Dried Blood Spot Collection Cards Market By Product Type (Whatman 903 Cards, FTA Cards, Perforated Cards, Others); By Application (Newborn Screening, Infectious Disease Testing, Genetic Testing, Drug Metabolism Studies, Forensic Science, Others); By End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Diagnostic Laboratories, Academic & Research Institutes, Biopharma & CROs, Forensic Departments, Public Health Agencies); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030.

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Dried Blood Spot ( DBS ) Collection Cards Market will witness a robust CAGR of 6.8% , valued at $317 million in 2024 , expected to appreciate and reach $472 million by 2030 , confirms Strategic Market Research.

 

Dried blood spot collection cards are specialized filter paper tools used to collect and preserve small volumes of capillary blood from a finger or heel prick. These cards allow for simplified, cost-effective blood sample collection, storage, and transport—making them highly suitable for decentralized testing in both clinical and field environments. The strategic relevance of DBS cards has expanded dramatically in the wake of global diagnostic decentralization, rising demand for biobanking, and growth in epidemiological studies—especially in low-resource and rural settings.

 

In 2024, the market is defined by a convergence of several macro forces:

• Public health surveillance expansion due to infectious disease threats (e.g., COVID-19, HIV, hepatitis).

• Biotech growth with increased demand for minimally invasive biosample collection in genetic testing and newborn screening.

• Government-sponsored programs pushing early diagnostic accessibility across underserved populations.

• Technological evolution , with DBS cards now integrated into automated workflows for PCR, mass spectrometry, and immunoassays.

A growing number of applications—ranging from neonatal screening and chronic disease monitoring to forensic science and therapeutic drug monitoring—are reinforcing the market’s role in modern diagnostics. DBS cards offer unique logistical advantages by eliminating the need for cold-chain transport and allowing extended sample viability—especially critical in developing nations.

 

Key stakeholders shaping the DBS cards market include:

• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) producing collection kits and filter papers.

• Diagnostic laboratories and public health agencies leveraging DBS for mass screenings and disease tracking.

• Biotech and pharmaceutical firms that use DBS sampling in clinical trials.

• Academic and research institutions conducting longitudinal population studies.

• Non-profit organizations and NGOs promoting diagnostic access in resource-limited areas.

• Governmental health departments implementing nationwide newborn and infectious disease screening programs.

With diagnostics moving out of hospitals and into homes and communities, DBS cards serve as a linchpin for simplified sampling and scale. The combination of affordability, scalability, and bio-sample integrity has made DBS collection cards a critical tool for both current and future diagnostic landscapes.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The dried blood spot (DBS) collection cards market is segmented across four major dimensions to reflect product diversity, diagnostic utility, and global uptake patterns:

By Product Type

• Whatman 903 Cards

• FTA Cards

• Perforated Cards

• Others (e.g., custom laminated cards, CE-marked or FDA-cleared cards)

Whatman 903 cards currently dominate the product segment, accounting for approximately 41% of global market share in 2024 due to their widespread adoption in neonatal screening and global health programs. These cards are manufactured using high-purity cotton linters and offer FDA-clearance, which positions them as the gold standard. Meanwhile, FTA cards are gaining strategic traction in forensic and genomics workflows due to their ability to lyse cells and stabilize nucleic acids at room temperature.

 

By Application

• Newborn Screening

• Infectious Disease Testing

• Genetic Testing

• Drug Metabolism Studies

• Forensic Science

• Others (e.g., toxicology, hormone level monitoring)

Newborn screening remains the highest revenue-contributing application in 2024, driven by its integration into national public health mandates. However, genetic testing and infectious disease diagnostics are anticipated to register the fastest CAGR (over 8.5%) between 2024 and 2030, fueled by precision medicine and decentralized diagnostic protocols.

 

By End User

• Hospitals and Clinics

• Diagnostic Laboratories

• Academic & Research Institutes

• Biopharma & CROs

• Forensic Departments

• Public Health Agencies

Diagnostic laboratories represent the primary end user in 2024, utilizing DBS cards for high-throughput testing workflows and longitudinal studies. Biopharma and contract research organizations (CROs) are rapidly adopting DBS technologies to improve the convenience and compliance of remote sample collection in clinical trials.

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

North America holds the largest share of the market in 2024 due to strong healthcare infrastructure, newborn screening mandates, and the presence of leading players. However, Asia Pacific is poised to be the fastest-growing region through 2030, driven by population-scale screening initiatives, international donor support, and rising awareness of minimally invasive diagnostics.

This segmentation sets the foundation for understanding performance drivers, strategic opportunities, and unmet needs in the global DBS collection cards market.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The dried blood spot (DBS) collection cards market is experiencing a wave of innovation across material science, diagnostic integration, and decentralized sampling—transforming its role from a static sample collection tool into a dynamic enabler of modern diagnostic workflows.

Trend 1: Automation-Ready Cards & Digital Integration

Recent advancements focus on creating automation-compatible DBS cards that integrate seamlessly into high-throughput laboratory equipment such as LC-MS/MS and PCR platforms. This evolution is particularly significant for centralized diagnostic labs and clinical research facilities looking to minimize manual intervention and improve data traceability.

Innovations in barcode integration and sample tracking are also helping eliminate human error and improve biospecimen traceability—key for regulatory compliance and quality assurance in clinical trials and biobanking.

 

Trend 2: Multi-Layered and Chemically Stabilized Cards

Modern DBS cards are increasingly designed with multi-layer filtration, chemically-treated substrates, and integrated reagents , enabling on-card DNA/RNA stabilization , protein extraction, and even preliminary cell lysis. This has expanded their utility in:

• Genetic screening

• Infectious disease testing (e.g., HIV, COVID-19, HCV)

• Remote pharmacokinetics studies

The rise of these “functional cards” has led to wider adoption in mobile diagnostics and telemedicine—particularly in regions with limited lab infrastructure.

 

Trend 3: Biotech Collaborations and Standardization

There is a growing emphasis on standardizing pre-analytical variables , such as sample volume consistency, ambient stability, and analyte recovery efficiency. In response, biotech companies are partnering with card manufacturers to co-develop DBS protocols that can pass regulatory thresholds for diagnostic use.

For instance:

• Strategic partnerships between CROs and filter paper developers now aim to validate DBS workflows under Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) conditions.

• Non-profit health organizations are standardizing DBS usage in global health monitoring programs for HIV viral load tracking.

 

Trend 4: Expanded Forensic and Toxicological Use

Ongoing innovations are also expanding DBS application into forensic DNA analysis, workplace drug testing, and toxicology panels . The ability to maintain sample integrity without refrigeration for up to 14–30 days makes DBS a valuable tool for legal and regulatory workflows in low-resource jurisdictions.

 

Innovation Pipeline Highlights

• Next-gen protein-stabilizing cards launched by mid-tier players to support proteomics workflows

• Microsampling -compatible DBS devices under development for remote patient monitoring

• AI-powered image analysis systems for evaluating blood spot quality prior to processing

As the push for decentralized, scalable diagnostics continues, DBS card innovation is transitioning from basic storage design toward becoming a critical part of point-of-care diagnostic ecosystems.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The dried blood spot (DBS) collection cards market is moderately consolidated, with a mix of legacy manufacturers, biotech partnerships, and niche innovators driving differentiation through product quality, regulatory clearances, and global distribution networks.

Here’s a strategic overview of 6 key players:

1. PerkinElmer, Inc.

A dominant global player in newborn screening, PerkinElmer supplies certified DBS cards, primarily the FDA-approved 903 collection cards . Its strength lies in bundled diagnostic solutions, where the card is integrated with instrumentation, reagents, and workflow software. The company maintains a robust footprint in North America, Europe, and government-backed health programs in Asia and Africa . Their vertical integration across screening tools makes them highly competitive in public sector tenders.

 

2. GE Healthcare Life Sciences

GE Healthcare (through its Whatman brand) is synonymous with 903 Protein Saver cards , the industry benchmark for neonatal and metabolic screening. Whatman cards are known for their high-purity cellulose and minimal background contamination , making them the gold standard in regulatory-compliant workflows. GE’s strategy emphasizes OEM partnerships and long-term supply contracts with health ministries worldwide.

 

3. Ahlstrom

Ahlstrom is a leading filter paper and fiber -based material specialist , offering both off-the-shelf and custom DBS substrates. While not a diagnostics firm per se, its partnership model enables manufacturers to develop proprietary card designs using CE-marked base materials . Ahlstrom’s global supply network and sustainability focus are positioning it as a preferred upstream supplier for environmentally-conscious diagnostics companies.

 

4. Eastern Business Forms, Inc. (EBF)

EBF is one of the few FDA-registered and ISO-certified manufacturers that provides both pre-printed and custom-printed DBS cards . It serves a diverse client base ranging from forensic labs to global health organizations. Its edge lies in customization, including multi-part cards with barcoding, instructions, and integrated patient ID systems . EBF’s flexibility makes it especially appealing to low- and middle-income countries and NGOs running diagnostic programs.

 

5. Centogene N.V.

A genomics-driven company, Centogene uses DBS technology in rare disease diagnostics and biobanking. While not a manufacturer of cards per se, its integration of DBS sampling kits into patient-centric testing workflows is a model for decentralized genomics. Centogene’s model exemplifies how diagnostic platforms are extending DBS utility into personalized medicine.

 

6. Shimadzu Corporation

Primarily known for analytical instrumentation, Shimadzu has made strategic moves to develop DBS-compatible LC-MS/MS workflows , often bundling specialized DBS cards with its systems. This integration ensures quality and reproducibility in high-sensitivity assays. Shimadzu leverages its analytical expertise to position itself at the intersection of diagnostics and research analytics.

Overall, innovation, workflow integration, and regulatory reliability are the defining success factors in this competitive landscape. The market also remains open to new entrants offering automation-ready, chemically stable, and AI-compatible DBS products .

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

The dried blood spot (DBS) collection cards market exhibits varied regional growth patterns shaped by diagnostic infrastructure, government screening mandates, disease epidemiology, and access to decentralized healthcare systems. While North America leads in revenue, Asia Pacific and Africa present high-growth, high-impact opportunities due to population density and increasing public health investment.

North America

North America , led by the United States , accounts for the largest market share in 2024, driven by:

• Universal newborn screening mandates across all U.S. states

• Advanced clinical laboratory networks using automation-ready DBS workflows

• High adoption in therapeutic drug monitoring and genetic screening through mail-based test kits

The region also benefits from a robust ecosystem of regulatory-approved products (e.g., FDA-cleared Whatman 903 cards), fueling clinical and research use.

 

Europe

Europe demonstrates strong adoption and policy alignment , particularly in:

• Germany, France, and the UK , where newborn screening and HIV monitoring are nationally regulated

• Expansion of multi-analyte DBS use in rare disease genomics, supported by EU grants

• Cross-border standardization initiatives from European Reference Networks (ERNs)

Scandinavian countries, known for biobanking leadership, are pioneering population-level DBS repositories to support personalized medicine initiatives.

 

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region , with an expected CAGR exceeding 9% through 2030 , driven by:

• Government-supported newborn screening expansion in China, India, and Indonesia

• Increased penetration of telemedicine and mobile diagnostics

• WHO-backed hepatitis and HIV surveillance programs using DBS samples in rural and semi-urban settings

In India, pilot initiatives are integrating DBS cards into national health records, aiming for scalable diagnostics without refrigeration.

 

Latin America

Latin America shows moderate but rising adoption , with key markets being Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia . Growth is supported by:

• Regional standardization of newborn screening programs

• Increasing participation in multinational clinical trials , requiring DBS-based pharmacokinetic data

• Collaborative programs with Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

Challenges include inconsistent infrastructure and reimbursement policies across the region.

 

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

Though still nascent, MEA represents an emerging opportunity zone , with DBS applications primarily in:

• HIV/AIDS viral load monitoring in Sub-Saharan Africa, driven by PEPFAR and Global Fund investments

• Outreach diagnostic programs in countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria , where DBS simplifies logistics in remote areas

• Forensic adoption in Middle Eastern countries expanding DNA fingerprinting infrastructure

The logistical ease of transporting DBS samples without refrigeration is a key enabler in hot-climate geographies.

 

Summary Table: Regional Dynamics

Region	2024 Market Position	Growth Rate (2024–2030)	Key Drivers
North America	Largest Market	Moderate	Universal screening, lab automation
Europe	Second Largest	Stable	Policy-backed standardization, biobanking
Asia Pacific	Fastest Growing	High (>9%)	Government programs, decentralized testing
Latin America	Emerging	Moderate	Trial integration, public health partnerships
MEA	Underserved, Emerging	High (low base)	HIV monitoring, low-cost deployment in remote zones

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The dried blood spot (DBS) collection cards market serves a diverse and expanding set of end users, each leveraging the technology for distinct clinical, research, or public health objectives. The flexibility, portability, and bio-stability of DBS samples have made them particularly valuable in settings where traditional venous sampling is impractical or cost-prohibitive.

Key End-User Categories

1. Diagnostic Laboratories Diagnostic labs are the leading adopters of DBS cards, using them for:

• Mass screening workflows (e.g., neonatal, metabolic disorders)

• Remote sample collection for infectious diseases and pharmacokinetics

• Integration with automated LC-MS/MS and PCR systems for analyte detection Large commercial labs benefit from the scalability and cold chain independence offered by DBS workflows.

 

2. Hospitals and Clinics Hospitals use DBS collection in both centralized and outreach programs for:

• Newborn screening in maternity wards

• Pre-surgical testing in remote or rural units

• Occasional use in mobile clinics or blood drives

The simplicity of finger-prick collection makes DBS ideal for pediatric and geriatric care settings where venipuncture is challenging.

 

3. Academic and Research Institutions These groups leverage DBS for:

• Longitudinal cohort studies

• Biomarker discovery

• Population genomics and epidemiological surveillance

Academic users value the stability and minimal storage requirements for long-term biospecimen archiving.

 

4. Biopharmaceutical Companies & Contract Research Organizations (CROs) Pharma and CROs are increasingly integrating DBS into:

• Clinical trial workflows for pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics

• Remote patient sampling during decentralized or hybrid trials

• Pediatric drug trials , where sample volume is a constraint

DBS sampling improves patient compliance, reduces logistical complexity, and is gaining regulatory acceptance.

 

5. Public Health Agencies and NGOs Organizations like CDC, WHO, Global Fund , and regional health ministries use DBS for:

• Infectious disease monitoring (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B/C)

• Population-level surveys

• Intervention program evaluation

DBS sampling is a critical enabler in areas lacking refrigeration, lab infrastructure, or trained phlebotomists.

 

6. Forensic Departments Forensics teams utilize DBS for:

• DNA profiling

• Postmortem toxicology

• Legal sample collection where trace volume is a factor

Chain-of-custody integrity and long-term sample stability make DBS a valuable forensic tool.

 

Real-World Use Case

A tertiary pediatric hospital in South Korea launched a decentralized congenital hypothyroidism screening program across rural provinces. Using DBS cards, nurses at satellite clinics collected heel-prick samples from newborns and couriered them to a central lab in Seoul—without refrigeration. The program led to a 30% increase in early detection rates within the first year, reducing delayed diagnoses and improving treatment outcomes. DBS enabled rapid, low-cost, and scalable sample logistics, critical for nationwide implementation.

This diversified end-user landscape reinforces DBS cards as a foundational diagnostic platform , not just a sample medium. Its adoption is expected to rise in parallel with trends in remote healthcare, decentralized trials, and digital health.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• FDA Clearance for Newborn Screening Enhancement In 2023, a modified DBS card format received FDA clearance for expanded analyte detection, enabling earlier diagnosis of rare metabolic disorders in neonatal programs.

• Partnership Between Ahlstrom and a Genomics Firm Ahlstrom partnered with a UK-based genomics diagnostics company to co-develop chemically treated DBS cards tailored for at-home genetic testing kits.

• Telehealth Expansion with DBS Kits in Europe A major telehealth provider in Germany integrated DBS-based kits into its chronic disease monitoring service, enabling at-home blood collection and lab analysis for diabetic and hypertensive patients.

• Shimadzu Launches Mass Spec Platform Optimized for DBS Shimadzu introduced a dedicated LC-MS/MS workflow specifically calibrated for DBS card extracts to enhance detection sensitivity in drug trials.

 

Opportunities

1. Rising Demand for Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCTs) As pharma companies pivot to hybrid and remote trial models, DBS cards offer a low-burden method for patient sample collection—supporting broader geographic recruitment and improving compliance.

2. Integration with Digital Health Platforms The increasing deployment of patient-centric diagnostic platforms opens new opportunities to link DBS cards with mobile health apps and cloud-based data dashboards for longitudinal monitoring.

3. Expansion in Emerging Markets Government and NGO investments in Africa, South Asia, and Latin America for infectious disease surveillance are accelerating DBS penetration in public health ecosystems.

 

Restraints

1. Regulatory and Validation Complexity Lack of globally harmonized protocols for DBS sample handling, storage, and analyte extraction leads to variability in results—posing hurdles for clinical adoption in regulated environments.

2. Sample Integrity Concerns in Extreme Climates While DBS is resilient, high heat and humidity can affect sample quality if proper handling protocols are not followed—limiting reliability in certain geographic zones without training.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 317 Million
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 472 Million
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.8% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Product Type, By Application, By End User, By Geography
By Product Type	Whatman 903 Cards, FTA Cards, Perforated Cards, Others
By Application	Newborn Screening, Infectious Disease Testing, Genetic Testing, Drug Metabolism Studies, Forensic Science, Others
By End User	Hospitals & Clinics, Diagnostic Labs, Academic & Research Institutes, Biopharma & CROs, Forensic Departments, Public Health Agencies
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., UK, Germany, China, India, Japan, Brazil, South Africa, etc.
Market Drivers	Decentralized testing growth, public health screening mandates, clinical trial adoption
Customization Option	Available upon request