Ultrasound Gel Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Non-sterile, Sterile), By End-use (Hospitals & Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, others), by region, and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Ultrasound Gel Market, valued at USD 115.54 Million in 2024, is projected to experience a CAGR of 4.99% to reach USD 154.76 Million by 2030. Ultrasound gel is a crucial water-soluble coupling medium employed in sonography to ensure efficient transmission of ultrasonic waves between the transducer and the patient's skin, thereby eliminating air interfaces and enabling high-quality diagnostic imaging. The global ultrasound gel market is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, which necessitates a higher volume of diagnostic examinations. Concurrently, the expanding adoption of non-invasive diagnostic techniques and continuous advancements in ultrasound imaging technology, including portable and point-of-care devices, further support market expansion.

According to MedTech Europe, the European medical technology market, which encompasses ultrasound devices and related consumables such as gels, was estimated at approximately €170 billion in 2024. This robust market growth underpins the demand for ultrasound gel. However, a significant challenge impeding market expansion stems from the potential for price pressure due to the availability of generic alternatives and heightened price sensitivity among healthcare providers. Furthermore, supply chain disruptions, including raw material shortages and transportation complexities, pose a notable risk to consistent product availability and pricing.

Key Market Drivers

The increasing volume of ultrasound procedures globally represents a key driver for the ultrasound gel market. This surge stems from the rising prevalence of chronic and age-related diseases, which necessitates more frequent diagnostic and monitoring examinations. As a non-invasive and radiation-free imaging modality, ultrasound is increasingly favored in cardiology, obstetrics, and general radiology, directly correlating with higher consumption of coupling gels essential for acoustic transmission and image clarity. According to Siemens Healthineers’ Q3 2024 earnings report, August 2024, the company’s imaging business segment reported an adjusted revenue of €2.97 billion, a 4% increase over the same quarter in 2023, reflecting sustained growth in the imaging sector that consumes these gels. This consistent procedural growth is fundamental to market expansion.

The rising adoption of point-of-care ultrasound devices further influences the ultrasound gel market. These portable systems enable rapid, bedside diagnostics in diverse environments such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, and primary care settings, expanding ultrasound utility beyond conventional imaging departments. Enhanced accessibility and immediate diagnostic capabilities improve patient management and increase examination frequency, demanding a consistent supply of specialized gels. Highlighting strategic investment in this area, according to GE HealthCare's acquisition announcement, July 2024, the company acquired the clinical artificial intelligence software business from Intelligent Ultrasound for $51 million, reflecting advancements integral to point-of-care applications. This technological integration drives demand for consumables within the wider global ultrasound market, which, according to Towards Healthcare, in 2024, was calculated at USD 10.1 billion.

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Key Market Challenges

The potential for price pressure due to the availability of generic alternatives and heightened price sensitivity among healthcare providers represents a notable challenging factor for the global ultrasound gel market. The proliferation of generic options intensifies market competition, frequently necessitating price reduction strategies from manufacturers seeking to retain or expand their market share. This is compounded by an increasing emphasis among healthcare providers on cost-effective procurement, leading to a preference for lower-priced alternatives even for essential consumables. This dynamic directly impacts the revenue streams for manufacturers of branded or premium ultrasound gels, resulting in margin compression across the industry.

This competitive landscape ultimately restricts the potential for overall market value growth, even amidst rising unit volumes driven by increasing diagnostic examinations. According to AdvaMed's Pulse of the Industry 2023 report, the broader medical technology industry experienced a significant slowdown, with commercial leaders reporting a revenue decline of 1.1% in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year. This trend indicates a climate where cost containment is a critical concern, directly influencing purchasing decisions for medical consumables and consequently hampering the market's expansion in terms of value.

Key Market Trends

The market for ultrasound gel is undergoing a notable transformation driven by a concerted effort towards environmental stewardship and heightened patient experience.

A significant trend is the increasing adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly gel formulations. This shift is primarily driven by growing environmental consciousness, regulatory pressures, and consumer demand for greener healthcare products. Manufacturers are actively exploring biodegradable ingredients, recyclable packaging, and more sustainable production processes to reduce the ecological footprint of ultrasound procedures. The medical sector accounts for approximately five percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to MedTech Europe in November 2024, which issued comprehensive recommendations for greener medical devices. This broader industry push extends to consumables like ultrasound gel, where, as MedTech Intelligence highlighted in January 2025, medical device manufacturers are optimizing input materials and increasingly considering bio-based alternatives for products and recycled content for packaging to align with sustainability objectives.

Another prominent trend shaping the market is the growing preference for warmed ultrasound gels, aimed at enhancing patient comfort. Historically, cold gel has been a source of discomfort for patients, particularly during prolonged or sensitive examinations. The move towards warmed gels directly addresses this, leading to improved patient satisfaction and potentially better cooperation during procedures. According to Hello Sono, a medical publication, in November 2024, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) recommends using gel warmers for multidose bottles during procedures on intact skin to improve patient comfort, indicating an industry-wide recognition of this practice. This preference is also reflected in commercial offerings; Imaging Solutions, a medical equipment distributor, in 2025, prominently featured "Gel Warmers" such as the "Acclimate® Gel Warmer" within its product categories, showcasing the direct market response to this patient-centric demand.

Segmental Insights

The Non-Sterile segment is a key driver in the Global Ultrasound Gel Market, experiencing rapid growth due to its widespread applicability and cost-effectiveness. This segment is predominantly utilized in routine diagnostic imaging procedures performed on intact skin, where strict sterility is not a primary requirement. The economic advantage of non-sterile gels makes them a preferred choice for numerous healthcare providers in general medical settings, including hospitals and clinics. Furthermore, the increasing volume of non-invasive ultrasound examinations, such as those for obstetrics and general organ imaging, significantly contributes to the escalating demand for non-sterile gel products.

Regional Insights

North America leads the global ultrasound gel market due to its well-established healthcare infrastructure and high adoption rate of advanced medical technologies. The region benefits from streamlined reimbursement policies and a significant presence of major market players. Furthermore, the increasing acceptance of ultrasound at community-level clinics and in home healthcare settings contributes to robust demand. Regulatory oversight by bodies like the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures product quality and safety, fostering market trust and growth. These combined factors solidify North America's dominant position.

Recent Developments

• In October 2025, Tristel announced the introduction of its new ultrasound probe decontamination product, Tristel VISICLEAN™. This innovative cleaning technology is strategically positioned to complement Parker Laboratories' Aquasonic ultrasound gel, a widely recognized product in the market. The collaboration highlights a synergistic approach to maintaining hygiene and ensuring optimal acoustic coupling during ultrasound procedures. This integration of a new decontamination solution with an established ultrasound gel directly influences operational protocols and product considerations within the Global Ultrasound Gel Market by emphasizing both safety and imaging effectiveness.

• In December 2024, breakthrough research published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces detailed an ultrasound-triggered nanogel designed to enhance chemotherapy and immunomodulation for colorectal cancer treatment. This novel gel formulation delivers therapeutic agents that are activated upon exposure to ultrasound irradiation. The research signifies a considerable advancement in the therapeutic applications of ultrasound technology, extending beyond its traditional diagnostic role. This development introduces a new frontier for specialized gel-based products within the Global Ultrasound Gel Market, focusing on targeted drug delivery and demonstrating the expanding potential for gels in ultrasound-guided interventions.

• In June 2024, breakthrough research introduced the "UltraGelBot," an autonomous gel dispenser developed for robotic ultrasound systems. This innovative tool aims to standardize ultrasound gel application, which traditionally relied on manual methods, often leading to inconsistencies. The UltraGelBot was shown to autonomously detect and dispense gel, resulting in a significant improvement of 18.6% in acquired image quality and a 37.2% reduction in procedure time during experiments on phantoms. This development directly impacts the Global Ultrasound Gel Market by promoting more efficient and precise utilization of ultrasound gel in advanced diagnostic imaging environments.

• In April 2024, GE HealthCare launched its AI-enhanced Voluson Signature 20 and 18 ultrasound systems, designed to advance women's health imaging. These systems integrate artificial intelligence and specialized tools to enhance image quality and streamline examination workflows for clinicians. Features like SonoLyst, which automates fetal anatomy identification and measurements, can significantly reduce standard exam completion times. The efficacy of these sophisticated ultrasound systems relies fundamentally on the consistent performance of ultrasound gel as a coupling agent, thereby influencing the demand for high-quality, compatible gel formulations crucial for achieving optimal diagnostic clarity and system functionality.

Key Market Players

• Compass Health Brands
• EcoMed Services
• National Therapy Products Inc.
• H.R Pharmaceuticals Inc
• Sonogel Vertriebs GmbH
• Medline Industries, Inc.
• Parker Laboratories Inc.
• Ultragel Kft.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Ultrasound Gel Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Ultrasound Gel Market, By Type:

o   Non-sterile

o   Sterile

• Ultrasound Gel Market, By End-Use:

o   Hospitals & Clinics

o   Ambulatory Care Centers

o   Others

• Ultrasound Gel Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Ultrasound Gel Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Ultrasound Gel Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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