identification, specimen cards are increasingly relied on due to their portability and ability to withstand challenging environments. The demand for legally defensible, tamper-proof storage solutions is driving innovation in secure card packaging and traceability features.

 

Integration With Digital Health and AI

The push toward digitalized healthcare is influencing specimen card use. Some companies are embedding QR codes or RFID tags into cards to enable digital tracking and chain-of-custody assurance. In parallel, AI-driven laboratory systems are being trained to optimize workflows around dried blood spot and saliva card inputs, reducing analysis time and error rates. This integration makes specimen cards part of a larger ecosystem of digital diagnostics and biobanking.

 

Growing Use in Population Health and Biobanking

Global health agencies are leveraging specimen cards for large-scale epidemiological studies, especially in low-resource countries. Their cost efficiency and lack of refrigeration requirements make them ideal for field-based sample collection in remote regions. Biobanks are also expanding their reliance on dried specimens for long-term genomic research, particularly where large populations must be sampled at scale.

 

Sustainability and Logistics Advantages

Another noticeable trend is sustainability. Specimen cards require less plastic, less cold-chain transport, and lower shipping costs compared to traditional vials. As healthcare and forensic systems face pressure to reduce environmental footprints, cards are being positioned as greener alternatives without compromising data integrity.

 

In short, innovation in this market is not just about better preservation—it’s about making specimen cards an integrated, digital-ready, and globally scalable solution for healthcare, research, and forensic applications.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The specimen collection cards market is moderately consolidated, with a mix of specialized biotech firms, diagnostic suppliers, and diversified healthcare companies. The competitive landscape is shaped by product innovation, regulatory compliance, partnerships with diagnostic laboratories, and expansion into emerging regions.

Key Players and Positioning:

PerkinElmer

A global leader in dried blood spot technologies, PerkinElmer has built strong relationships with public health programs and newborn screening initiatives. The company emphasizes quality assurance, high-throughput compatibility, and international distribution, making it a top choice for national screening programs.

 

Qiagen

Qiagen has positioned itself as a leader in nucleic acid stabilization technologies. Its specimen collection cards are often integrated into molecular testing workflows, especially for infectious disease monitoring and research applications. Qiagen’s strength lies in pairing collection tools with downstream molecular assays, offering an end-to-end ecosystem.

 

Ahlstrom- Munksjö

Specializing in advanced fiber materials, Ahlstrom- Munksjö supplies filter paper and specimen collection substrates widely used in dried blood spot cards. Its competitive advantage is material science expertise, allowing for high-quality, consistent cards that serve as the backbone for many OEM products.

 

GE HealthCare (Whatman brand legacy)

The Whatman FTA card line, now under GE HealthCare, has long been an industry benchmark for DNA and RNA preservation. These cards are widely used in forensic DNA databases and biobanking. GE leverages its global brand recognition and established credibility in research and law enforcement applications.

 

Eastern Business Forms (EBF)

EBF is a strong player in customized specimen collection cards, particularly in the U.S. Its solutions are widely used in state newborn screening programs. The company differentiates itself through tailored formats and its focus on compliance with strict regulatory standards.

 

DBS System SA

A Switzerland-based firm, DBS System SA focuses on innovative microsampling solutions. Its technologies are designed for precision in sample volume collection, making them increasingly relevant for clinical trials and personalized medicine.

 

Others

Several niche players, including regional suppliers in Asia and Europe, are growing their footprint through partnerships with diagnostic labs and research institutions. Their focus tends to be affordability and supply reliability for local health agencies.

 

Competitive Dynamics

• Established players like PerkinElmer and GE HealthCare dominate public health and forensic contracts due to long-standing trust and regulatory approvals.

• Material suppliers such as Ahlstrom- Munksjö play a foundational role, partnering with OEMs for large-scale production.

• Innovation-driven entrants like DBS System SA are reshaping the market by focusing on precision microsampling for decentralized diagnostics and remote clinical trials.

• Price competition is limited, as quality, sample integrity, and compliance remain higher priorities for end users than cost alone.

The competitive edge in this market rests less on scale and more on reliability, regulatory acceptance, and integration with evolving diagnostic ecosystems.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

The adoption of specimen collection cards varies widely across geographies, reflecting differences in healthcare infrastructure, forensic priorities, and public health investment. While North America and Europe remain the established hubs, Asia Pacific and parts of Latin America are emerging as high-growth territories.

North America

North America leads the global market, driven by established newborn screening programs, strong forensic DNA database initiatives, and extensive biobanking networks. The United States has longstanding mandates for newborn screening where dried blood spot cards are indispensable. Canada also has robust public health infrastructure, supporting use in epidemiological studies and personalized medicine initiatives. Demand here is shaped by compliance with regulatory standards, integration into hospital workflows, and partnerships between suppliers and state health departments.

 

Europe

Europe follows closely, with widespread use of specimen cards in biobanking, infectious disease monitoring, and forensic DNA applications. Countries such as Germany, the UK, and France are at the forefront, leveraging cards for genetic testing and national health surveillance projects. The European Union’s emphasis on data security and traceability has accelerated adoption of cards embedded with barcoding or digital tracking. Southern and Eastern Europe are catching up, with public-private partnerships expanding newborn screening and forensic labs.

 

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, reflecting its large populations and rising investment in healthcare infrastructure. China and India are expanding newborn screening coverage and investing in biobanks to support genomic medicine. Japan and South Korea are early adopters of advanced specimen card technologies, integrating them into precision medicine and clinical trial ecosystems. Emerging economies in Southeast Asia are also using specimen cards to address infectious disease surveillance in rural and resource-limited settings.

 

Latin America

Adoption in Latin America is uneven but gaining traction. Brazil and Mexico are leading markets, supported by national health programs and forensic modernization projects. Newborn screening initiatives are being expanded, and partnerships with international NGOs are helping smaller economies improve access to card-based diagnostics. The affordability and portability of specimen cards are critical here, especially in regions where laboratory infrastructure is limited.

 

Middle East and Africa

This region remains underpenetrated but presents long-term opportunities. In the Middle East, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are beginning to incorporate specimen cards into genetic testing and public health programs. Africa, on the other hand, relies heavily on specimen cards for infectious disease surveillance, especially HIV and malaria monitoring, where refrigeration challenges make dried sample formats essential. International health organizations and non-profit collaborations are key enablers in this market.

 

In summary, North America and Europe dominate in maturity and compliance, Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing by scale, and Latin America and Africa hold untapped potential where affordability and ease of logistics outweigh technological sophistication.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The specimen collection cards market is shaped by diverse end users, each with distinct motivations, workflows, and expectations. Unlike some diagnostic tools, the cards are not limited to a single vertical; they span clinical care, research, forensics, and public health.

Hospitals and Diagnostic Laboratories

Hospitals remain the largest consumers of specimen collection cards, primarily through newborn screening programs and genetic testing initiatives. Diagnostic laboratories also account for a significant share, processing dried blood spots and saliva cards for chronic disease monitoring, pharmacogenomics, and infectious disease testing. Their focus is on throughput, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

 

Forensic and Law Enforcement Agencies

Forensics is one of the fastest-growing user categories. Crime labs, police agencies, and disaster victim identification teams use DNA-preserving cards for secure, tamper-resistant sample storage. Their requirements include chain-of-custody integrity, traceability features, and stability in challenging environments. Governments in both developed and developing markets are expanding forensic DNA databases, further driving demand.

 

Research Institutes and Biobanks

Academic institutions and pharmaceutical research organizations use specimen cards to collect and store samples for large-scale studies and clinical trials. Biobanks particularly value the cards for their ability to archive samples long term without refrigeration, making them a cost-effective solution for genomic and epidemiological research.

 

NGOs and Public Health Agencies

Global health agencies and NGOs increasingly deploy specimen cards in resource-limited settings. They are used for infectious disease surveillance, maternal-child health programs, and cross-border epidemiological studies. Their appeal lies in affordability, portability, and resilience in environments without cold-chain infrastructure.

 

Use Case Highlight

A national health program in Kenya recently expanded its newborn screening initiative to cover rural areas where hospital access is limited. Traditional blood samples in vials posed challenges due to unreliable refrigeration and transport delays. The program adopted dried blood spot cards, enabling midwives in remote villages to collect samples that could be mailed to central labs without cold storage. Within a year, screening coverage increased by more than 40%, early diagnosis of congenital conditions improved significantly, and the overall program cost dropped.

This example illustrates the practical value of specimen cards: they don’t just preserve samples—they extend the reach of healthcare and research into places where traditional systems cannot operate effectively.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• PerkinElmer expanded its newborn screening portfolio in 2023, integrating dried blood spot (DBS) cards with advanced mass spectrometry platforms, enabling faster diagnostic turnaround in public health labs.

• Qiagen launched enhanced nucleic acid preservation cards in 2024, engineered to stabilize both RNA and DNA, supporting broader use in infectious disease and oncology research.

• GE HealthCare released upgraded Whatman FTA card variants in 2023, featuring tamper-evident security for forensic and legal chain-of-custody applications.

• DBS System SA partnered with clinical trial operators in 2024 to supply microsampling cards tailored for decentralized trials, allowing patients to submit samples from home with minimal disruption.

• Ahlstrom-Munksjö announced a capacity expansion in Europe in 2023, aimed at meeting rising demand for high-quality filter paper substrates used in DBS and specimen card production.

 

Opportunities

• Expansion of national newborn screening programs in emerging markets, where DBS cards are favored for affordability, easy transport, and minimal infrastructure needs.

• Rising adoption in decentralized clinical trials and consumer genomics, driven by the growing popularity of at-home sample collection and patient-centric trial models.

• Integration with digital health tools, such as QR codes or RFID-enabled cards, is enhancing specimen traceability and improving chain-of-custody workflows, particularly in forensic, clinical, and research settings.

 

Restraints

• Variability in sample quality and volume when used in uncontrolled environments (e.g., at home), which can compromise accuracy of downstream molecular or biochemical analyses.

• Limited awareness and infrastructure in low-resource regions, where traditional venipuncture and cold-chain collection methods still dominate despite logistical inefficiencies — slowing adoption of DBS formats.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 820 Million
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 1.2 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.1% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Product Type, Application, End User, Geography
By Product Type	Dried Blood Spot (DBS) Cards, Saliva Collection Cards, Buccal Swab Cards, Nucleic Acid Preservation Cards
By Application	Clinical Diagnostics, Newborn Screening, Forensics, Research, Epidemiology
By End User	Hospitals & Diagnostic Laboratories, Forensic Agencies, Research Institutes & Biobanks, NGOs & Public Health Agencies
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., UK, Germany, France, China, India, Japan, Brazil, South Africa, etc.
Market Drivers	- Expansion of newborn screening and genetic testing programs - Growth in forensic DNA databases and law enforcement use - Rising adoption in decentralized clinical trials and consumer genomics
Customization Option	Available upon request