Antibiotic sensitivity testing (AST) is a lab test that determines which antibiotics will effectively treat a specific bacterial or fungal infection. It's a key tool for doctors to choose the right medication, preventing the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics and fighting the global threat of antimicrobial resistance. The test exposes a microorganism sample to different antibiotics to see if it's "susceptible," "intermediate," or "resistant," guiding treatment decisions for a better patient outcome.
Market Analysis: The market for antimicrobial susceptibility testing is growing significantly due to the increasing threat of drug-resistant infections. In 2025, the global market is valued at approximately $3.83 billion. It is projected to reach around $6.5 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 6.06%. This expansion is fueled by a rising number of infectious diseases, advancements in rapid diagnostic technologies, and a growing emphasis on better infection control. While North America currently leads the market, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to show the fastest growth in the coming years.
