human identification Market

The human identification market size is projected to reach US$ 3,900.24 million by 2028 from US$ 1,827.02 million in 2021. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.4% from 2021 to 2028.

The report discusses the prevailing trends and growth drivers in the human genomics market. The market is expected to witness significant growth, primarily driven by an increase in government initiatives and investments to support forensic programs and the introduction of novel sampling methods and portable equipment. However, the high cost of instruments used for genomic studies may impede the growth of the human identification market.

Human identification is a field of science that involves the analysis of genetic materials to identify an individual based on their genetics. This field has various applications in forensics, paternity testing, and other industries.

Governments worldwide are providing increased support for the field of human identification due to its potential, demand, and diverse applications in various industries. The field of forensic science, including DNA analysis, is undergoing a transformation in the US and globally. New approaches are being developed, validated, and implemented to aid criminal investigations, and investigators face challenges related to the accuracy and validity of older and current methods.

The human identification market is being propelled by the support and initiatives of governments towards forensics programs. One example is the use of forensic DNA analysis to reunite families separated during riots and violent incidents, which is being funded by the Bureau of Democracy of the US Department of State through the Forensic Project. The Center for Human Identification (CHI) at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is renowned for its forensic DNA testing services and receives funding from the state of Texas and federal government agencies. The Forensic Unit of the CHI also helps reduce the backlog of sexual assaults for the Texas Department of Public Safety and provides free DNA testing services to law enforcement agencies in North Texas counties, thanks to grants from the National Institute of Justice of the US Department of Justice.

Furthermore, the field of forensic science is witnessing the development of novel analytical instruments, assessment techniques for trace evidence, and proteomic analysis techniques with unique sampling procedures that enable the identification of individuals based on hair, skin, and bones. The introduction of various portable equipment types has allowed for extensive analysis in the on-site field, proving particularly useful for the transportation of unstable, perishable, or hazardous compounds to the laboratory. These advancements are expected to drive the market during the forecast period. In addition, scientists can sequence a DNA sample to provide investigators with information on the possible characteristics of suspects, including hair, eye, and skin color, as well as age and biological background, using newer approaches. Biosensors can also be used to analyze minute traces of bodily fluids found in fingerprints, providing data on the suspect's age, medications, gender, and lifestyle.

Furthermore, a smartphone-based sensor has been developed to evaluate a saliva sample through immunochromatography; the tests can also be run away from a lab. Geolocating a suspect or victim using stable isotopes of water is another advanced technique in forensic sciences. Scientists can determine the sample's origin by isolating the isotopes in a water sample found on a suspect or victim. Thus, advancements based on modern technologies and smart sampling methods are generating new trends in the market.

The global human identification market is analyzed on the basis of products and services, technology, application, and end user. Based on products and services, the market is segmented into consumables, instruments, services, and software. Further, the consumables segment is classified into electrophoresis kits and reagents, DNA amplification kits and reagents, DNA quantification kits and reagents, DNA extraction kits and reagents, and rapid DNA analysis kits and reagents. The consumables lasers segment led the market in 2021. It is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on technology, capillary electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction, nucleic acid purification and extraction, automated liquid handling, microarrays, next-generation sequencing, and rapid DNA analysis. The capillary electrophoresis segment held the largest market share in 2021. However, the next-generation sequencing segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on application, the market is segmented into forensic applications, paternity identification, and other applications. The forensic applications segment held the largest market share in 2021. It is also expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on end user, the market is segmented into forensic laboratories, research and academic centers, and government institutes. The forensic laboratories segment held the largest market share in 2021. It is also anticipated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis: Human Identification Market

The human identification market experienced a varied impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic in different regions. Some companies had to halt their production due to the pandemic, resulting in a shortfall in supply to meet the rising demand. Moreover, the pandemic had a detrimental effect on the global economies, and the health services were primarily focused on treating COVID-19 patients. Routine healthcare services were suspended during the pandemic, leading to a reduced utilization of human identification products. In response to the pandemic, many market players shifted their focus towards developing and manufacturing COVID-19 testing kits.

Lockdown measures implemented by many governments to contain the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a significant decrease in crime rates, resulting in reduced demand for human identification products. Moreover, the lack of established protocols for criminal investigations during the pandemic has further contributed to this decline. However, the shortage of effective therapies for COVID-19 presents opportunities for genome editing-related products and services, as demonstrated by the recent FDA approval of plasma therapy for critically ill patients. Governments and market players are actively exploring such opportunities, which is expected to drive the development of the human identification market in the coming years.  

The report on the human identification market draws information from various primary and secondary sources, including the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), Institute Genetics Nantes Atlantique (IGNA), Forensic Capability Network, International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).