The global medical device cleaning market was valued at USD 21.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 47.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.6% from 2023 to 2030. The market’s growth is primarily driven by the rising prevalence of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs), which pose serious challenges for healthcare facilities worldwide. Hospitals and clinics are increasingly emphasizing effective sterilization and cleaning of medical devices to prevent the spread of infections, making this a critical factor fueling steady market expansion over the forecast period.

Among the most common hospital-acquired infections are Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), Surgical Site Infections (SSIs), and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections. Hospitals face a high risk of contamination from drug-resistant pathogens, bloodborne pathogens, and other infectious agents, particularly in operating rooms and invasive procedure areas. For instance, the frequent use of urinary catheters significantly increases the risk of UTIs and may lead to catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), which are considered a major concern for patient safety.

According to research published by NCBI, UTIs account for 25.0% of all bacterial infections, highlighting the prevalence of these infections in healthcare settings. Furthermore, the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS) System reports that most hospital-acquired UTIs are associated with catheter-associated bacteriuria, and catheterization is recognized as the most frequently occurring healthcare-associated infection worldwide, responsible for up to 40% of hospital-acquired infections in the U.S. each year.

The high prevalence of these infections, coupled with the growing emphasis on patient safety, infection control protocols, and stringent regulatory requirements for sterilization, is expected to drive strong demand for advanced medical device cleaning solutions globally. As healthcare facilities continue to prioritize infection prevention, the market for medical device cleaning is projected to experience robust and sustained growth throughout the forecast period.

Key Market Trends & Insights:

• In 2022, North America dominated the medical device cleaning market, accounting for approximately 33.52% of the global market share. The region’s leadership is driven by its well-established healthcare infrastructure, stringent infection control regulations, and high adoption of advanced sterilization and disinfection technologies. The strong emphasis on preventing hospital-acquired infections and the availability of advanced cleaning solutions have reinforced North America’s dominant position in the market.

• By device type, the semi-critical segment held the largest market share of 45.9% in 2022. Semi-critical devices, which come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin, require thorough cleaning and disinfection to prevent cross-contamination. These include instruments such as endoscopes, respiratory therapy equipment, and certain surgical instruments, which are widely used in hospitals and clinics, thereby driving the high demand for effective cleaning solutions in this segment.

• By technique, the disinfection segment accounted for the largest market share of 52.2% in 2022. Disinfection is a critical step in medical device cleaning, particularly for devices that do not require sterilization but still pose a risk of transmitting infectious agents. The widespread implementation of chemical disinfectants, automated disinfection systems, and standardized cleaning protocols has contributed to the prominence of this segment in the market.

• Based on EPA classification, the intermediate-level segment held the largest share of over 50.1% in 2022. Intermediate-level disinfectants are capable of eliminating most pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making them suitable for cleaning semi-critical devices. The growing need to adhere to infection prevention guidelines and regulatory standards has reinforced the adoption of intermediate-level disinfectants in healthcare settings globally.

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Market Size & Forecast:

• 2022 Market Size: USD 21.3 Billion

• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 47.3 Billion

• CAGR (2023-2030): 10.6%

• North America: Largest market in 2022

• Asia Pacific: Fastest growing market

Key Companies & Market Share Insights:

Key players in the medical device cleaning market are actively pursuing mergers and acquisitions as a strategic approach to expand their market share and broaden their customer base globally. These initiatives enable companies to strengthen their technological capabilities, diversify product offerings, and enhance their presence in key regional markets.

For example, in January 2020, Getinge AB completed the acquisition of Applikon Biotechnology B.V., a company specializing in the development and supply of advanced bioreactor systems. These systems are utilized for the production of vaccines, antibodies, enzymes, and bioplastics for industrial biotechnology, thereby enhancing Getinge AB’s portfolio and technological expertise in advanced healthcare solutions.

In addition, in August 2021, Ecolab established its Ecolab Healthcare Advanced Design Center, aimed at collaborating with medical device industry customers on infection prevention solutions for state-of-the-art surgical equipment. The center focuses on the development of innovative solutions for hospitals and operation centers, including custom-designed sterile barriers and equipment drapes. These solutions help healthcare facilities increase infection control, optimize operational costs, improve procedural efficiency, and enhance patient outcomes.

Such strategic initiatives, including acquisitions and the establishment of advanced design and innovation centers, are expected to drive greater adoption of medical device cleaning solutions. As hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities continue to prioritize infection prevention and operational efficiency, the demand for advanced cleaning products and services is anticipated to grow significantly in the near future, thereby supporting sustained market expansion.

Key Players

• Steris plc.

• GetingeAB

• Advanced Sterilization Products

• The Ruhof Corp.

• Sklar Surgical Instruments

• Sterigenics International LLC

• Biotrol

• Metrex Research, LLC

• Oro Clean Chemie AG

• Cantel Medical Corp.

• Ecolab

• 3M

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Conclusion:

The global medical device cleaning market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing prevalence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and the rising demand for effective infection control measures in healthcare settings. The market is characterized by a diverse range of cleaning techniques and classifications, catering to various device types and regulatory standards. North America holds a significant share of the market, influenced by stringent healthcare regulations and advanced medical infrastructure. Key players are focusing on strategic initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions to expand their market presence and enhance product offerings. The emphasis on infection prevention and the adoption of advanced cleaning technologies are expected to drive sustained market growth in the coming years.