Ultrasound Gel Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Non-sterile, Sterile), By End-use (Hospitals, Ambulatory Centers, Clinics), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global ultrasound gel market size was valued at USD 97.9 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9% from 2023 to 2030. An aqueous media is required to be placed in between the ultrasound probe and the skin to obtain a clear image. Ultrasound gel is used as an aqueous media that acts as a coupling agent in these procedures. Its compositions are Carbopol, propylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, glycerin, dyes, perfume, and water. They are formulated in different proportions and compositions depending on the manufacturer, and the recipes are proprietary. Ultrasound gel, an inevitable component during the ultrasound scan, is facing high demand from healthcare facilities. Thus, the increasing procedural volume of ultrasound worldwide is expected to drive the market's growth. In addition, the rising adoption of ultrasound devices in point-of-care diagnostic and bedside monitoring can further propel the growth of this market.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the ultrasound gel market. In the early stages of the pandemic, there was a decrease in the demand for ultrasound gels due to the cancellation of elective procedures. The use of ultrasound gel in OB/GYN applications also declined owing to the decrease in the number of births during the pandemic. However, as the pandemic intensified, ultrasound gels were used to monitor respiratory activities in COVID-19 patients. Along with the ultrasound devices, the demand for ultrasound gel boosted as ultrasound was one of the assessment tools for lung damage in COVID-19 patients.

The advent of superior ultrasound gel with improved features such as odorless, colorless,

formaldehyde-free and glycerin-free are expected to contribute significantly to market growth. For instance, Aquasonic Clear Ultrasound gel by Parker Laboratories is a colorless and odorless gel with high coupling efficiency. Similarly, Aquasonic 100 Ultrasound Transmission Gel by Parker is advised for operations where a viscous gel is necessary, and the skin is intact and undamaged. It may also be applied to patients where cross-contamination is of minimal risk.

The use of agents such as guar gum, hand sanitizer, shampoo, cornstarch slurry, lotion, gelatin, betadine, and surgical lube as an alternative to ultrasound gel in regions with limited access is expected to restrain the growth of the market. Moreover, the introduction of technologically advanced ultrasound probe covers and scan pads that can be used without gel is also expected to resist market growth.

Ultrasound gels are essential during ultrasound. Thus, their increasing usage during scans is likely to boost their demand in the market. Ultrasound is becoming the most popular and efficient cross-sectional imaging technology, finding a wider adoption rate across different healthcare settings owing to its affordability, availability, and portability. Ultrasound gels are used for both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

The hospital management strictly scrutinizes patient satisfaction results & scores during their visits and uses them in in-house doctors' assessment & appraisal programs. This drives healthcare professionals to deliver improved care services, maintaining patient comfort. The most common problem reported by patients during the use of ultrasound gels is its strong odor, stickiness, and chilling effect. This problem has led to the development of colorless, fragrant, easily wipeable ultrasound gels and gel warmer devices.

Cleaning and disinfecting ultrasound probes are crucial & mandatory during ultrasound procedures, especially during transesophageal, surgical, endovaginal, and endorectal studies. According to a report published by Wiley in 2018, alternatives to ultrasound gels, such as guar gum and corn starch, are very sticky & difficult to clean compared to commercially available ultrasound gels, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.

Some commonly used alternatives to commercially available ultrasound gels are guar gum, corn starch, glucomannan, xanthan, saline, and water. The most important property of evaluating these alternatives is the quality of the image produced for interpretation of its usage. Several research studies reported that most of these alternatives produce ultrasound scans of adequate imaging quality.

End-use Insights

The hospital segment held the largest revenue share in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. The increasing number of emergency visits in hospitals reporting problems such as acute abdominal pain, chest pain, and vascular problems where ultrasound is the primary diagnostic tool is expected to drive the demand for ultrasound gels. Moreover, using the ultrasound device in follow-up visits is expected to fuel the demand curve as gel must be applied each time before examination. In November 2022, 56 (Targeted Imaging for Foetal Anomalies) TIFFA scan machines were inaugurated at 44 government hospitals in Telangana, India. This initiative is likely to propel the growth of ultrasound gel in the region.

Ambulatory centers and clinics are anticipated to grow at the speediest rate in the ultrasound gels market during the forecast period. The rising awareness about the importance of early intervention in reducing healthcare costs has increased the installation rate of ultrasounds in clinics. The availability of handheld ultrasound devices at affordable prices has further promoted their adoption rate in small-sized clinics. Therefore, the growing number of ultrasound units in clinics has contributed to the rising demand for gel in these setups.

Type Insights

Based on type, the market is segmented into non-sterile and sterile ultrasound gel. The non-sterile segment held the largest revenue share of 70.6% in 2022. Ultrasound imaging can be further classified into internal and external probe procedures. External ultrasound probe procedures can be performed on intact skin and require low cleaning and disinfection after every use, making it suitable for external probe procedures. Therefore, the increasing number of external probe procedures for diagnosing kidney, and gallbladder problems, cancers, and intestinal diseases are expected to drive segment growth. In July 2023, Imaging Solutions announced the launch of EcoVue Ultrasound Gel and Acclimate Gel Warmer as part of its single-source supply offer, showcasing its commitment to providing high-quality solutions directly to customers. EcoVue comes in single-use packets, with sterile and non-sterile options, designed to reduce cross-contamination during bottle reuse. They also come with a sterile SafeWrap for added protection.

The sterile segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period. These are commercially available in 20ml pocket-sized packets and used in ultrasound procedures where sterility is indicated, especially when treating open wounds and during needle guidance. The segment is expected to grow significantly due to contamination and the possibility of an infection outbreak associated with using multi-use nonsterile gel bottles. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has updated its guidelines on using sterile ultrasound gel during procedures. According to these guidelines, sterile gel should be used if an invasive procedure is likely to be performed within the next 24 hours, including procedures such as ultrasound viewing or initial assessment that are carried out before an invasive procedure.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 39.2% in 2022. The factors such as the presence of major market players, developed healthcare infrastructure, and streamlined reimbursement policies are expected to drive the regional market growth. In addition, the increasing acceptance of ultrasound at community-level clinics and home healthcare is expected to aid market growth.

Europe held the second-largest market share. Huge consumption of medical consumables, growing healthcare expenditure, and rising medical imaging procedures are anticipated to drive the market in the region. According to the annual statistics released by the National Health Service (NHS), from March 2022 to February 2023, over 43.0 million imaging tests were reported in England, out of which 3.33 million imaging tests were reported to have taken place in February 2023, and 0.78 million of these were diagnostic ultrasonography.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period. Large unmet needs, developing healthcare facilities, and the presence of several small-scale domestic manufacturers, especially in countries such as China and India, are expected to boost market growth. TELE-PAPER Malaysia, one of Asia's largest thermal product manufacturers, introduced SONOMED ULTRASOUND GEL, a filtered water-based gel that can be used with any ultrasonic device. It reduces the air space, making it easy for the transducer to transmit sound waves and receive their reflections to produce precise, clear images.

Increased birth rates, growing awareness about prenatal care, and economic reform activities are expected to drive the ultrasound gels industry. According to data released by UNICEF in 2020, out of the 400,000 babies born on New Year’s Day, around 70,000 babies were from India. India recorded the highest number of babies born worldwide on New Year's Day. This signifies the demand for maternity services in India. During pregnancy, an average of 2-3 ultrasound scans are recommended to monitor the fetus's health, with gels being indispensable during the scans.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The key players in the market are observed to be involved in growth strategies such as product launches, innovation in existing products, and participation in business development programs such as conferences, trade fairs, and tenders. For instance, in June 2023, EDM Medical Solutions and CHAMPS, leading organizations in the U.S., entered into a partnership to expand EDM's medical imaging supplies and accessories to over 20,000 locations in the U.S. while providing special pricing for CHAMPS members. Some of the prominent players in the global ultrasound gel market include:

• Compass Health Brands

• ECO-MED

• National Therapy Products

• H.R Pharmaceuticals Inc

• Tele-Paper Malaysia

• Sonogel Vertriebs

• Medline Industries, Inc.

• Parker Laboratories

• Ultragel Kft.

Ultrasound Gel Market Report Scope

Global Ultrasound Gel Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global ultrasound gel market report based on type, end-use, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Non-sterile

  • Sterile

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospitals

  • Clinics

  • Diagnostic center

  • Ambulatory center

• Regional Outlook (Revenue in USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait