Recent Developments in the Dried Blood Spot Collection Cards Market

Dried blood spot (DBS) collection cards have gained significant popularity recently due to their ability to simplify blood sample collection, storage, and transportation. These cards are widely used in various applications, including newborn screening, disease surveillance, clinical trials, and therapeutic drug monitoring. Inkwood Research estimates that the global dried blood spot collection cards market is set to propel with a 3.8% CAGR during the forecast period, 2023-2032.

DBS collection cards serve numerous functions in collecting blood samples for laboratory analysis, including circumventing the requirement for a phlebotomist by enabling fingerstick blood collection, stabilizing analytes under ambient or elevated environmental conditions, and streamlining sample transportation without the need for a cold chain.

Recent Developments in the DBS Collection Cards Market

The dried blood spot collection cards market has witnessed several developments that have helped improve blood sample collection and analysis efficiency and accuracy.

This blog will discuss some of the latest developments in this market.

• Technological Developments

Introducing new technologies that enable more accurate and precise measurement of biomarkers is one of the recent developments in the DBS collection card market. For instance, in 2022, researchers at the University of Helsinki developed a new method for analyzing DBS samples using high-resolution mass spectrometry. This method can detect over a thousand metabolites in a single blood spot, providing valuable insights into the biochemical pathways involved in various diseases. (Source)

Furthermore, in August 2021, PerkinElmer announced the launch of their new DBS-based assay for measuring COVID-19 load in resource-limited settings. The assay uses a novel DBS collection card incorporating a series of microchannels to increase sample absorption and reduce variability.

Dr. Masoud Toloue, Vice President and General Manager of Diagnostics at PerkinElmer, commented, “Dried blood spot samples have been used in large-scale population screening programs for decades and can help alleviate the costs and logistical constraints associated with collecting, transporting and processing venous blood for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing.” (Source)

• Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Therapeutic drug monitoring involves measuring drug levels in a patient’s bloodstream to ensure they receive the correct dose of medication. DBS collection cards provide a convenient and cost-effective method for collecting and analyzing blood samples for therapeutic drug monitoring, particularly in low-resource settings. In October 2021, Roche Diagnostics announced the launch of a new DBS collection card for use in therapeutic drug monitoring of immunosuppressant drugs. The new card, the Elecsys Tacrolimus DBS card, is designed to simplify the collection and analysis of blood samples for patients taking immunosuppressant drugs after an organ transplant. (Source)

• Use in Clinical Trials

In addition to technological advancements, several developments have been in the regulatory landscape of DBS collection cards. In 2019, the United States FDA issued draft guidance on the use of DBS in clinical trials. It recommends using DBS collection cards to collect pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data in clinical trials.

Moreover, in 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued guidelines on using DBS collection cards for HIV viral load testing. (Source) These guidelines provide recommendations on collecting, storing, and transporting DBS samples for HIV viral load testing to improve access to HIV testing in low-resource settings.

Furthermore, in 2021, researchers from the University of Liverpool published a study in the journal Lancet Microbe, demonstrating the potential of DBS collection cards for HIV viral load monitoring in low-resource settings. The study found that DBS samples collected on filter paper and stored at room temperature could provide accurate and reliable results for HIV viral load monitoring, improving access to HIV testing in low-income countries.

Future Growth Opportunities: Optimizing DBS Collection Cards

As the demand for point-of-care testing, remote monitoring, and personalized medicine continues to grow, the role of DBS collection cards in diagnostic testing and disease monitoring will remain vital. Additionally, the ongoing development of new assays and devices optimized for use with DBS collection cards will further enhance the accuracy and precision of DBS testing. Accordingly, innovations and investments in the global dried blood spot collection cards market are expected to fuel growth and improve patient outcomes.

Moreover, the recent advancements in DBS collection card technology are propelling significant growth and innovation in the DBS collection card market. Incorporating new assays, devices, and technologies has increased the accessibility and use of DBS collection cards, especially in resource-limited settings. As more healthcare providers and patients become aware of the advantages of DBS testing, adopting these innovative collection cards is anticipated to increase, leading to transformative changes in how diseases are diagnosed and treated. Such developments are projected to accelerate the global dried blood spot collection cards market growth during the forecast period.

By Sukanya Mukherjee