A safe and adequate blood supply is essential to the practice of modern medicine. New advances, particularly in the area of automation, have enhanced both safety and blood availability and it is the purpose of this study to detail these advances and their impact on the blood industry.

Since BCC last looked at this market in 2001 there have been mergers, consolidations and acquisitions among the major companies as well as advances in technology that have allowed for obtaining more red blood cells from fewer donors. Technological advances have also allowed for greater economies and increased safety in the blood supply.

This study describes and analyzes the current markets for blood products, blood tests and blood processing equipment, as well as important, new developments affecting every aspect of this industry. In addition, the report provides an analysis of market value forecasted through 2010 in constant dollars and participating company profiles. The scope and character of the blood-testing segment is constantly changing so the impact of new products, technologies and equipment are analyzed.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report contains coverage of:

• Structure and current market size of the blood industry with forecasts through 2010
• All aspects including: blood salvage, autologous donations, apheresis, fractionation and stem cells as well as major plasma products
• Blood usage patterns and trends
• Government and regulatory controls
• Impact of disease on the blood industry
• Major players and their relative market share and market potential
• Current product lines and examination of newly emerging products and technologies
• State of the international markets
• Newly issued patents relating to blood and disease screening.

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

Data for this study were collected using both primary and secondary data research techniques. A literature search of BCC's extensive library, as well as scientific, medical and business libraries was conducted. On-line databases and government sources were consulted as well. Extensive interviews with industry personnel, scientists, professional and trade organizations, government agency personnel, observers, scientists, and industry professionals were conducted.

Data collected were analyzed by BCC personnel to determine specific findings and forecasts. Once these forecasts were obtained they were validated with industry experts; consequently, all estimates provided in this report represent a consensus of BCC personnel, industry participants, and industry observers. Since some segments of this report are not routinely measured, BCC derived estimates from a variety of analogous sources. Whenever market estimates are derived they are fully noted. It should be pointed out that while many factors were considered in constructing different models, the projections are ultimately speculative. As a composite of the opinions and assessments of interviewees, the author, other analysts, and secondary sources, these projections represent something of a consensus. However, all recognize that the relative importance of selected factors could change at any time with new technologies and new products, and thus change the direction of the market projections. All forecasts use constant 2005 dollars.

ANALYST'S CREDENTIALS

Research Analyst Barbara Breindel has covered the Medical and Pharmaceutical fields for BCC for 18 years. She has advised the medical equipment and pharmaceuticals industries with product evaluations, domestic and foreign market analyses, and consumer trend forecasts. Ms. Breindel's studies have examined drug delivery systems, drug packaging, pharmaceuticals, microorganism testing, skin, wound and hair treatment markets, as well as the medical diagnostic equipment and laser industries. B.S., Lehman College, NY; M.B.A., Marketing, Baruch Graduate School, CCNY.

RELATED BCC WORK CREDENTIALS

The BCC analyst serving as Project Director on this report has both medical technology and advanced marketing degrees, along with extensive experience in the medical device industry, pharmaceutical industry and in other high technology markets. Among the other BCC studies published by this analyst are previous reports on the U.S. blood supply and reports on microorganism testing systems; gene probe markets; medical diagnostic equipment; biocompatible materials; bio-engineered protein drugs; new drug delivery systems; skin, wound, and hair care products; the dental marketplace; the forensic testing market and the laser industry.