The Evolution of STI Testing: A Catalyst for Modern Diagnostic Technologies
Delays of even a few weeks can have real consequences. Studies show that patients often remain infectious while awaiting results, and some unknowingly transmit the infection to their partners during that time.
also lead to complications, with up to 30% of cases progressing to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), each costing over USD 4,000 in future care. 1 Given the high prevalence of asymptomatic infections and the limitations of symptom-based diagnosis, effective STI screening relies on panel- based approaches. 2 Conventional laboratory-based STI testing, in particular multiplex molecular panels that can process multiple pathogens and specimen types simultaneously, offers advantages for large-
scale screening, enabling cost efficiencies and rapid diagnoses. However, new rapid and point-of-care (POC) technologies are gaining traction, promising even quicker, same-day results and increased accessibility. 3 Technology Trends in STI Diagnostics While immunoassays have historically dominated STI diagnostics, holding the largest market share for decades, this shifted in 2024 as molecular diagnostics overtook immunoassays. They now command ~51% of the total market. 4 PCR and isothermal amplification continue to drive this transition, supported by strong adoption in both centralized laboratories and near-patient workflows. Molecular technologies are also expanding faster than immunoassays, growing at approximately 8% CAGR through 2030, 5 while next-generation sequencing (NGS) is projected to grow even faster at 9.29% CAGR 4 —the highest among molecular modalities. Meanwhile, emerging next-generation categories, including microfluidic, sensor-based and hybrid molecular/immuno platforms, are also acceler-
CAGR 8% MOLECULAR
MARKET SHARE BY ASSAY TYPE
51% Molecular
45% Immunoassay
5-6% IMMUNOASSAY
0.7% Other
9.3% NGS ⁕
9% OTHER
Figure 2. STI Testing Market by Assay Type (2025) Molecular diagnostics overtook immunoassays in 2024, now leading with ~51% of the STI diagnostics market and growing at ~8% CAGR to 2030. NGS is expanding even faster at ~9.3% CAGR—the highest among molecular modalities. (Source: Mordor Intelligence, 2025)
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