South & Central America Genetic Testing Services Market Report (2021-2031) by Scope, Segmentation, Dynamics, and Competitive Analysis

The genetic testing services market in South and Central America is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating that it will reach approximately US$ 515.91 million by 2031, up from US$ 186.42 million in 2023. This growth trajectory reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.6% from 2023 to 2031.

Executive Summary and Market Analysis

The expansion of the genetic testing services market in South America is primarily driven by improvements in healthcare infrastructure, heightened awareness of genetic disorders, and an increasing demand for personalized medicine. Key countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Chile are witnessing a surge in genetic testing applications, particularly in areas like cancer detection, prenatal screening, and the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases. The market is further supported by a growing emphasis on enhancing healthcare services and broadening access to advanced diagnostic tools. Additionally, government initiatives that promote genomic research and increased healthcare investments are expected to further accelerate the adoption of genetic testing across the region, contributing to its growth in the upcoming years.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The genetic testing services market can be segmented based on type, disease, and service provider.

• By Type: The market is divided into several categories, including predictive testing, carrier testing, prenatal testing, newborn screening, diagnostic genetic testing, and others. In 2023, predictive testing emerged as the leading segment in terms of market share.
• By Disease: The market is also categorized by disease, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and other conditions. Cancer testing held the largest market share in 2023, reflecting the growing focus on oncology.
• By Service Provider: The market is segmented into hospital-based laboratories, diagnostic laboratories, and other service providers. Hospital-based laboratories dominated the market in 2023, indicating a preference for testing conducted in clinical settings.

Market Outlook

Emerging economies such as Brazil, Mexico, and others present substantial growth opportunities for market participants. This growth is largely attributed to increased public healthcare spending, enhancements in healthcare infrastructure, and a large patient population in need of genetic testing. The rising awareness of genetic disorders and the importance of early diagnosis are also contributing factors to the growing demand for genetic testing in these developing regions.

The accessibility and practicality of genetic testing procedures have positively influenced research and development activities in these areas. Major players in the market are focusing on strategic initiatives such as partnerships, collaborations, and expansions to enhance product availability and distribution networks. For instance, in 2024, MGI Tech entered into an agreement with Sabin Group to advance personalized medicine in Brazil through oncological and germline genomics. Similarly, PlexBio Co., Ltd. announced a strategic partnership with Biomedica Equipamentos e Suprimentos Hospitalares Ltda. to introduce its cancer gene mutation testing products in Brazil, significantly improving access to genetic testing.

In 2022, Nordic Group partnered with a Mexican laboratory to manage its DNAlife genetic testing platform, aiming to enhance personalized healthcare across Latin America. Furthermore, GENOMIKA, a leading genetic testing laboratory in Brazil, collaborated with Veritas to integrate Whole Genome Sequencing into its offerings, emphasizing preventive medicine and clinical genetics.

The increasing consumer awareness regarding direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests in developing economies also presents growth opportunities for the DTC sector.

Country Insights

The South and Central America genetic testing services market is primarily composed of Brazil, Argentina, and other countries in the region, with Brazil holding the largest market share in 2023. The rise in genetic diseases and chronic illnesses is a significant factor driving the growth of the genetic testing market in Brazil. According to a study published in 2021, approximately 53,746 live births in Brazil were affected by rare genetic diseases in 2019-2020, alongside 498 live births with hereditary cancer syndromes. Additionally, the Brazilian Rare Genomes Project reported that around 13.2 million individuals in Brazil are affected by rare diseases.

The increasing demand for personalized medicine and genetic testing for the detection and treatment of these conditions is propelling market growth. The introduction of advanced technologies in disease diagnosis, along with industry players focusing on developing new molecular diagnostic techniques for faster and more accurate results, is expected to further enhance market dynamics.

Company Profiles

Key players in the South and Central America genetic testing services market include Eurofins Scientific SE, Exact Sciences Corp, Laboratory Corp of America Holdings, 23andMe Holding Co, Ambry Genetics Corp, Quest Diagnostics Inc, Illumina Inc, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, NeoGenomics Inc, Centogene NV, Ancestry Genomics Inc, Gene By Gene Ltd, SIVOTEC BioInformatics LLC, Progenesis, Fulgent Genetics, Inc, VERITAS INTERCONTINENTAL, and GeneDx, LLC, among others. These companies are employing various strategies such as expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions to enhance their market presence and offer innovative solutions to consumers.