Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market

Updated on : March 17, 2023

The global ultrasound probe disinfection market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $501 million in 2022 and is poised to reach $936 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 13.3% from 2022 to 2027. The updated version of the report covers the historical market for the ultrasound probe disinfection market for the years 2020 and 2021, the estimated market for 2022, and the forecast for 2027, along with the CAGR from 2022 to 2027. The market's growth is largely driven by increasing awareness regarding high-level disinfection of semi-critical probes and growing demand for low-cost ultrasonography procedures. Infectious diseases acquired due to improper reprocessing of ultrasound probes demand high-level disinfection of endocavitary probes after use or during surgery. Many leading players are focusing on enhancing their installed bases of automated high-level disinfection systems across the globe. The high degree of compliance with high-level disinfection guidelines in developed markets is a major factor driving the adoption of automated high-level disinfection systems for critical and semi-critical ultrasound probes.

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Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market Dynamics

Driver: Increasing number of ultrasound imaging procedures

Advancements in diagnostic ultrasound imaging procedures have helped improve diagnosis by offering urgent clinical information. The ease of use of rapid diagnostic data has consequently helped decrease overall healthcare costs by changing more expensive diagnostic exams. A wide variety of ultrasound imaging procedures offers important growth opportunities for the growth of the ultrasound probe disinfection market. Also, the increasing geriatric population across the globe is another major factor resulting in the increasing volume of ultrasound imaging procedures performed. Since the elderly (65 years and above) are more prone to hospital-acquired infections and chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and various cancers, the requirement for disease diagnosis and therapies is expected to rise steadily. According to Diagnostic Imaging Dataset Statistical Release, the number of ultrasound imaging procedures performed in NHS patients increased from 9,446,855 in 2021 to 9,927,335 in 2022.

Restraint: High cost of automated prbe reprocessors

Due to the high price, majority hospitals in developing countries cannot provide automated probe reprocessors for high-level disinfection (HLD). The cost of UV-C disinfector is around USD 15,000 to USD 35,000 and average cost of automated reprocessors is near USD 10,000-USD 15,000. The usage of automated reprocessors and consumables including wipes and liquids are not in use at a higher scale because of the extreme price in developing countries. In developing countries, radiologists are of the belief that the usage of these consumables adds to the price of imaging centers, and hence they prefer using lower alternatives like probe covers. Shortage of strict regulations for the minimal awareness of infections caused by infected probes among radiologists and patients and use of disinfectants before procedures are also limiting the adoption of correct disinfection process in developed countries including China, Brazil, Mexico and India. Maintenance and additional cost of storage cabinets is other factor restraining the implementation of automated probe reprocessors among end users with restricted budgets.

Opportunity: Increasing birth rates/ number of pregnancies

The increasing number of childbirths and pregnancies across the world is expected to enhance the implementation of ultrasound technology for OB/GYN imaging and neonatal care. As per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the demand for obstetrics and gynecology professionals is expected to increase from 50,850 to 52,660 (4%) by 2030.According to the WHO, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely every year. India and China, in particular, witnessed a considerable increase in the number of childbirths. According to the March of Dimes 2022 Report Card, the preterm birth rate in the US increased to 10.5% in 2021, which is a significant 4% increase in just one year and the highest recorded rate since 2007. The WHO estimates that preterm birth rates range from 5% to 18% of the total number of births across 184 countries. More than 60% of preterm births occur in Africa and South Asia. In the UK, around 60,000 babies are born each year prematurely. In 2019, preterm births affected 1 in every 10 infants born in the US (Source: CDC).Additionally, increasing number of births (pregnancies) and newer applications of ultrasound in obstetrics (such as detection of pulsations in different fetal blood vessels and fetal cardiac pulsations) are projected to provider significant development opportunities for ultrasound probe disinfection product manufacturers across the globe.

Challenge: Dearth of knowledge about probe reprocessing

Disinfection of ultrasound probes is a crucial stage in reprocessing, as the usage of infected probes can lead to fatal patient diseases or instrument failures. According to the Joint Commission’s survey report, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) caused due to bacterial agents or blood-borne pathogens in patients are rising due to a lack of experience among healthcare providers about probe reprocessing. High-level disinfection (HLD) after every usage and reprocessing of ultrasound probe is a complicated job, requires trained personnel. Hence, many hospitals hire certified sterile processing team. Written and up-to-date guidelines and procedures must be presented on site for training/checking the staff accountable for device reprocessing. Dearth of knowledge in probe reprocessing and minimal awareness about the significance of thorough cleaning of all transducers affects market growth.

North America is projected to contribute the largest share of the ultrasound probe disinfection market in 2022

On the basis of region, the ultrasound probe disinfection market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. In 2022, North America projected to lead market share of the ultrasound probe disinfection market. This can be attributed to the increasing incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and the growing volume of ultrasound imaging procedures performed in the region.

By type of probe, the linear transducers segment is projected to lead the market of the Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market in 2022

By type of probe/transducer, the ultrasound probe disinfection market is divided into phased array transducers, convex transducers, linear transducers,endocavitary transducers, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) transducers, and other transducers. In 2022,the linear transducers segment is projected to lead the market of the global ultrasound probe disinfection market. This is due to the higher adoption of linear probes in vascular examinations, breast and thyroid imaging, and intraoperative and laparoscopy procedures.

The hospitals & diagnostic imaging centers segment, is projected to grow at a highest CAGR during the forecast period, by end user

By end user, the ultrasound probe disinfection market is divided into, maternity centers, hospitals & diagnostic imaging centers, ambulatory care centers, research & academic institutes, and other end users. During 2022-2027, the hospitals & diagnostic imaging centers segment is projected to grow at a highest CAGR Growing requirement for the high-level disinfection (HLD) of semi-critical and critical ultrasound probes due to the risk of HAIs and rising number of ultrasound imaging procedures are driving the growth of this segment.

Major players in this market in the ultrasound probe disinfection market include Nanosonics (Australia), Tristel plc (UK), STERIS plc (US), Ecolab (US), Advanced Sterilization Products (US), Metrex Research, LLC. (US), CIVCO Medical Solutions (US), CS Medical LLC (US), Virox (Canada), Germitec (France), Schülke & Mayr GmbH (Germany), Parker Laboratories, Inc. (US).

Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market Report Scope

The study categorizes the Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market to forecast revenue and analyze trends in each of the following submarkets

By Product Type

• Instruments
  • Automated Reprocessors
  • Manual Reprocessors/ Soaking Stations
  • Ultrasound Transducer Storage Cabinets
• Consumables
  • Disinfectants
    • By Formulation
      • Disinfectant Wipes
      • Disinfectant Liquid
      • Disinfectant Sprays
    • By Type
      • High-Level Disinfectants
      • Low-Level Disinfectants
  • Detergents
    • Enzymatic
    • Non-Enzymatic

• Services

By process

• High-Level Disinfection
• Low-Level Disinfection

By Type of Probe

• Linear Transducers
• Convex Transducers
• Phased Array Transducers
• Endocavitary Transducers
• TEE Transducers
• Other Transducers

By End User

• Hospitals & Diagnostic Imaging Centers
• Ambulatory Care centers
• Maternity Centers
• Academic & Research Institutes
• Others

By Mode of Purchase

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Recent Developments

• In September 2022, Tristel Plc collaborated with Parker Laboratories. Under this collaboration, Parker will manufacture and distribute Tristel DUO, a disinfecting foam approved for the cleaning and disinfection of general medical surfaces, including ultrasound transducers, in the US markets.
• In March 2021, Metrex Research, LLC announced a strategic partnership with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) to reduce the risk of infection.
• In June 2021, STERIS plc. acquired Cantel Medical Corporation, a leading player in the infection control market for endoscopy, dental, dialysis, and life sciences services. This acquisition increased the share of STERIS in the infection control and ultrasound probe disinfection markets.
• In February 2020, GAMA Healthcare Ltd. partnered with Cardiff University. The partnership helped GAMA Healthcare in the R&D of innovative disinfection solutions. GAMA Healthcare provided funding of USD 687,827.50 (GBP 500,000) to the University for procuring innovative solutions.

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