Laboratory tests

Private laboratory tests are currently mainly produced in the clinics’ laboratories and in larger central laboratories. The public sector also produces mass analytics laboratory tests. There are over 70 companies in Finland that focus solely on laboratory operations (Ministry of Trade and Industry and TE centre publication, February 2006).

Laboratory tests produced by the private sector grew from 6.3 million tests in 1999 to 7.4 tests in 2005, i.e. 2.6% per year.

The number of laboratory tests is growing at nearly the same rate as the use of private healthcare services (Stakes, statistics 33/2005). Measured by volume, the amount of tests is constantly growing, but the competitive situation affects the pricing of the services. In the future, it will be possible to lower the unit price of tests by making operations more efficient.

Imaging

The number of imaging tests or radiology tests produced by the private sector has increased, both among private persons and in occupational healthcare arranged by employers. The number of private persons’ radiology tests compensated for by health insurance grew from 0.44 million to 0.61 million tests between 2000 and 2005, i.e. volume growth of approximately 6.7% (Social Insurance Institution’s statistical annuals 2000 and 2004).

The number of private persons’ radiology tests compensated for by health insurance and arranged by employers grew from 0.27 million to 0.40 million tests between 1995 and 2005, volume growth of approximately 5% (Social Insurance Institution’s statistical annual 2006).

The positive development of demand for private imaging services is affected by guaranteed access to treatment, abolition of the plaster duty and implementation of new, more effective technologies. Radiology tests produced as outsourcing services for municipalities are not included in Kela's statistics above. The number of tests in imaging develops in line with the development of the number of doctor’s visits. In addition, municipal outsourcing services will increase the use of private sector imaging services.

Screening tests

Mass mammography and Pap screenings have been carried out in Finland for a long time. Intestine screening began in 2004. Municipalities and federations of municipalities are responsible for arranging the screenings. The objective of the screenings is to reduce the rate of mortality from cervical, breast and colon cancer. Breast cancer screening based on mammography is controlled and regulated by the authorities.

At the beginning of 2007, statutory mammography screenings were extended to cover women between the ages 50 and 69. In the future, in accordance with the National Health Decree, one age group will be added to the mammography screening tests every year. Over the next ten years this will enable approximately 25% volume growth on the screening markets. The overall market for mammography screenings is currently approximately 250,000 tests per year. The majority of the screenings are currently carried out by the private sector.