High-Level Disinfection Services Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Services (Inhouse, Outsource), By Compound (Formaldehyde, Glutaraldehyde, Peracetic Acid, Others), By End-use (DryHospitals & Clinics, Diagnostic Laboratories, Academic And Research Institutes, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The high-level disinfection services market is anticipated to show steady growth during the forecast period.

High-level disinfection (HLD) services play a crucial role in infection prevention and control (IPC) programs within healthcare settings. These services are essential for eliminating all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on medical devices and surfaces that cannot undergo sterilization. By doing so, HLD services contribute significantly to preventing the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Traditionally, high-level disinfection is defined as the comprehensive eradication of all microorganisms on or within an instrument, except small quantities of bacterial spores. The Spaulding Classification serves as the universal framework employed by federal authorities and national standards to determine the required level of disinfection for reusable medical devices, including ultrasound probes.

It categorizes medical devices based on their contact with patients and the associated risk of infection transmission- critical devices, those in contact with sterile tissue, or the bloodstream. These necessitate high-level disinfection or sterilization. Semi-critical devices are those in contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin. These require a medium level of disinfection, typically high-level disinfection (HLD). Non-critical Devices, those only in contact with intact skin. These devices can undergo low-level disinfection, either intermediate level (ILD) or low-level disinfection (LLD). This systematic classification ensures that the appropriate level of disinfection is applied to different medical devices based on their use and potential risk of infection transmission.

Market Drivers

• Growing prevalence of HAIs (Healthcare-Associated Infections)

According to data from Acute Care Hospitals (ACH), the Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR) revealed a notable increase in Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) across various locations in 2020 Q4 compared to the same period in 2019. Specifically, central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) saw a 47% overall rise, with intensive care units (ICUs) experiencing a significant 65% increase, and select inpatient wards observing a 16% uptick. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) demonstrated a 19% overall increase, with ICUs recording a 30% rise. Ventilator-Associated Events (VAE) exhibited a 45% overall increase across all locations, with ICUs witnessing a 44% surge and adult inpatient wards seeing a 35% increase.

Upon reviewing the quarterly 2021 National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) data, continued increases in the quarterly SIRs for CLABSI, CAUTI, VAE, and MRSA bacteremia were noted compared to 2019.

It's essential to recognize that in 2021, the European Union had approximately 2.3 million hospital beds available, with three-quarters allocated for curative care. The growing prevalence of HAIs is identified as a key driver for the expansion of the high-level disinfection services market in response to these concerning trends in infection rates.

• Growing geriatric population

The global landscape of high-level disinfection services is witnessing a substantial impact from demographic shifts. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the percentage of the population aged 60 or older was around 12.4% in 2016. Projections indicate a noteworthy increase, surpassing a quarter, or 1.3 billion people, by 2050. This demographic change underscores the growing healthcare demands within this context. Notably, east and north Asia, comprising countries like Japan and the Republic of Korea with significant aging populations, are expected to have over a third of their population aged 60 or older by 2050.

Similarly, the European Union (EU) is experiencing a correlation between the aging population and the demand for high-level disinfection services. The population of individuals aged 65 or more in the EU-27 is set to witness a substantial rise, climbing from 90.5 million in 2019 to 129.8 million by 2050. During this period, the segment aged 75-84 years is projected to grow by 56.1%, while the group aged 65-74 years is anticipated to increase by 16.6%.

In this context of high-level disinfection services and healthcare, a global trend emerges where the older population is growing at a faster rate. It emphasizes the increasing significance of healthcare and related technologies, including the demand for high-level disinfection services, as crucial components in addressing the evolving healthcare needs associated with the aging global population.

Market Challenges

• High cost for adoption

The widespread adoption of High-Level Disinfection (HLD) services in healthcare facilities often encounters a significant hurdle due to their substantial costs, presenting financial challenges for many healthcare institutions. However, a promising development has emerged through a definitive agreement between AREV Nanotech Brands, Inc., and Germinator, a leading sanitizing and disinfecting company.

In this collaborative effort, the focus is on providing the Genesis hypochlorous acid (HOCl) platform for surface disinfection to global public health commodity procurement programs. The primary aim is to offer support to refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Under the terms of the agreement, Germinator grants exclusive distribution rights to AREV, allowing them to use Germinator products, in refugee camps, United Nations facilities, UNICEF sites, or similar locations worldwide.

This collaboration is facilitated by an exchange. The strategic partnership between AREV and Germinator aims to extend the utility of the Genesis HOCl disinfection solution to public health venues that are particularly vulnerable to highly contagious infectious diseases. By doing so, the collaboration seeks to provide tangible solutions crucial for mitigating costs in public healthcare and enhancing the well-being of vulnerable populations.

By services, the high-level disinfection services market is segmented into in-house and outsourced

By services, the high-level disinfection services market is segmented into two main categories: in-house and outsourced. In-house HLD services are managed directly by the healthcare facility, usually within its central sterile processing department (CSPD). This internal approach gives the facility control over the disinfection process for medical devices and surfaces. On the other hand, outsourced HLD services are provided by specialized companies equipped with the necessary expertise and tools for disinfecting a broad spectrum of medical devices and surfaces. This outsourcing model can prove to be more cost-effective, especially for smaller healthcare facilities with limited resources.

North America is anticipated to hold a significant share of the high-level disinfection services market.

North America is set to notable influence in the high-level disinfection services market, underlining its substantial footprint in the healthcare sector. As per data from the American Hospital Association, the total count of U.S. hospitals stood at 6,129 in 2023, from 6,093 in 2022, indicating a resilient healthcare landscape. Emphasizing the scale of medical activities, the cumulative admissions across all U.S. hospitals reached 34,011,386 in 2023, with a still considerable 33,356,853 admissions recorded in 2022.

These statistics underscore the pivotal role of high-level disinfection services in the realm of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The number of hospitals and the extensive volume of admissions emphasize the potential for infection spread within healthcare settings. The demand for high-level disinfection services becomes increasingly important as healthcare institutions strive to uphold stringent infection prevention measures.

Market Developments

• February 2020 -  Specialty chemicals company LANXESS presented Rely+On Virkon, a high-level disinfectant, showcasing its effectiveness against the coronavirus. This product is specifically designed for disinfecting hard surfaces and equipment, playing a crucial role in maintaining hygiene standards. Independent tests have substantiated that Rely+On Virkon can inactivate a closely related surrogate of the presently circulating coronavirus strain. LANXESS continues to contribute to public health through innovative products like Rely+On Virkon that address the challenges posed by emerging pathogens.
• November 2023 - Germitec secured a €25 million financing deal backed by InvestEU in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB). This funding empowers Germitec, a pioneering company specializing in high-level disinfection (HLD) of ultrasound probes using UV-C technology, to expedite the global expansion of its devices, namely Chronos® and Antigermix®. Additionally, the funds will be instrumental in supporting research and development initiatives. The financial support underscores the significant potential of Germitec's UV-C technology in the field of healthcare.
• June 2023 -  Xenex unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in the form of the world's first Digital Tracking System. Recognizing the critical need to monitor and report cleaning events, Xenex Disinfection Services has introduced TrackMate™. This innovative and patented device was specifically developed by hospitals for hospitals. TrackMate™ offers automated tracking of cleaning events for both Portable Medical Equipment and hospital rooms. This technological solution addresses the potential risks associated with the movement of medical equipment, providing a comprehensive and automated system to track and report cleaning activities. The introduction of TrackMate™ reflects a significant step forward in enhancing infection prevention measures within healthcare facilities.

Company Products

• Rentokil Initial plc (High-Level Cleaning).-   Rentokil Initial plc, a prominent specialist cleaning company in the UK, offers high-level cleaning services designed for tasks deemed too hazardous for routine cleaning and maintenance. Leveraging expert technicians equipped with specialized access equipment, the company addresses the challenge of cleaning hard-to-reach areas and confined spaces. Rentokil Initial provides a comprehensive array of industrial and high-level cleaning solutions, catering to diverse sectors such as industrial fabricators, food manufacturers, and leisure facilities. The focus on safety and specialized equipment ensures effective cleaning in environments where standard cleaning practices may be insufficient or risky.
•  (Cleaning & Decontamination) Life Science Outsourcing - Life Science Outsourcing provides comprehensive cleaning and decontamination solutions tailored for reusable medical devices, aiming to eradicate bio-hazardous materials, adhere to safety standards, and secure essential certifications. With ISO 13485 certification and FDA registration, the company boasts a cutting-edge facility spanning 10,000 square feet, featuring state-of-the-art Class 10,000/ISO 7-rated cleanroom space.
• TEEClean - TEEClean introduces a cutting-edge solution with its Transducer Disinfection system, specifically designed for transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) ultrasound probes. The TEEClean® Automated TEE Probe Cleaner Disinfector streamlines the process by automating the cleaning, high-level disinfection (HLD), and leak testing of TEE probes. This innovative technology makes the cleaning and disinfection of TEE probes a swift and uncomplicated one-step procedure. TEEClean's advancement in automation ensures efficiency and thoroughness in maintaining the hygiene and safety standards of critical medical equipment, particularly in the context of transesophageal echocardiography.

Market Segmentation

• By Services
  • Inhouse
  • Outsource
• By Compound
  • Formaldehyde
  • Glutaraldehyde
  • Peracetic Acid
  • Others
• By End-use
  • DryHospitals & Clinics
  • Diagnostic Laboratories
  • Academic And Research Institutes
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Israel
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • Japan
    • China
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Indonesia
    • Thailand
    • Others