Ultrasound Gel Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

The ultrasound gel market is projected to register a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period.

The impact of COVID-19 in its initial phase in the ultrasound gel market was adverse owing to cancellations of elective procedures, including ultrasound diagnosis. For instance, an article published in Nature Public Health Emergency Collection in April 2021 stated that a 58% decrease in emergency department ultrasounds performed by the radiology department was reported during the COVID-19 period. However, the market gained traction as the ultrasound was majorly used in monitoring respiratory activity in COVID-19 patients. For instance, another article published in the NCBI in March 2021 stated use of lung ultrasound in the evaluation of patients with COVID-19 was encouraged because of its low cost, radiation-free, practical method of use, with easy-to-sanitize equipment. The ultrasound facilitated the structural evaluation of lung damage brought on by SARS-CoV-2. The ultrasound gel market is anticipated to witness growth in the coming years due to the rise in the growing number of ultrasound procedures and ultrasound gels with new formulations.

In addition, the growing number of ultrasound procedures, technological advancements, and advancements in ultrasound gel preparation are effectively driving the growth of the studied market. The increased usage of ultrasound in different therapy also likely to boost the market growth. For instance, an article published in April 2022 in the Journal of Material Chemistry B explained the advantages of ultrasound-responsive hydrogel. The ultrasound-responsive hydrogels are used in the applications of ultrasound imaging, on-demand drug delivery, and shape memory. Thus, advancements like ultrasound gel are anticipated to increase the demand, thereby boosting market growth.

Improvements in ultrasound gels to make them odorless, colorless, glycerin-free, and formaldehyde-free. A lot of studies are carried out in ultrasound gel to improve the formula and increase efficiency. For instance, as per the article published in January 2022 in the MDPI journal, an alternative ultrasound gel formulation was prepared using biodegradable and natural ingredients such as aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. The formulation prepared with it is safe for patients with sensitive skin due to its hypoallergenic characteristics. Hence, such improvements included in the preparation of ultrasound gel increase the demand for the products and thereby boosting the market growth.

Moreover, technological advancements, product approvals, launches, and partnerships by key market players are likely to drive market growth. For instance, in February 2021, a new acoustic coupling fluid, SonoClear, from a Norway-based start-up, SonoClear AS, was registered for clinical trials to assess its performance and safety. This coupling fluid can mimic natural brain waves. Such clinical trial developments are projected to boost the demand for innovative ultrasound gel and propel market growth.

Therefore, owing to the increase in advancements in ultrasound gel and the rise in product launches, the studied market is anticipated to witness growth over the analysis period. However, the use of other alternative products is likely to impede the market's growth.

Ultrasound Gel Market Trends

Sterile Ultrasound Gels Segment is Expected to Witness Growth Over the Forecast Period

Sterile ultrasound gel is used for ultrasonography and biopsy sampling processes in in-vitro fertilization surgeries and vaginal and intrauterine examinations. One of the best ways to prevent infection and the spread of microorganisms during an ultrasound procedure is to use sterile ultrasound gel.

The sterile type of gel occupies a significant share of the market compared to other types of gel. The United Kingdom's Health Security Agency, in its May 2022 guidelines, stated to ensure that only unopened sachets and containers that are labeled as 'sterile' are used. The enactment of such regulations is expected to have a positive impact on the growth of the segment over the analysis period. Moreover, growth in the disease prevalence requiring ultrasound for a better diagnosis is likely to further boost the demand for ultrasound gels. For instance, according to the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, 'Commentary on Chronic Disease Prevention in 2022', nearly 60% of adult Americans have at least one chronic disease. Chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease are the major health issues in the United States. The diagnosis of chronic diseases majorly employs ultrasound imaging, which is ultimately projected to boost the segment's growth during the forecast period.

Furthermore, product launches, collaborations, and partnerships to increase the availability of sterile ultrasound gel are expected to drive market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in January 2021, Nanocare, a medical brand with health protection products applying Silver Nanotechnology, launched a sterile ultrasonic gel. This ultrasound gel has viscosity to help disperse and reduce the heat generated by the laser device.

Therefore, owing to the increase in advancements in sterile ultrasound gel, the rise in product launches, and the increase in chronic diseases that require an ultrasound, the studied market is anticipated to witness growth over the analysis period.

North America is Expected to Dominate the Ultrasound Gel Market Over the Forecast Period

North America is expected to witness growth in the market owing to factors such as the rising prevalence of chronic diseases that require an ultrasound, increasing technological advancements in ultrasound gel, and the strong presence of industry players in the region.

The high prevalence of chronic diseases is projected to augment the growth of ultrasound gels in the region as the diagnosis of chronic diseases requires an ultrasound to a large extent, which is ultimately projected to boost the use of ultrasound gels for smoother diagnosis. For instance, according to the Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States, 2021, More than 1 in 7, that is 15% of US adults or 37 million people, were estimated to have CKD. Kidney diseases like chronic kidney disease kidney cancer can be diagnosed by proper ultrasound, and thereby requiring the ultrasound gel, which is anticipated to boost the market growth in the studied region.

Also, rising awareness, growing demand for various diagnostic procedures, and approvals by various healthcare institutions are expected to fuel the market growth in this region. For instance, in March 2021, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) reapproved the guidelines for the cleaning and preparation of external and internal ultrasound probes, along with the safe handling and use of coupling gel. Such approvals are projected to boost the utility of ultrasound gels in the region.

Therefore, owing to the increase in chronic diseases that require an ultrasound, and the rise in product launches, North America is anticipated to witness growth in the studied market over the analysis period.

Ultrasound Gel Market Competitor Analysis

The ultrasound gel market is fragmented in nature due to the presence of many companies operating globally as well as regionally. The competitive landscape includes an analysis of a few international and local companies that hold the market share and are well known. Some of the major players include Compass Health Brands, Eco-Med Pharmaceutical Inc., National Therapy Products Inc., HR Pharmaceuticals Inc., OJI Group (TELE-PAPER (M) SDN BHD), Sonogel Vertriebs GmbH, Parker Laboratories Inc., Scrip Inc., Besmed Health Business Corporation, Medline Industries, LP, and Ultragel Hungary 2000 Kft.

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