The rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDT) market is expected to grow significantly by 2030 owing to increasing prevalence of influenza. In addition, surging necessity for early diagnosis, along with rising popularity of rapid testing, is set to further boost market growth through the forecast period.

Notably, lack of skilled professionals and stringent lockdown regulations imposed during the COVID-19 outbreak posed a threat to market growth However, with the burgeoning number of cases and high risk of exposure to COVID-19 in hospital settings, at-home testing gained massive popularity. Thus, rising consumer interest in at-home testing kits, coupled with soaring demand for telemedicine for influenza infection diagnosis, has positively impacted the product landscape of the rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDT) market.

Furthermore, major players in the industry have been focusing on research and development activities to introduce technologically advanced rapid influenza tests. In addition, strategic partnerships and acquisitions have also aided in business expansion.

For instance, in October 2020, Quidel Corporation, a leading manufacturer of diagnostic healthcare products, received EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) from the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for marketing its Sofia 2 Flu + SARS Antigen FIA, a rapid point-of-care test used in conjunction with Sofia 2 Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer to differentiate nucleocapsid protein antigen from SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A and B via direct nasal (NS) and nasopharyngeal (NP) swab samples in potential COVID-19 patients.

To cite another instance, in March 2021, Abbott, a multinational medical and healthcare devices company, introduced its Alinity m Resp-4-Plex assay that detects COVID-19, influenza A, influenza B, and RSV using only one swab. The innovation, which has received U.S. FDA Emergency Use Authorization, aims to reduce discomfort, and give an efficient four-in-one assay for quick diagnosis.

In another instance, in January 2021, Thermo Fisher Scientific, a prominent supplier in the rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDT) market, announced its plans to takeover molecular diagnostic expert Mesa Biotech. Mesa provides gold-standard nucleic acid PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification to point-of-care diagnostics for COVID-19, RSV, Influenza A and B, and Strep A.

The rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDT) market has been bifurcated in terms of end-use and region. Based on end-use, the RIDT market has been divided into research laboratories, hospitals, diagnostic centers, and others. In 2021, the hospitals segment accounted for over $272 million in revenue and is poised to register substantial gains by 2030. Several factors, including the availability of board-certified skilled doctors, high success rate, faster & more efficient work, and so forth, are slated to fuel segmental growth in the forthcoming years.

In the regional landscape, the Latin America rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDT) market garnered a valuation of approximately $82 million in 2021 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 7.5% through the forecast timeline. Rising prevalence of influenza and growing awareness about influenza infection in countries across the region are likely to support LATAM market expansion in the future.