← Critical Product/Equipment/Process: Chemicals, Pharma & Process (all topics)
Genomics/molecular testing
What it is
High-complexity testing that reads nucleic acid rather than measuring analytes - PCR, next-generation sequencing, oncology panels, carrier and inherited-disease screening, liquid biopsy and companion diagnostics
It sits at the top of the pathology value chain, requiring a central reference lab, bioinformatics capability and clinical genetic counselling rather than a collection-centre network
Impact on industries
- The margin engine of the sector - genomic testing posts consistent double-digit revenue growth on a richer mix than routine pathology
- Capital and skill intensity make it defensible: reference-lab infrastructure and bioinformatics cannot be replicated by standalone labs competing on price
- Anchors hospital and oncology relationships, since companion diagnostics tie the lab into the treatment pathway rather than a one-off test
- Volumes remain small and urban, reimbursement is thin outside self-pay, and imported sequencers and reagents expose the cost base to currency and tariffs