High-Level Disinfection Services Market

Market Overview

The global high-level disinfection services market size was valued at USD 22.67 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 54.26 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 9.12% from 2022 to 2030.

 These services aim to eradicate all vegetative microorganisms, lipid and nonlipid viruses, mycobacteria, fungal spores, and certain bacterial spores from surfaces. In most cases, the scope of the market for high-level disinfection services is determined by the prevalent regulations in healthcare systems. The market for high-level disinfection services has advanced as a result of the constant evolution of the regulations governing human sterility practices and standards. The purpose of these services is not only to ensure the proper operation of medical equipment but also to increase the productivity of clinicians throughout all processes. Protocols for disinfection vary according to the criticality of the medical devices being used, with the most critical devices requiring the highest level of disinfection. Typically, these medical devices must enter sterile tissue or the vascular system, where blood flows, in order to function.

Market Dynamics

Drivers For The Global High-Level Disinfection Services Market

• Lack of Sanitation Is Driving The Market

An increase in the prevalence of HAIs due to a lack of sanitation and preventive measures is anticipated to be a major factor driving the growth of the high-level disinfection services market during the forecast period. In 2016-2017, there were approximately 6,53,000 healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) reported, among 13.8 million adult inpatients in NHS hospitals in England, according to a study published in British Medical Journal. Approximately 22800 patients died as a result of infection. In addition, the CDC reports that at least one healthcare-associated infection occurs in at least one hospital patient per day. Infection control services are in high demand as the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is significantly influenced by patient immunity, infection prevention, hygiene practices, and the presence of various infectious agents within a healthcare facility. Both hand hygiene with antiseptics and low-level disinfectants and sterilization of gastro-intestinal endoscopes with powerful, high-level disinfectants are potential preventive measures.

• Hospital-Acquired Infections Are Driving The Market

Concerns about medical device-related infections in reprocessed devices have been reported with glaring consequences in the past few years of the previous decade. In the United States, infections caused by endoscopes have resulted in fatalities. In particular, the CDC and U.S. FDA scrutinized the current hospital disinfection practices. This has increased the market's anticipated demand for high-level disinfection services. Concerns about hospital-acquired infections (HAI) have been growing worldwide, primarily as a result of the insufficient implementation of disinfection protocols, which is another significant trend.

Restraints For The Global High-Level Disinfection Services Market

• High Cost Involved

Practically sanitizing and disinfecting a larger area is quite a costly and hectic affair, and post the pandemic, many countries witnessed their inability to sanitize such bigger areas like whole the cities or countryside. Moreover, it also doesn’t guarantee that the further spread of infection will be stopped.

Opportunities For The Global High-Level Disinfection Services Market

• Newly Coming In Diseases Will Sure The Demand

The sudden global spread of COVID-19 and monkeypox is one of the most influential factors driving market expansion. According to Worldometer estimates, as of 26 April 2021, there are 147,884,279 COVID-19 cases worldwide. If more people become infected with the coronavirus, there will be a substantial demand for critical care supplies, which will increase the need for high-level disinfectant services. Moreover, market-leading companies are developing HLDs that are effective against COVID-19. LANXESS created Rely+On Virkon, and Solvay developed PROXITANE, both of which are effective against the coronavirus. Consequently, such occurrences indicate substantial market expansion throughout the forecast period.

Segmental Analysis

This market can be segmented on the basis of Services, Compound, End-User, Regions, and competitors. For the services insight, the outsourcing segment dominated the high-level disinfection services market in 2021 and held the largest revenue share at 53.6%. The segment is anticipated to experience a significant growth rate over the projected time frame. Disinfection services are typically contracted out by hospitals, clinics, and diagnostics facilities. There are many advantages to outsourcing, including cost savings, customized cleaning services, and the use of advanced technology. In addition, as a result of advancements in global healthcare practices, hospitals outsource disinfection and sterilization services. This has provided equipment manufacturers with new opportunities.

The in-house segment of the market for high-level disinfection services is expected to grow slowly over the forecast period. In-house disinfection offers total control over the movement of services and eliminates the additional handling and costs associated with transporting loads to the facility. However, in-house disinfection is only viable if the disinfection facility is operating at or near capacity. Additionally, it is more expensive compared to outsourcing. Due to the numerous advantages of outsourcing over in-house services, the segment will experience sluggish growth during the forecast period.

For the compound insights, the glutaraldehyde segment dominated the market in 2021t for high-level disinfection services, commanding a revenue share of 23.5 percent. During the forecast period, it is anticipated that the segment will experience a significant growth rate. For endoscopic procedures and surgical unit reprocessing, aldehyde disinfectants are frequently used. Long and widely utilized as an HLD for reusable surgical equipment in healthcare facilities, glutaraldehyde has been used for decades. Demand for these services is anticipated to increase as the number of surgical procedures performed worldwide rises. In addition, hospital-acquired infections resulting from excessive surgical unit reprocessing are anticipated to fuel demand for these solutions, causing the segment to grow profitably over the forecast period.

Over the forecast period, the hydrogen peroxide market segment is projected to expand at a significant rate. For sterilization and high-level disinfection in healthcare settings, the Food and Drug Administration of the United States has authorized disinfectant solutions containing 7.5% hydrogen peroxide. Due to its broad-spectrum bactericidal, sporicidal, virucidal, and fungicidal properties, hydrogen peroxide is the disinfectant of choice for semi-critical and non-critical devices, as well as a suitable surface disinfectant. Alternatives to toxic sterilants such as ethylene oxide and aldehyde disinfectants include hydrogen peroxide disinfectant solutions. As a result of the aforementioned benefits, it is anticipated that the segment will expand rapidly.

Among the End-Users, the market for high-level disinfection services was dominated by the hospitals and clinics segment in 2021, which held a 34.6% revenue share. During the forecast period, the segment is anticipated to expand at a significant rate. In hospitals and other healthcare settings, HLD is in high demand as the incidence of hospital-acquired infections continues to rise. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the use of hospital high-level disinfectant services to the forefront in a number of nations as part of bundled strategies to combat the virus. Additionally, the increased number of surgical procedures, stringent safety guidelines for both staff and patients, and the disposal of medical waste are driving the adoption of disinfection services in hospitals. In 2018, however, more than fifty percent of hospitals were not in compliance with the high-level disinfection and sterilization standard IC.02.02.01, EP2. In light of the severity of HAIs, coronavirus infections, and other infections, more hospitals should adhere to HLD standards.

In addition, proper hygiene and sanitation are required to maintain a healthy clinic environment. The spread of COVID-19 necessitates the implementation of preventive measures to limit the spread of the disease; consequently, clinics are implementing preventive measures. These factors are anticipated to contribute to the segment's growth over the forecast period by encouraging clinics to use high-level disinfection services.

The demand for disinfection equipment has increased in diagnostic laboratories and research facilities due to the need for optimal sterility and precision in testing procedures. The number of individuals undergoing RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests has increased dramatically in recent years, primarily as a result of the rising incidence of COVID-19. This circumstance has necessitated the utilization of HLD solutions in diagnostic and pathology laboratories. These are frequently used in laboratories to disinfect medical equipment and testing kits. In addition, dissection of infected medical instruments after use is a crucial component of research center safety procedures that will reduce the likelihood of false results. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established guidelines to review the safety and sterility practices in research labs, which is anticipated to stimulate segment expansion.

Regional Analysis

In 2020, North America dominated the market for high-level disinfection services, accounting for 45.4% of the total revenue. The region is anticipated to experience a substantial growth rate of 9.3 percent during the forecast period. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in this region, which has significantly increased demand for surface disinfectants, North America is expected to lead the high-level disinfectant services market. In March 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States published an updated list of EPA-registered disinfectant services that have been approved for use against SARS-CoV-2. This list included approximately 200 additional services and 40 new services.

In Asia-Pacific, the market for high-level disinfection services is anticipated to expand at the quickest rate over the forecast period, on account of the exponentially increasing incidence of infection-transmitted diseases, such as COVID-19, in India which is driving up the demand for surface disinfectants.

By 2050, according to UNFPA statistics, the number of older people in Asia-Pacific will have tripled to reach 1,3 billion. Additionally, the rising incidence of chronic diseases, the rising number of surgeries, the increasing prevalence of surgical site infections, and HAIs will all contribute to the rising demand for HLD services, resulting in the expansion of the regional market.

Recent Developments

• OneSource collaborated with Pfiedler Education, a subsidiary of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN Inc.), to provide free access to a webinar course presented by sterile processing expert Rose Seavey in July of 2020. The course centered on effective tools for passing accreditation surveys and providing healthcare professionals with continuing education in high-level disinfection, sterilization, implants, and tissue management.
• In June of 2019, CS Medical introduced TEEClean, an automated TEE probe cleaner, and disinfectant. TEEClean utilizes TEEZyme, and an enzymatic solution injected into the cleaning and disinfection reservoir after a soiled TEE probe has been properly inserted. Utilized for high-level disinfection.

High-Level Disinfection Services Market Segmentation

By Services

• In house
• Outsource

By Compound

• Formaldehyde
• Glutaraldehyde
• Ortho-phthalaldehyde
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Peracetic Acid
• Others

By End-Use

• Hospitals & Clinics
• Diagnostic Laboratories
• Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies
• Academic and Research Institutes
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa