High-Level Disinfection Services Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis, By Type of Disinfection Agent (Chemical Disinfectants and Physical Disinfection Methods), By Type (Manual Disinfection Services and Automated Disinfection Services), By Service Type (Inhouse and Outsource), By Application, By End-Use, and By Region, Forecast 2025-2032

High-Level Disinfection Services Market Overview and Key Insights:

The high-level disinfection services market size reached USD 26.47 Billion in 2024 and is expected to register a revenue CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period. High-level disinfection entails utilizing disinfectants capable of killing all microorganisms (except for a few bacterial spores) and inactivating any viruses found on used medical equipment.

Market Drivers:

Growing prevalence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) is a key driver of revenue growth in the High-Level Disinfection Services market. Health care-associated infections are among the most common adverse events that occur during the administration of health services. HAIs impact around 1 out of every 10 patients; however, the frequency might be significantly higher in low-/middle-income nations and in high-risk patients such as those in intensive care units.

According to the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) Project, over the next 25 years, antibiotic-resistant diseases have the potential to kill more than 39 million people globally. Between 1990 and 2021, AMR killed more than one million people per year.  According to the report, 1.91 million people may die as a direct result of AMR by 2050, representing a nearly 70% rise above 2022 levels. Over the same period, the number of deaths caused by AMR bacteria will rise by over 75%, from 4.71 million to 8.22 million annually.

On March 2025, Solventum, a global MedTech pioneer in infection prevention innovation, has announced the availability of their Attest Super Rapid Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VH2O2) Clear Challenge Pack. The ready-to-use test combines two previously FDA-cleared indicators, a biological indicator (BI) for validating microbial neutralization and a chemical indication (CI) for ensuring adequate sterilizer function – into a single-use test pack with a clear container. The pack’s transparent design allows sterile processing specialists to view both the CI and BI’s process indicators on the cap after the cycle without breaking the pack’s seal.

Market Opportunity:

Integration of automated and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled disinfection systems acts as opportunities for High-Level Disinfection Services market. Robotic systems are being used to automate disinfection procedures in hospitals, operating rooms, and public areas. These machines can navigate areas on their own and eradicate hazardous microorganisms with UV light or cleaning sprays. Robotic disinfection systems have various benefits, including constant and extensive disinfection coverage, reduced reliance on human labor, and the capacity to access difficult-to-reach regions that may be missed during manual cleaning.

On December 2024, HygenX Ai, a robotics company that is revolutionizing healthcare with autonomous robotic UV-C disinfection technology, announced that San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital (SGMH) has chosen RAY to improve clinical disinfection in its facilities, which include operating rooms, intensive care units, and patient rooms. HygenX Ai’s RAY greatly accelerates the disinfection process, allowing for more frequent and effective cleaning cycles while also providing a digital fingerprint for complete disinfection transparency.

Recent Trends:

Emerging trends include automated disinfection systems, advanced chemical disinfectants, and smart and connected systems.

Automated room disinfection (ARD) systems eliminate or reduce the need for operators, potentially increasing the efficacy of terminal disinfection. The most widely used systems are hydrogen peroxide vapor (H2O2 vapor), aerosolized hydrogen peroxide (aHP), and ultraviolet (UV) light. The CDC recognizes that automated reprocessing of reusable medical equipment provides advantages over human processes, such as standardization, reproducibility, and reduced probability.

Multiple studies have shown that manual reprocessing carries a high risk of chemical exposure since users must manually prepare the chemical, reprocess the probe, and dispose of the trash once the chemistry expires. An automated, enclosed disinfection system eliminates physical handling and direct contact with chemicals, resulting in a safe disinfection procedure without the need for expensive PPE, ventilation requirements, washing stations, or direct exposure to hazardous waste.

On June 2023, CS Medical reported that the US FDA has approved a new Class II medical device, the Ethos Automated Ultrasound Probe Cleaner Disinfector. Ethos is the first medical gadget certified in North America to clean and disinfect endocavity and surface ultrasound probes.

Restraints & Challenges:

Flexible endoscopes feature a sophisticated design that contains multiple small lumen channels to assist the movement of fluids, tissue, and equipment along the device’s length. Improper high-level disinfection (HLD) or reprocessing of endoscopes increases the risk of patients contracting potentially life-threatening infections. These infections may include hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus, and multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO).

For instance, Biofilm can accumulate on endoscopes, water supply lines, and automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs). Simethicone, commonly used in endoscopy, may promote microbial growth and biofilm development due to its sugar and thickener content, even after adequate reprocessing.

Type of Disinfection Agent Segment Insights and Analysis:

Based on the Type of Disinfection Agent, the High-Level Disinfection Services market is segmented into Chemical Disinfectants and Physical Disinfection Methods.

Chemical Disinfectants segment contributed the largest market share in 2024. High-level disinfectants (HLDs) are commonly used in the healthcare industry to chemically disinfect reusable, semi critical medical and dental devices. Glutaraldehyde is a saturated dialdehyde that has become widely used as a high-level disinfectant and chemical sterilant. Health-care-associated infections have been linked to contaminated quaternary ammonium compounds used to disinfect patient supplies or equipment, such as cystoscopes or cardiac catheters. Some chemical names for quaternary ammonium compounds used in healthcare include alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, alkyl didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

On May 2025, Tristel plc, a provider of infection prevention solutions, has received authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration to sell Tristel OPH immediately. Tristel OPH is a disinfectant foam suitable for ocular medical instruments such as tonometers, pachymeters, lenses, retinal imaging probes, and biometry probes that come into contact with the cornea.

Type Segment Insights and Analysis:

Based on the type, the High-Level Disinfection Services market is segmented into Manual Disinfection Services and Automated Disinfection Services.

Manual high-level disinfection is applied to reprocess heat-sensitive, reusable semi-critical medical devices used on humans when sterilization is not feasible. Enhanced hydrogen peroxide-based liquid disinfectants, as well as combination formulations with peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, offer effective alternatives to conventional disinfectants. Additionally, emerging options like electrolyzed water (hypochlorous acid) and cold atmospheric pressure plasma show promise for hospital applications.

Foam disinfection proves effective in situations that require broader surface coverage. Industries prefer this method for various processes because the disinfectant foam expands upon contacting the surface, visually indicating which areas have been treated. Although operators find it useful for cleaning equipment, it does not offer the same level of control that manual disinfection provides in customer-facing environments.

Application Segment Insights and Analysis:

Based on the application, the high-level disinfection services market is segmented into environmental disinfection, equipment disinfection, and water and air disinfection.

Equipment disinfection segment contributed the largest market share in 2024. High-level disinfection eliminates or neutralizes microorganisms that may cause infections when used as directed on the product label. Many medical instruments are designed for reuse, as disposable alternatives can be expensive and environmentally unfriendly. Hydrogen peroxide exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, effectively targeting bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and spores. When stored correctly and under standard conditions, it remains highly stable.

A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, readily available on the market, serves as a reliable and stable disinfectant for non-living surfaces. It has been successfully used it in concentrations ranging from 3% to 6% to disinfect items such as soft contact lenses, ventilators, fabrics, and endoscopes, and they have demonstrated its efficacy in spot-cleaning patient room textiles.

On September 2022, Nanosonics has announced the availability of the Trophon Wireless Ultrasound Probe Holder in Australia and New Zealand. The trophon Wireless Ultrasound Probe Holder, created specifically for high-level disinfection (HLD) of wireless ultrasound probes, is a reusable component that is simple to use and fits seamlessly into the existing trophon device workflow. The accessory works with both trophon EPR and trophon devices and requires no assembly, installation, or hardware adjustments to the device. Depending on the clinical workflow, the attachment can be linked with one or more probes.

Geographical Outlook:

High-level disinfection services market is strategically segmented by geography to provide a comprehensive understanding of regional market dynamic. Discover demand analysis, emerging trends, and growth opportunities shaping market performance across different region and countries.

North America High-Level Disinfection Services Market:

North America is registered to have highest market share in high-level disinfection services market in 2024. This is mainly driven by growing prevalence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and increasing use of reusable medical equipment. According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) cause an estimated 1.7 million illnesses and 99,000 related deaths annually in hospitals in the United States alone. Urinary tract infections account for 32% of all healthcare-acquired infections, surgical site infections for 22%, pneumonia (lung infections) for 15%, and bloodstream infections for 14%. The fact that 1 in 43 nursing home residents and 1 in 31 U.S. patients acquire at least one healthcare-associated infection every day highlights the need for better patient care procedures in U.S. healthcare institutions.

On October 2023, Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP), a global leader in infection prevention, has announced a significant expansion of its Sterilization Monitoring portfolio with new Steam Monitoring products that will assist Sterile Processing departments in healthcare facilities in achieving sterility with greater efficiency and confidence in the results. Customers in Sterilization Processing Departments can optimize workflow using ASP’s new Sterilization Monitoring portfolio, which includes integrated solutions across SPD/CSSD.

Asia Pacific High-Level Disinfection Services Market:

Asia Pacific is expected to register the fastest growth rate during the forecasted period, driven by increasing use of reusable medical equipment and rise in surgical procedures globally. The usage of advanced disinfection technologies, such as ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide vapor systems, is predicted to increase market revenue. These services are becoming increasingly popular due to their superior disinfection efficiency compared to traditional methods. However, the availability of alternative disinfectants and the high costs of sanitizing and disinfecting bigger areas may limit market revenue development.

In July 2023, ASP Japan, LLC opened and began operations at its Yamato Factory in Yamato-city, Kanagawa Prefecture. The Yamato Factory serves as STERRAD’s manufacturing centre in Japan, and it adheres to tight manufacturing, assembly, assessment, and shipping requirements to ensure that the device reaches the medical community.

Competition Analysis:

The High-Level Disinfection Services market is characterized by a fragmented structure, with several players competing across various segments and regions. list of major players included in the High-Level Disinfection Services market report are:

• GE HealthCare
• STERIS Solutions Ltd.
• Advanced Sterilization Products
• Olympus Corporation
• Microchem Laboratory
• SBS Ecoclean Group
• Ecolab
• Getinge AB
• Altapure
• Rentokil Initial plc
• Nanosonics
• Metrex Research, LLC
• Parker Laboratories, Inc.
• Tristel Plc
• Crosstex International, Inc.

Strategic Developments in High-Level Disinfection Services Market:

• In June 2025, Germitec, a French MedTech firm that specializes in UV-C High-Level Disinfection (HLD) solutions for ultrasound probes, has announced the commercial launch of Chronos Max, which is intended for cardiology and ENT departments. This next-generation HLD system for TEE (Transesophageal Echocardiography) probes and ENT endoscopes without an operational channel has been CE-certified under the MDR 2017/745 standard and is categorized as a Class IIb medical device.
• In February 2025, Germitec, a renowned MedTech firm that specializes in UV-C High-Level Disinfection solutions, has announced the successful completion of a Euro 30 million funding round. The money will allow the company to accelerate its growth in the US market and continue to pioneer advances in UV-C infection prevention technologies. Eurazeo, a major European investment firm, led the transaction through its Nov Santé Actions Non Cotées fund, which is a dedicated platform that supports healthcare companies and innovation.

Key Advantages for Stakeholders:

Navistrat Analytics’ industry report provides an in-depth quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current trends, market forecasts, and dynamics within the global market. The historical years covered in this report are 2022 to 2023, with 2024 serving as the base year for market size calculations. The forecast period extends from 2025 to 2032.

The report includes an executive summary and a comprehensive overview of market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges (DROC), along with insights into regulatory standards. It features detailed analyses such as PORTER’s Five Forces, SWOT, and PESTLE, as well as assessments of technological trends and the competitive landscape.

PORTER’s Five Forces analysis helps stakeholders evaluate the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and substitution threats, enabling them to assess the level of competition and the attractiveness of the global market. The competitive landscape provides stakeholders with a clear understanding of the current market positions of key players, offering valuable insights into their competitive environment.

Scope And Key Highlights Of The High-Level Disinfection Services Market Report:

The High-Level Disinfection Services market report offers a detailed analysis of market size, including historical revenue (in USD Billion) data for 2022-2023 and revenue forecasts for 2025-2032 across the following segments:

• Type of Disinfection Agent Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022-2032)
  • Chemical Disinfectants
    • Oxidizing Agents
    • Aldehydes
    • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)
    • Phenolics
    • Chlorine-Based Disinfectants
    • Others
  • Physical Disinfection Methods
    • UV-C Disinfection
    • Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor
    • Ozone Disinfection
    • Dry Heat Sterilization
    • Others

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022-2032)
  • Manual Disinfection Services
    • Surface Disinfection
    • Instrument Disinfection
  • Automated Disinfection Services

• Service Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022-2032)
  • Inhouse
  • Outsource

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022-2032)
  • Environmental Disinfection
    • Patient rooms
    • Operating rooms
    • Intensive care units
    • Laboratories
  • Equipment Disinfection
    • Medical instruments
    • Diagnostic equipment
    • Surgical tools
  • Water and Air Disinfection
    • HVAC systems
    • Water treatment systems
    • Air purification systems

• End-Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022-2032)
  • Hospitals and Clinics
  • Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies
  • Medical Device Manufacturers
  • Diagnostic Laboratories

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022-2032)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • U.K.
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Benelux
    • Nordic Countries
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Oceania
    • ASEAN Countries
    • Rest of APAC
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Rest of LATAM
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • South Africa
    • Israel
    • Turkey
    • Rest of MEA

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