Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market - By Product Type (Instruments, Consumables, Services), Process (High-level Disinfection, Intermediate/Low-level Disinfection), Probe Type (Linear, Convex, Phased Array), End-use – Global Forecast (2024 – 2032)

Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market Size

Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market size was valued at around USD 554.6 million in 2023 and is estimated to grow at 12.4% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Ultrasound probe disinfection refers to the process of cleaning and decontaminating ultrasound probes or transducers to prevent the spread of infections. Ultrasound probes are medical devices used to obtain images of internal body structures for diagnostic purposes. During use, these probes meet patients' skin or bodily fluids, potentially carrying infectious agents.
 

The rising incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) is a significant driving factors for the market. For instance, according to the National Institutes of Health, in 2023, the overall incidence rate of these infections was 6.6 cases per 1,000 person-days observation with the prevalence of 8.88%. Similarly, as per ScienceDirect, in 2021, incidence of HAI for the hospitals was 250 HAI cases per 100,000 acute occupied bed-days (AOBD).
 

Furthermore, growing use of ultrasound imaging in various medical specialties, rising adoption of ultrasound probe covers (market size is estimated to account for USD 381 billion by the end of year 2032), advancements in ultrasound technology and doppler ultrasound, government initiatives and funding, and increasing education & awareness, are the promoting factors fostering the growth of the market.
 

Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market Trends

The growing awareness of infection control is a significant driver for market. Heightened awareness of the role of ultrasound probes, in HAIs drives the demand for effective disinfection solutions.
 

• Patients are becoming more informed about infection control practices and expect healthcare facilities to prioritize cleanliness and hygiene. Healthcare facilities with strong infection control measures including proper ultrasound probe disinfection, enhance their reputation and build patient trust.
   
• Training programs and continuing education emphasize the importance of proper disinfection protocols. Hospitals and clinics implement comprehensive infection control programs that highlight the significance of disinfection, including for ultrasound probes.
   
• For instance, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Training Programs offers a variety of training resources and courses for healthcare professionals, such as "Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients", "Injection Safety Basics" training, and "Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection for Non-Healthcare Settings".
   
• Further, media coverage of hospital acquired infections and infection control practices raises public awareness. Healthcare organizations conduct campaigns to educate the public on the importance of infection control and  infection control surveillance solutions influencing facility practices, thereby escalating the growth of the market.
   

Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market Analysis

Based on product type, the market is divided into consumables, instruments, and services. The consumables segment is estimated to account for USD 667.3 million by 2032.
 

• Items like disinfectants and detergents are often designed for single-use or limited use. Healthcare facilities require a large quantity of consumables due to the frequent use of ultrasound probes throughout the day.
   
• Consumables offer a straightforward and easy-to-implement method for ensuring infection control compliance. Many healthcare regulations mandate the use of single-use or disposable consumables for infection prevention.
   
• Point-of-care ultrasound application are expanding in emergency departments and clinics, drive the demand for disposable consumables. POCUS users often prefer disposable consumables for their ease of use and portability.
   
• The consumables segment includes a variety of products tailored to specific ultrasound probe types and sizes. Disposable ultrasound probe covers are available for different probe sizes and shapes, ensuring compatibility with various ultrasound applications, thus contribute to their dominance in the market.

Based on process, the ultrasound probe disinfection market is bifurcated into high-level disinfection and intermediate/low-level disinfection. The high-level disinfection segment accounted for USD 346.2 million in 2023.
 

• High-level disinfection methods are effective against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and bacterial spores. Ensuring that ultrasound probes are free from harmful microorganisms is crucial for preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and protecting patient health.
   
• Increase in ultrasound utilization leads to the adoption of these disinfection process. For instance, according to the National Institutes of Health, 2023, there was a 12% increase in ultrasound utilization. Similarly, according to Nature report, in 2023, 96% people agreed that ultrasound improves quality of care and patient outcomes.
   
• Ultrasound probes are intricate and sensitive medical devices that encounter patients' bodily fluids and tissues. Due to their design, ultrasound probes can harbor microorganisms and require thorough disinfection to prevent cross-contamination.
   
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities establish strict guidelines and protocols for probe disinfection. HLD is often the standard practice recommended by these committees for effective disinfection of ultrasound probes.
   
• Thus, such aforementioned factors are expected to augment the segmental growth.
   

Based on probe type, the ultrasound probe disinfection market is segmented into linear probes, convex probes, phased array probes, endocavitary probes, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probes, and other probe types. The linear probes segment held a market share of 27.7% in the year 2023.
 

• Linear probes are used in various medical specialties, including radiology, vascular imaging, musculoskeletal imaging, and more. Further, these probes are often used for routine diagnostic imaging, leading to a higher demand for disinfection.
   
• These probes come into direct contact with patients' skin during imaging procedures. This direct contact increases the risk of contamination with microorganisms, necessitating thorough and frequent disinfection.
   
• Latest advancement in these probes increases the efficiency. For instance, linear probes with wide bandwidth transducers offer enhanced imaging capabilities, allowing for better penetration and resolution simultaneously.
   
• Additionally, linear probes are commonly used for image-guided procedures such as biopsies, aspirations, and injections. These procedures involve invasive techniques, making it crucial to ensure probes are properly disinfected to prevent infections, thereby expanding the growth of the market.
   

Based on end-use, the ultrasound probe disinfection market is classified into hospitals & diagnostic imaging centers, maternity centers, ambulatory care centers, academic & research institutes, and other end-users. The hospitals & diagnostic imaging centers segment held a market size of USD 185.3 million in 2023.
 

• Hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers are central locations where a large number of ultrasound procedures are performed daily. These facilities cater to a wide range of patients requiring diagnostic imaging, including outpatient and inpatient services.
   
• These settings serve multiple medical specialties that utilize ultrasound, such as radiology, cardiology, obstetrics, gynecology, and emergency medicine. Various ultrasound probe types (linear, convex, phased array, etc.) are used across these specialties, requiring diverse disinfection protocols.
   
• They often have dedicated surgical suites where ultrasound-guided procedures, biopsies, and interventions take place. Probes used in these settings require stringent disinfection and in some cases sterilization to prevent infections.
   
• Hospitals prioritize patient safety and well-being, including the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Proper disinfection of ultrasound probes helps mitigate the risk of HAIs and associated legal liabilities.

The U.S. ultrasound probe disinfection market is anticipated to grow at CAGR of 12.1% during the analysis timeframe.
 

• The country boasts a sophisticated healthcare system with advanced hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers. The U.S. healthcare facilities invest heavily in state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment, including advanced probes.
   
• The U.S. has a vast network of hospitals, outpatient centers, imaging facilities, and clinics. Ultrasound is widely utilized across various medical specialties, contributing to a high demand for probe disinfection solutions.
   
• Further, the incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in the U.S. has been a significant concern, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating that roughly 1.7 million HAIs, caused by various microorganisms, contribute to 99,000 deaths annually.
   

The UK is anticipated to witness robust growth in the global ultrasound probe disinfection market.
 

• Healthcare facilities in the UK must comply with infection control standards set by regulatory bodies such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Facilities seeking accreditation must meet stringent infection control criteria, including proper probe disinfection practices.
   
• Further, UK healthcare facilities adopt advanced ultrasound technologies for accurate diagnoses. Proper probe disinfection is essential to maintain the performance of advanced imaging equipment.
   

China ultrasound probe disinfection market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2024 – 2032.
 

• China has experienced rapid growth in healthcare infrastructure, with the establishment of modern hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and research centers. Improved access to healthcare services has led to a higher demand for advanced ultrasound diagnostics.
   
• China has a massive population, resulting in a high demand for healthcare services and diagnostic imaging. With a growing number of individuals with chronic diseases, there is a heightened need for ultrasound imaging and subsequent probe disinfection.
   

Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market Share

The ultrasound probe disinfection industry is highly competitive, marked by several players striving for market dominance. Providers offer comprehensive ultrasound probe disinfection for improved imaging quality and more complex ultrasound procedures. This includes innovations such as automated disinfection systems for workflow efficiency, reducing hands-on time, and reproducibility. Competition is driven by factors such as the quality and reliability of these technologies, integration capabilities with existing platforms, and compliance with regulatory standards. Strategic partnerships with companies and healthcare networks play a crucial role in market positioning.
 

Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the ultrasound probe disinfection industry include:

• CIVCO Medical Solutions
• CS Medical, LLC
• Medline Industries, Inc.
• Metrex Research, LLC
• Nanosonics Limited
• Parker Laboratories, Inc.
• Schülke & Mayr GmbH
• Sonex Health, LLC
• The Clorox Company
• Tristel Plc
   

Ultrasound Probe Disinfection Industry News:

• In June 2023, CS Medical LLC announced the successful clearance of a new class II medical device by the U.S. FDA, Ethos Automated Ultrasound Probe Cleaner Disinfector. This launch increased the sales of the company and established a good position in the market.
   
• In June 2023, Parker Laboratories Inc. has announced the U.S. FDA has granted clearance for a unique disinfecting foam, called Tristel ULT, as a high-level disinfectant for ultrasound probes used within body cavities and for skin-surface transducers. Thus, it expanded the product portfolio of the company and helped to generate sales.
   

The ultrasound probe disinfection market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Instruments
  • Manual reprocessors/soaking stations
  • Automated reprocessors
  • Ultrasound probe storage cabinets
  • UV-C disinfectors
• Consumables
  • Disinfectants
    • By formulation
      • Disinfectant liquid
      • Disinfectant sprays
      • Disinfectant wipes
    • By type
      • High-level disinfectants
      • Intermediate/low -level disinfectants
  • Detergents
    • Enzymatic detergents
    • Non-enzymatic detergents
• Services

Market, By Process

• High-level disinfection
• Intermediate/low-level disinfection

Market, By Probe Type

• Linear probes
• Convex probes
• Phased array probes
• Endocavitary probes
• Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probes
• Other probe types

Market, By End-use

• Hospitals & diagnostic imaging centers
• Maternity centers
• Ambulatory care centers
• Academic & research institutes
• Other end-users

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

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