Genetic and genomic clinical laboratory testing generates 116,000 U.S. jobs and contributes $16.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy, according to a new report released Thursday by the Battelle Memorial Institute.
The report was sponsored by the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) and its educational arm, Results for Life.
Battelle’s report said that the industry sector's ability to innovate and produce cutting-edge genetic testing services and products supports about 44,000 direct jobs and generates about another 73,000 jobs in key supplier industries, such as real estate, food services and wholesale trade businesses, as well as a result of consumer spending by laboratory employees.
Genetic and genomic testing is used to test for genetic disorders through direct examination of DNA molecules. Major applications include diagnosis of disease, determining the likelihood of developing a particular disease, optimizing drug therapies and performing carrier screenings for potential parents.
Together, the genetic and genomic laboratory testing sector-related workforce received nearly $6 billion in wages and benefits in 2009. It also generated $657 million in estimated state and local tax revenue and nearly $1.2 billion in federal taxes in 2009, said the report.
“The genetic and genomic testing industry is creating important economic gains with new jobs, better incomes and an increased tax base,” said Alan Mertz, ACLA president, during a telephone press briefing. “Even for those of us in the sector, we found the impact on our economy to be much larger than anticipated.”
“One benefit is that this is not an industry that is focused in a few areas of the country,” added Simon Tripp, Battelle’s senior director. “What we’re seeing with the clinical laboratory industry is it is quite well distributed and is creating jobs across the country.”
In the report, Battelle said that comparatively high levels of wages and salaries are provided within the industry, along with sound benefits packages. It found that the annual average personal income of a worker in this sector was about $57,000 in 2009 – a significant wage premium as compared to roughly $45,000 in the overall U.S. economy.
"This industry is one of America's true economic success stories,” said Mertz. “It is not only helping us beat cancer and other diseases, it is also building strong economic growth in a field of innovation where the U.S. is, and always has been, the leader."
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