Ultrasound Gels Market is segmented By Product Type (Sterile, Non-sterile), By End-User(Hospitals/Clinics, Diagnostic Centers, Others), and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2030
Ultrasound Gels Market Overview
The Ultrasound Gels Market report analyzes the global market size, shares, recent trends, competitive intelligence, and future market outlook. Ultrasound gels are used as a coupling medium between the ultrasound probe and the patient's skin during diagnostic imaging procedures. The market is driven by the increasing demand for ultrasound imaging in healthcare, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and technological advancements in ultrasound equipment. In America, the Ultrasound Gels Market is witnessing significant growth. Key players in the market include Parker Laboratories Inc., Sonogel Vertriebs GmbH, National Therapy Products Inc., and other prominent players.
Ultrasound gel is a conductive medium that bonds the skin to the ultrasound transducer. Because ultrasound sound waves have a difficult time traveling through the air, the gel prevents any extra air space between the probe and skin, allowing a clear image of the fetus to be created.
Ultrasound Gels Market Summary and Scope
| Metrics | Details |
| Market CAGR | 9.0% |
| Segments Covered | By Product Type, By End-User, and By Region |
| Report Insights Covered | Competitive Landscape Analysis, Company Profile Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Recent Developments, Mergers and acquisitions, New Product Launches, Growth Strategies, Revenue Analysis, and Other key insights. |
| Fastest Growing Region | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market Share | North America |
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Ultrasound Gels Market Dynamics and Trends
The increasing use of ultrasound procedures is one primary driver expected to increase market growth.
The increasing number of ultrasound procedures is expected to drive the market growth in the forecast period.
Ultrasound imaging creates images of the inside of the body by using sound waves. It aids in the diagnosis of pain, swelling, and infection in the body's internal organs, as well as the examination of a pregnant woman's unborn child (fetus). Ultrasound is commonly used in infants to evaluate the brain, hips, and spine.
The increased use of ultrasound may undoubtedly expand the ultrasound gel market. For instance, according to NHS diagnostic imaging statistics, between September 2018 and 2019, ultrasound accounted for approximately 23% of the 45 million procedures performed. Moreover, the rising technological advancements, such as the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), are likely to result in healthcare practitioners' greater adoption of these systems. Improvements in ultrasound gels to make them odorless, colorless, glycerin-free, and formaldehyde-free, such as Parker Laboratories' Aquasonic Clear, may further fuel market growth. Furthermore, these gels are inexpensive, simple to use, and completely safe.
The limitations associated with ultrasound gels are expected to hamper the global market.
Some ultrasound gels can leave a greasy, sticky, or tacky residue on the skin and cause drying and flaking. This is usually the case with oil-based gels or those that contain propylene glycol as a conditioning agent. Bacterial contamination in ultrasound gel is sporadic. However, because ultrasound jelly is moist and ideal for bacterial growth, the FDA has restricted the use of multi-use bottles in settings where cross-contamination is high and the refilling of ultrasound gel containers.
For instance, on August 4, 2021, all Eco-Med ultrasound gels and lotions were recalled due to the risk of bacterial contamination with the Burkholderia cepacia complex. The FDA confirmed, independently, that the distributed product tested positive for bacterial contamination. The use of contaminated Bcc ultrasound gels and lotions may result in serious infections, including bloodstream infections, leading to sepsis or death. According to the CDC, there have been at least 66 infections associated with these affected products, including 60 bloodstream infections as of August 31, 2021.
COVID-19 Impact on Ultrasound Gels Market Growth
During the initial stages of COVID-19, there was an increase in the number of patients, prompting hospitals to prioritize emergency procedures over electives to reduce viral infection transmission. As a result, elective ultrasound procedures were postponed or canceled. Early diagnosis of COVID-19 patients may aid in better management and care. As a result, the use of portable imaging devices such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds increased. Point-of-care ultrasound has recently been reported to reduce the use of medical devices and healthcare worker–patient interactions to only the necessary procedures in managing COVID-19 patients. Lung ultrasound may also help clinicians determine when a patient is on the clinical spectrum of COVID-19–associated pulmonary injury.
The FDA directed the healthcare sector in April 2020 to increase the availability of medical X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRI systems. For instance, on August 4, 2020, the WHO released technical specifications for imaging devices, such as portable ultrasound, used in inpatient care during COVID-19. As a result, the use of ultrasound systems during emergencies contributed to the positive impact on the global ultrasound gel market.
Ultrasound Gels Market Segment Analysis
Sterile ultrasound gel is expected to dominate the market growth.
Ultrasound gel is an essential component of any ultrasound exam or procedure. An aqueous solution must be applied to the skin's surface for the ultrasound scanner to function. Ultrasound users must consider the type of gel they will use and the type of probe cover they will use when used in the operating room or in exams where the risk of infection is high. Ultrasound gel, while often overlooked, can harbor pathogens and lead to healthcare-associated ailments. This is especially true when refillable bottles are used instead of single-use sterile gel packets.
Regarding infection control, the main feature that clinicians should emphasize is using single-use sterile ultrasound gel. Ultrasound gel comes in various colors, clear, blue, or pink, and shapes dispenser bottles or single-use packets. Still, the main feature that clinicians should emphasize is non-sterile vs. sterile when it comes to infection control. Using sterile gel helps maintain the sterility of interventional settings while also lowering the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
Sterile ultrasound gel is used for invasive procedures, i.e., any ultrasound-guided process that involves passing a device through tissue, such as intravenous line insertion or fine-needle aspiration, where there is contact with non-intact skin, where there is contact with mucous membrane (e.g., for transrectal or transvaginal procedures) (such as in high dependency settings). For instance, Optimum Medical Limited manufactures Vue Ultrasound Gel, which comes in 20ml single-use sachets, making it ideal for use in a busy clinic or hospital. These sachets are lightweight, conveniently sized to reduce waste, and have a 5-year shelf life. The single-use sachet design is intended to reduce the possibility of patient-to-patient cross-contamination. Hence, with the increasing use of single-use sachets in hospitals and clinics, this segment is expected to dominate the market in the forecast period.
Ultrasound Gels Market Geographical Share
The North American region is expected to hold the most extensive global ultrasound gels market share.
The presence of better healthcare facilities, an increasing number of diagnostic centers, and diseases are expected to fuel the market growth in this region.
The rising number of diagnostic imaging centers in the united states is estimated to drive the market growth in this region. For instance, as of 2021, there are 9,992 Diagnostic Imaging Centers businesses in the United States, a -2.8 percent decrease from 2020. Most women have an ultrasound between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy during their second trimester. Before 14 weeks of pregnancy, some women have a first-trimester ultrasound (also known as an early ultrasound). Hence the demand for ultrasound is expected to increase with the pregnancy rate. For instance, the projected number of births in the United States in 2020 was 3,605,201. The fertility rate was 55.8 births per 1,000 women aged 15-44.
Ultrasound Gels Companies and Competitive Landscape
Ultrasound Gels Market is highly competitive with the rising number of diagnostic procedures, product launches, and company mergers. Some of the major players in the market are Compass Health Brands., National Therapy Products Inc., HR Pharmaceuticals Inc., Kiran, Medline Industries Inc., Parker Laboratories Inc., Eco-Med Pharmaceutical Inc., Besmed Health Business Corporation, Ultragel Hungary, Optimum Medical Limited.
HR Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Overview: HR is a family-owned business that develops, manufactures, and distributes high-quality products to many markets. The company was founded in 2008 and had headquarters in Pennsylvania, United States.
Product Portfolio: The company's brand includes EcoVue Ultrasound Gel was created for today's ultrasound procedures and a wide range of diagnostic applications.
Key Development: On April 29, 2021, HR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Global Medical Solutions, Ltd. agreed to distribute HR's EcoVue Ultrasound Gel in GMS's Asia-Pacific territories. EcoVue Ultrasound Gel will be registered, distributed, and marketed by GMS in Australia, Hong Kong, Macau, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
