Ultrasound Gel Market Size, Share, Forecast, 2033

Ultrasound Gel Market Overview

Global ultrasound gel market size is estimated at USD 25.78 million in 2024, set to expand to USD 30.05 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 1.8%.

The ultrasound gel market is a vital component within diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications, specifically in ultrasound-based procedures. This gel serves as a conductive medium, eliminating air pockets between the transducer and the skin to ensure accurate imaging. Globally, more than 2.5 billion ultrasound procedures are conducted annually, with each session requiring 20–60 mL of ultrasound gel, depending on the diagnostic area. The widespread adoption of ultrasound in point-of-care diagnostics, including obstetrics, cardiology, and musculoskeletal imaging, has intensified the demand for ultrasound gels.

The global increase in chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases, which impact over 523 million people, has further increased ultrasound imaging demand, thereby boosting gel consumption. Moreover, the ongoing shift towards non-invasive diagnostic methods has driven the use of high-frequency ultrasound imaging systems, requiring consistent application of high-quality gels. Hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers are key end-users, and more than 85% of radiology departments report using ultrasound gel daily. Technological innovation has introduced sterile gel formats suitable for interventional procedures, increasing their adoption in critical care. Additionally, increasing concerns about patient safety have led to rising demand for sterile and bacteriostatic formulations. These trends indicate a significant transformation in the market's scale, hygiene standards, and global accessibility.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Rising diagnostic imaging procedures across cardiology, gynecology, and musculoskeletal fields.

Top Country/Region: North America leads due to a high volume of diagnostic procedures and healthcare infrastructure.

Top Segment: Hospitals dominate the market, accounting for more than 50% of total ultrasound gel usage.

Ultrasound Gel Market Trends

One prominent trend shaping the ultrasound gel market is the shift toward sterile and single-use packaging formats. With over 32 million sterile ultrasound procedures performed globally each year, the risk of infection transmission has compelled facilities to transition from multi-use containers to single-use sterile packets. This transition is particularly visible in surgical and catheterization labs.

Biocompatibility enhancements are another major trend. There has been a surge in demand for hypoallergenic, dye-free, and fragrance-free formulations, catering to the nearly 10–15% of patients who report skin sensitivities. Manufacturers are innovating with paraben-free, glycerin-free gels that reduce potential allergic reactions during prolonged imaging procedures.

Technological advancement in portable ultrasound systems has created a new market segment in remote and rural healthcare settings. Over 200,000 handheld ultrasound devices were distributed globally in 2023 alone. These devices require fast-drying and easy-to-clean gels that can operate under a wider temperature range, contributing to increased gel consumption outside traditional healthcare institutions.

Environmental sustainability is a growing concern, with several manufacturers introducing biodegradable ultrasound gels. At least 18% of manufacturers have introduced eco-friendly options, aiming to reduce chemical load and environmental contamination.

Digital health integration is also influencing gel demand. With the rise of tele-ultrasound platforms, training and practice simulations use gel-based phantoms extensively, increasing demand in academic institutions and simulation labs.

Ultrasound Gel Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising diagnostic imaging volume worldwide

Ultrasound is among the most commonly performed imaging procedures globally, with more than 2.5 billion scans conducted annually across healthcare sectors. As of 2024, more than 93,000 hospitals and diagnostic centers worldwide conduct ultrasound exams, creating consistent demand for ultrasound gel. Obstetrics and gynecology alone accounted for over 420 million procedures globally. Additionally, with growing geriatric populations—projected to reach 1.6 billion people aged 65 and above by 2050—the need for non-invasive diagnostics continues to rise. This significantly boosts the demand for reliable ultrasound gel formulations.

RESTRAINT

Risk of microbial contamination in multi-use gel bottles

Despite sterilization advancements, contamination in multi-use ultrasound gel containers remains a serious concern. Studies conducted in 2023 across U.S. hospitals found contamination in 14.5% of sampled multi-use gel bottles, especially in emergency and ICU environments. This issue has led to clinical hesitance in using gels without sterile assurance, causing hospitals to shift to single-use packs—though more expensive—which limits affordability in price-sensitive regions. Additionally, regulatory recalls on contaminated batches (as seen in Canada and Europe during 2023) have caused temporary disruptions and dented market trust.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of home and point-of-care ultrasound systems

The adoption of compact ultrasound devices is increasing rapidly, especially in rural clinics, home healthcare, and battlefield medicine. More than 1.2 million portable ultrasound devices were in use globally by the end of 2024. These devices are increasingly integrated into ambulatory settings, home visits, and even in-store pharmacy health checks. Each setting demands quick-dispensing, fast-drying, and no-residue gels. This opens a lucrative opportunity for gel manufacturers to introduce optimized formulations specifically suited for compact ultrasound machines and non-traditional environments.

CHALLENGE

Supply chain limitations for raw materials

Ultrasound gels primarily consist of water, propylene glycol, and thickening agents like carbomers. However, global supply chain disruptions in 2022–2023 led to fluctuations in propylene glycol supply, raising production costs by up to 22%. Countries reliant on imports, such as those in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa, saw stockouts in diagnostic gel supplies. Moreover, increased regulatory scrutiny over chemical ingredients such as parabens and potential allergens adds complexity to formulation development, leading to longer approval times and higher R&D costs.

Ultrasound Gel Market Segmentation

The ultrasound gel market is segmented by type (Sterile and Non-Sterile) and application (Hospitals, Clinics, Diagnostic Centers). Each category shows varying usage volumes and regulatory requirements. Hospitals remain the largest segment, consuming over 52% of total gel volumes, followed by diagnostic centers and clinics. On the type side, sterile gels are witnessing increased adoption, especially in surgical and invasive diagnostic procedures.

By Type

Sterile: Sterile ultrasound gels are packaged in single-use sachets or sterilized bottles and are widely used in operating rooms, vascular access procedures, and catheter placements. In 2024, sterile gels accounted for over 38% of the total volume in developed regions. More than 20,000 hospitals globally mandate the use of sterile gels in interventional cardiology and radiology procedures. These gels undergo gamma or electron beam sterilization and must meet stringent ISO 11137 and USP Class VI standards.
Non-Sterile: Non-sterile gels dominate routine outpatient ultrasound imaging, especially in gynecology, abdominal scanning, and musculoskeletal diagnostics. These gels account for nearly 62% of global ultrasound gel consumption, particularly in emerging economies where cost-effectiveness is critical. Non-sterile gel is dispensed in reusable bottles, generally ranging between 250 mL and 5 liters per unit, supporting high-volume imaging centers. However, contamination risk remains a regulatory concern.

By Application

Hospitals: Hospitals consume more than 50% of total ultrasound gel output globally. Major departments using gel include emergency, obstetrics, cardiology, and vascular imaging. High-volume hospitals use up to 25 liters of gel per week. With the rising adoption of bedside ultrasound in ICUs and surgical wards, sterile gel usage is growing in tandem.
Clinics: Clinics and small diagnostic setups contribute to approximately 25% of the market. These units often rely on non-sterile gels due to budget constraints. The shift towards portable ultrasound systems in general practice is driving modest growth in this segment, particularly in urban areas of Latin America and Southeast Asia.
Diagnostic Centers: Standalone diagnostic labs and imaging centers represent nearly 20% of ultrasound gel usage. These facilities conduct high-throughput diagnostic scans and maintain large inventories of both sterile and non-sterile gel. Many centers prefer bulk purchases of 5-liter containers to reduce operational costs.

Ultrasound Gel Market Regional Outlook

Globally, North America leads in ultrasound gel usage due to high diagnostic imaging rates and regulatory mandates for sterile procedures. Europe follows with strong public healthcare investments and aging populations. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-expanding region due to infrastructure growth in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, the Middle East & Africa see rising adoption driven by public health investments and increased maternal healthcare outreach.

North America

North America comprises over 40% of global ultrasound gel consumption. The U.S. alone conducts over 210 million ultrasound procedures annually. Sterile gels are increasingly mandated across interventional radiology, cardiac catheterization labs, and neonatal intensive care units. Regulatory enforcement by the FDA has further driven sterile product demand. Canada has also ramped up its standards for infection control, boosting the use of single-use sterile gels.

Europe

Europe accounts for approximately 30% of market volume. Germany, the UK, and France are the leading markets with over 85% of hospitals using sterile gel in interventional procedures. The region sees increasing use of biodegradable and eco-safe gels. EU regulations like MDR 2017/745 have tightened formulation compliance, spurring innovation in non-toxic gel compositions.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific demonstrates significant growth potential due to a booming medical diagnostics sector. China and India combined conduct over 350 million ultrasound scans yearly. Public sector procurement accounts for over 65% of ultrasound gel purchases in the region. Japanese companies lead in producing low-allergen, high-viscosity formulations suited for high-resolution imaging.

Middle East & Africa

The region is showing increasing demand driven by expanded healthcare access. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have adopted national maternal health strategies incorporating routine ultrasound, raising gel demand. Africa, with rising aid-based healthcare diagnostics, shows growing volumes particularly in mobile and NGO-based screening programs.

List of Top Ultrasound Gel Market Companies

Sonotech
Parker Laboratories
ECO-MED
National Therapy Products
Ultragel Kft
Tele-Paper Malaysia
Sonogel Vertriebs
Phyto Performance
Besmed
Yijie
Beinuo Biotech
Sinan Medical
Hangzhou Huqin Yutang
Changchun Chengshi

Top Two Companies with Highest Share

Parker Laboratories: Supplies over 28% of the total ultrasound gel used in North America, with flagship products like Aquasonic 100 used in over 75,000 healthcare facilities globally.

Sonotech: Holds a leading position in sterile gel production, especially in interventional imaging, distributing to more than 40 countries across hospital networks.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The ultrasound gel market is seeing increased investments aimed at manufacturing expansion, sterile packaging technologies, and formulation R&D. In 2023, more than 12 new ultrasound gel production facilities were announced across Asia and Eastern Europe, reflecting a global shift to regional manufacturing hubs. China alone added 4 large-scale facilities that contribute over 20% to regional gel supply, significantly reducing import dependence.

Investments in automated filling and packaging lines are also rising. Manufacturers are transitioning to high-speed machinery capable of producing over 60,000 sterile pouches per day. The automation of single-use packaging reduces labor costs and eliminates human contact, supporting infection control protocols. This also allows private-label healthcare product firms to enter the market more competitively, further diversifying gel availability.

There is also significant funding flowing into R&D for allergen-free and bio-based formulations. In 2023, over $42 million in private investment was directed toward R&D for gels using plant-derived thickeners and non-petroleum-based carriers. These new formulations appeal to hospitals seeking sustainable supply chain certifications such as ISO 14001.

Governments are facilitating ultrasound equipment purchases through national health schemes, which indirectly boosts gel demand. In India, for instance, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) resulted in the installation of 18,000+ new ultrasound units in district hospitals, increasing ultrasound gel consumption significantly. Similar public investments in Nigeria, Vietnam, and Brazil have also led to sharp growth in gel procurement volumes.

New Product Development

The ultrasound gel market has seen a surge in formulation innovation, with companies launching advanced products that address both clinical efficacy and user experience. One major trend is the development of non-drip, quick-drying gel. In 2023, at least six leading companies launched gel variants with higher surface tension, preventing runoff during angled scans such as carotid and cardiac imaging.

There is increasing emphasis on multi-frequency compatible gels. These gels maintain consistent acoustic impedance across 2 MHz to 18 MHz transducers, accommodating everything from deep abdominal scans to superficial musculoskeletal evaluations. New gel formulations in 2024 showcased over 99.5% conductivity efficiency across varying frequencies in lab simulations.

Allergen-free and dermatologically tested gels are also seeing rising demand. Parker Laboratories introduced a paraben-free, dye-free, and fragrance-free sterile gel in 2023 that achieved broad market penetration, now used in over 30,000 hospitals worldwide. This trend is largely driven by an estimated 10–15% of patients who report skin sensitivity after diagnostic procedures.

Manufacturers are also focusing on eco-friendly packaging. Recyclable sachets and biodegradable bottles were launched in several markets. A German firm released a fully compostable packaging variant in late 2023, designed for clinics looking to reduce single-use plastic output.

Another development involves the integration of antiseptic properties into gel formulations. Ultragel Kft released a chlorhexidine-infused sterile gel in early 2024, which has been adopted for use in high-risk ICU ultrasound procedures in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Five Recent Developments

Parker Laboratories (2023): Launched “Aquasonic Pure,” a paraben-free gel variant that gained adoption in over 25,000 healthcare facilities across the U.S. within its first 10 months.
Sonotech (2024): Introduced a dual-viscosity gel for handheld ultrasound devices used in field diagnostics; adopted in over 15 military installations across NATO operations.
Ultragel Kft (2023): Developed a sterile chlorhexidine-based ultrasound gel for use in surgical ICUs across Eastern Europe, currently deployed in over 700 hospitals.
ECO-MED (2023): Partnered with European regulatory bodies to reformulate its ultrasound gel for MDR compliance, completing re-certification across 18 EU countries.
Tele-Paper Malaysia (2024): Expanded into single-use eco-friendly packaging with biodegradable sachets, increasing distribution across 12 Southeast Asian countries.

Report Coverage of Ultrasound Gel Market

This report offers comprehensive coverage of the ultrasound gel market, encompassing market size estimation, product segmentation, regional dynamics, and key manufacturer insights. The report focuses on sterile and non-sterile gel types, analyzing their applications across hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers. It quantifies global usage volumes based on imaging procedure counts and examines the influence of infection control regulations, hospital procurement practices, and advancements in ultrasound technology.

It also identifies clinical usage trends such as the shift toward hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, and multi-frequency-compatible gels. With over 2.5 billion ultrasound procedures performed annually, the report explores how growing demand from obstetrics, cardiology, and point-of-care diagnostics translates into rising gel consumption.

A detailed regional analysis covers North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. For instance, the report highlights how North American hospitals are shifting rapidly toward sterile, single-use formats, while Asia-Pacific sees significant uptake driven by public healthcare expansion.

The competitive landscape section identifies the top ultrasound gel manufacturers, including Parker Laboratories and Sonotech, which together supply over 40% of global demand. Company strategies such as vertical integration, automation, and eco-innovation are thoroughly analyzed.

The investment analysis covers recent facility expansions, mergers and acquisitions, and R&D funding in allergen-free and sustainable gel formulations. The report also highlights new product launches, regulatory compliance efforts, and strategic collaborations that are shaping the future of the market.