Disposable Thermometer Market– By Type, By Target Area, By End Use – Global Forecast, 2025 to 2034

Report ID: GMI4622
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Published Date: February 2025
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Report Format: PDF

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Disposable Thermometer Market Size

The global disposable thermometer market size was valued at USD 271.9 million in 2024 and is expected to exhibit growth at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2025 to 2034 period. The market continues to grow as healthcare needs increase, technology advances, and infection control becomes more important.
 

Disposable Thermometer Market

Hospitals and clinics are choosing single-use thermometers more often to keep patients safe from hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). When COVID-19 started, the need for clean, touch-free temperature checks became even more important to protect both patients and healthcare workers. As people live longer and more individuals manage chronic conditions, families and caregivers are relying more on disposable thermometers for daily health monitoring.
 

Recent improvements in technology is making disposable thermometers more reliable than ever. These devices are now more accurate and easier to use, whether in hospitals or at home. As more people receive medical treatment at home, particularly in wealthy countries, disposable thermometers have become indispensable instruments. People managing their health at home prefer these thermometers because they're simple to use, safe, and affordable. More people are also adding these convenient thermometers to their travel health kits and emergency supplies.
 

Disposable income is an important indicator to determine an individual’s ability to consume goods and services. The disposable thermometers market is poised to grow exponentially due to an increase in disposable income. Increasing disposable income is closely associated with healthcare spending, and the recent growth in disposable income is anticipated to affect healthcare spending in the coming years.
 

A disposable thermometer is a device used for evaluating the body high of a human or other animal. The tip of the device is inserted into the mouth under the tongue (oral or sub-lingual temperature), under the armpit (axillary temperature), or on the forehead. By not reusing the thermometer, healthcare providers protect patients from dangerous infections. After each use, the thermometer is discarded, which helps prevent the spread of serious infections like Clostridium difficile, MRSA, Norovirus, and Rotavirus.
 

Disposable Thermometer Market Trends

The medical device industry has one of the highest R&D expenses measure globally. Thus, technological advancements remain at the core of innovation. A significant decline in performance of disposable thermometers was observed in the last decade, but recent advances in disposable thermometers have ultimately inversed that trend. This was possible due to progress of novel products for monitoring the body temperature.
 

  • Furthermore, new product approvals might increase due to the growing number of potential novel products that have entered the development phase in recent years. Also, major industry players are adopting various strategies to remain flexible and competitive in advancing technologies.
     
  • Additionally, disposable income is also an important indicator to determine the individual’s ability to consume goods and services. The disposable thermometers market is poised to grow exponentially owing to increase in disposable income.
     
  • Increasing disposable income is highly associated with healthcare spending, and recent growth in disposable income is anticipated to effect healthcare spending over the coming years.
     
  • For instance, as per the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services, in 2024, the U.S. health care spending grew 7.5% in 2023, reaching USD 4.9 trillion or USD 14,570 per person. Furthermore, adoption of non-mercury disposable thermometers in developed and developing economies has increased. This will further trigger the market growth.
     

Disposable Thermometer Market Analysis

Disposable Thermometer Market, By Type, 2021-2034 (USD Million)

In 2021, the global market was valued at USD 226.6 million. The following year, it saw a slight increase to USD 240 million, and by 2023, the market further climbed to USD 255.1 million. Based on type, the market is bifurcated as digital thermometers and strip thermometers. The digital thermometers segment is expected to drive business growth and expand at a CAGR of 8.5%, reaching over USD 337.8 million by 2034.
 

  • With advancements in technology, people have gradually shifted from traditional thermometers to digital thermometers. As technology improves, health awareness grows, and the need for accurate temperature readings becomes more important. These modern thermometers are becoming the preferred choice because they give faster and more accurate readings while being easy to use. Hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes are switching to single-use digital thermometers to prevent infections and reduce the risk of spreading germs between patients.
     
  • More healthcare facilities are opening, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made digital thermometers essential for checking temperatures in places like offices and schools. Better sensor technology means these devices now give more accurate and quicker readings, making them reliable tools for both healthcare professionals and families at home.
     
  • People living with ongoing health conditions like diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases need to check their temperature regularly, which has increased the demand for these devices. Digital thermometers work especially well for taking care of elderly people and children at home because they're easy to carry around and give quick results.
     
  • Companies making these thermometers now include features that let users connect to their phones through Bluetooth and use apps to keep track of temperature readings. As healthcare systems get better and people in developing countries can afford more, we're seeing more investment in creating new, better, and affordable temperature-measuring technology.
     

Based on target area, the disposable thermometer market is segmented as oral, axilla, rectal, and other target areas. The oral segment is expected to drive business growth and expand at a CAGR of 8.8%, reaching over USD 192.6 million by 2034.
 

  • People are gradually preferring oral thermometers in homes and even clinics because they are easy to use and provide consistent results. These thermometers are gentle and user-friendly, making them comfortable for everyone to use. Families and even healthcare facilities have a preference of them because they give exact temperature readings and that to at a reasonable cost.
     
  • Hospitals and clinics have now changed their preference to more disposable oral thermometers to take better care of patients. These disposable devices help keep items clean and restrict the spread of microorganisms, especially in sensitive areas in the hospitals such as intensive care units, operation theaters, and children's wards.
     
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, people paid more attention to medical tools that could be used once and thrown away, which made oral thermometers more popular in emergency areas where cleanliness is crucial. The thermometers have also improved with better materials and designs, making them perfect for checking temperatures at home and during virtual doctor visits, which is particularly helpful for older people and those who need to monitor their health from home.
     
  • More people are using oral thermometers because of the rise in long-term health conditions that need regular temperature checks, and because doctors are focusing more on preventing illness before it happens.
     
  • During the forecast period more people will be using disposable oral thermometers because both healthcare workers and patients want tools that are easy to use, accurate, and help prevent infections.
     
Disposable Thermometer Market, By End Use (2024)

Based on end use, the disposable thermometer market is classified into hospitals, diagnostic centers, homecare, and other end users. The hospitals segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 36.6% in 2024.
 

  • The area surrounding a hospital needs to be guarded with precision and proper sanitation. There should also be controlled temperature checks to limit the spread of infections. The COVID pandemic made hospitals adopt stricter hygiene standards and infection control protocols. The disposability of these thermometers allows staff to meet basic hygiene conditions by blocking cross-contamination between patients and medical staff.
     
  • With a rise in new patients seeking help for chronic and infectious illness, there is now a greater need for hospital admissions. This has resulted in increased use of these "one-use" thermometers in Emergency Departments, Intensive Care Units, and Neonatal Units.
     
  • These thermometers allow a medical practitioner to provide a more efficient level of care by allowing them to take temperatures in a quicker and reliable manner. Hospitals seem to appreciate these devices since they do not require cleaning or sterilization between each use, which saves time and money.
     
  • The introduction of new technologies has resulted in making disposable thermometers more attractive to hospitals. There is better adoption of digital features into these products, allowing them to produce better results at a much faster rate.
     
  • Hospitals primarily buy these devices in bulk due to cheaper rates from certain insurance companies, which makes them highly appealing. These factors worsen the dependency of the hospital segment on these products and imply the market is set for use in the future. 
     
U.S. Disposable Thermometer Market, 2021 – 2034 (USD Million)

The U.S. disposable thermometer market was valued at USD 80.8 million in 2021.  The country dominated the North American market in 2023 with USD 89.8 million growing from USD 85 million in 2022.
 

  • Healthcare facilities are now placing a stronger emphasis on infection control practices. As hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes strive to maintain contamination-free environments, single-use thermometers have become essential tools that completely prevent cross-contamination. The COVID-19 pandemic has made healthcare providers more vigilant about infection control, leading to higher demand for single-use medical devices like disposable thermometers.
     
  • Temperature monitoring devices are becoming more important as the U.S. sees an increase in infectious diseases, seasonal flu, and chronic conditions. Many Americans live with disabilities or age-related chronic illnesses, and there are particularly high rates of diabetes - all conditions that need regular temperature monitoring.
     
  • As more elderly patients require hospital care, healthcare providers need easier and cleaner ways to check body temperature, making disposable thermometers the natural choice.
     
  • Recent improvements in disposable thermometer technology have made these devices more accurate and user-friendly. With faster response times and new digital features, they work better in both professional healthcare settings and homes. As more Americans choose home healthcare services and prefer receiving medical care at home, the market continues to grow.
     
  • The market is also benefiting from government regulations that support single-use medical devices, more spending on healthcare facilities, and overall positive economic conditions.
     

UK disposable thermometer market is projected to grow remarkably in the coming years in the Europe region.
 

  • The UK market for disposable thermometers shows significant growth potential during the forecast period, owing to the developments in safety, efficiency, and healthcare technology. The healthcare facilities in the country are now providing more consideration to infection prevention and infection control than before.
     
  • The pandemic has made each individual more aware of sanitization practices, leading healthcare providers to choose disposable devices like disposable thermometers to keep patients safe from contamination. This approach follows the healthcare guidelines and infection control measures required by the National Health Service (NHS) and other health authorities.
     
  • Moreover, the UK's growing elderly population, along with more people developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and breathing problems, is pushing market growth forward. These changes mean more people are staying in hospitals, creating a need for reliable temperature monitoring equipment that's clean and easy to use.
     
  • Healthcare providers are also using more disposable thermometers in pediatric and newborn care units, where keeping infections at bay is extremely important.
     
  • New developments in thermometer technology, such as faster response times, digital features, and better accuracy, are making these devices more popular in the UK market. As more people receive healthcare at home and doctors monitor patients remotely, the demand for disposable thermometers has increased. These devices help people with long-term health conditions measure their temperature safely and easily at home.
     
  • More money being invested in healthcare facilities and the growth of private healthcare have created excellent opportunities for disposable thermometer manufacturers.
     
  • With strong backing from the government and ongoing efforts to improve healthcare quality, the UK market is ready for substantial growth in the years ahead.
     

China holds a dominant position in the Asia Pacific disposable thermometer market.
 

  • The COVID-19 pandemic opened up new possibilities for disposable thermometers in healthcare facilities. China has become the main user of disposable thermometers in the Asia-Pacific region, including both developed and developing markets, because of its strict rules about preventing infections.
     
  • Having the world's largest population and a modern healthcare system, China takes infection control very seriously, which has created a big need for disposable medical tools, especially thermometers. As the government spends more on public health and improves basic and specialized healthcare services, medical facilities are choosing single-use products more often to keep patients safe from cross-contamination.
     
  • As China moved from farming to industry, it built many new hospitals, clinics, and testing centers, which helped its economy grow stronger. As people wanted better healthcare options, disposable thermometers became the go-to choice. During the pandemic, doctors and nurses focused heavily on preventing infections, which made these thermometers more popular. While some medical tools were hard to use, simple disposable thermometers made it easier to check temperatures and control infections in medical facilities.
     
  • China's ability to make medical devices has given thermometer production a significant boost. The country now has a strong influence on medical device prices. Because workers' wages are reasonable and the technology is advanced, China can make medical devices quickly and efficiently.
     
  • This means both Chinese companies and foreign businesses can sell thermometers for less, making them easy to buy in both countryside and city areas. China keeps investing in tools and medicines that prevent illness, which makes its position even stronger in the Asia-Pacific market.
     

Disposable Thermometer Market Share

The market consists of both global and regional players, but a few dominate due to their established product portfolios and extensive distribution channels. In 2024, key players such as 3M, Welch Allyn, and McKesson hold the largest market share of the global level. These companies have strong partnerships with hospitals, diagnostic centers, and home healthcare providers, which help them maintain their significant market position.
 

Furthermore, competitive pressure as a result of the growth of private label firms and domestic competitors has intensified in the cost sensitive regions of APAC and Latin America. Companies focusing on improving the accuracy of their products and digitizing them are gaining a foothold. Expansion of the market share in this segment will be a result of increased product development as well as strategic alliances and international diversification.
 

Disposable Thermometer Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the disposable thermometer industry include:

  • 3M
  • Acme United Corporation
  • Advanced Meditech Internationals (AMI)
  • American Diagnostics Corporation
  • FIRST AID ONLY
  • graham field
  • H-B Instrument
  • Hopkins Medical Products
  • LCRHallcrest
  • MEDICAL INDICATORS
  • MEDLINE
  • microlife corporation
  • Protontek
  • tempagenix
  • Zeal
     

Disposable Thermometer Industry News:

  • In April 2020, Tempagenix announced the increased production of disposable and sustainable forehead thermometers due to COVID-19 outbreak. This has resulted in increased revenue of Tempagenix from USD 0.2 million to USD 3 million in just 3 months.
     
  • In April 2020, Medline Industries also announced that demand for various personal protection equipment, surgical gowns, hand sanitizer, and thermometers among other products have risen to 300% in the past few days. Thus, the company would benefit from the revenue earned from the increased sales of aforementioned products.
     

The disposable thermometer market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million and from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

Market, By Type

  • Digital thermometers
  • Strip thermometers

Market, By Target Area

  • Oral
  • Axilla
  • Rectal
  • Other target areas

Market, By End Use

  • Hospitals
  • Diagnostic centers
  • Homecare
  • Other end use

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Spain
    • Italy
    • Netherlands
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • Australia
    • South Korea
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • Middle East and Africa
    • South Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE

 

Authors: Mariam Faizullabhoy , Gauri Wani
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :
How much is the U.S. disposable thermometer market worth?
The U.S. market was valued at USD 80.8 million in 2021 and dominated the North American market in 2023 with USD 89.8 million.
Who are some of the prominent players in the disposable thermometer industry?
How big is the global disposable thermometer market?
What is the size of the digital thermometers segment in the disposable thermometer industry?
Disposable Thermometer Market Scope
  • Disposable Thermometer Market Size
  • Disposable Thermometer Market Trends
  • Disposable Thermometer Market Analysis
  • Disposable Thermometer Market Share
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    Base Year: 2024

    Companies covered: 15

    Tables & Figures: 134

    Countries covered: 19

    Pages: 155

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