Ultrasound Gels Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Non-sterile, Sterile), By End Users (Hospitals, Ambulatory Centers, Clinics), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027

Report Overview

The global ultrasound gels market size was valued at USD 89.7 million in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.0% from 2020 to 2027. 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 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 upon the manufacturer and the recipes are proprietary. Ultrasound gel being an inevitable component during the ultrasound scan is facing high demand from healthcare facilities. Thus, the increasing procedural volume of ultrasound worldwide is a factor expected to drive the growth of the market. Additionally, the rising adoption of ultrasound devices in point of care diagnostic and bedside monitoring will boost the growth of the market.

The advent of superior ultrasound gel with improved features such as odorless, colorless, formaldehyde-free, and glycerin-free is expected to contribute significantly to market growth. For instance, Aquasonic Clear Ultrasound gel by Parker Laboratories is a colorless and odorless gel with a high coupling efficiency

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 Market Trends

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 technologies, 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 use them in assessment & appraisal programs of inhouse doctors. 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 the chilling effect. This has led to the development of colorless, fragrant, easily wipeable ultrasound gels and gel warmers 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, the 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.

Few of the commonly used alternatives to commercially available ultrasound gels are guar gum, corn starch, glucomannan, xanthan, saline, and water. The most important property 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.

In April 2019, Civco Medical Solutions launched a new solution—Envision Viral Barrier—that eliminates the use of gels from ultrasound procedures. This product consists of an ultrasound probe cover and a scanning pad, which has a sterile liquid that facilitates 100% gel-free procedures. Such technological advancements help reduce the risk of contamination and ease clinician workflows in healthcare settings, which may impede market growth. However, these sterile scanning pads are likely to have a marginally negative impact on market growth due to their high cost.

Type Insights

Non-sterile ultrasound gel held the largest revenue share of 71.0% in 2019. Whereas, the sterile ultrasound gel segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. The ultrasound imaging can be classified as external and internal probe procedures. External ultrasound probe procedures are performed on intact skin and require a low level of cleaning and disinfection after each use. Thus, non-sterile ultrasound gel is adequate for external probe procedures. Therefore, the increasing number of external probe procedures for diagnosis of the kidney, gallbladder problems, cancers, and intestinal diseases will drive segment growth.

COVID19 impact: Increased use in the assessment of COVID-19 with steep growth by 15% in 2020 from 2019

Sterile ultrasound gels are commercially available in 20ml pocket-sized packets. They are used in ultrasound procedures where sterility is indicated especially treating open wounds and during needle guidance. The segment is expected to grow at a fast rate owing to contamination and the possibility of an infection outbreak associated with the usage of multi-use nonsterile gel bottles.

End-user Insights

The hospital segment held the largest revenue share of 53.5% in 2019 and is expected to grow at a healthy 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, the usage of the ultrasound device in follow-up visits will fuel the demand curve because gel must be applied each time before examination.

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 had increased the installation rate of ultrasounds in clinics. The availability of handheld ultrasound devices at affordable prices has 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.

Regional Insights

North America held the largest revenue share of 39.7% in 2019. 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. Additionally, with increasing acceptance of ultrasound at community level clinics and home healthcare will aid market growth

Europe held the second-largest market share in the market in 2019. 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 NHS in 2019, over 9.0 million ultrasound procedures were performed in the U.K. in 2019.

Cardiovascular problems and cancer are the leading causes of mortality in Sweden, causing 35% and 26% of deaths, respectively. These chronic illnesses require long-term treatment and monitoring, leading to increased demand for medical equipment & supplies. According to the Healthcare Resource Guide 2019, there are over 100 hospitals in Sweden and 85 of them are run by the government, implying that the consumption of ultrasound gels can be higher in the public healthcare sector.

Asia Pacific is expected to experience the fastest growth over 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 the market growth.

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

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market for ultrasound gels is highly fragmented in nature. The key players 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, Parker Laboratories is expected to participate in the trade event called Florida International Medical Expo (FIME) to be conducted in June 2020 in Florida. Some of the prominent players in the ultrasound gels 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 Gels Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

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 2016 to 2027. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global ultrasound gels market report on the basis of type, end user, and region:

• Type Outlook (Volume, Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Non-sterile

  • Sterile

• End-user Outlook (Volume, Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Hospitals

  • Clinics

  • Diagnostic center

  • Ambulatory center

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Units; Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • Sweden

    • Belgium

    • Russia

    • Switzerland

    • Netherland

    • Spain

    • Italy

    • France

    • U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

    • Indonesia

    • Philippines

    • Taiwan

    • Singapore

    • Malaysia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

    • Colombia

    • Chile

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait

    • Israel