Market Challenges And Opportunities

Sterilization is process of killing all micro-organisms and pathogens to avoid contamination by means of using physical or chemical treatment. Conversely disinfection is a process to control the growth of micro-organisms and kill a define class of micro-organisms. Disinfection targets narrow spectrum bacteria leaving bacterial spores intact, while sterilization works on broad spectrum micro-organisms. Autoclave uses high pressure and steam to sterilize solid and glass instruments, and liquid mediums in biotechnology, research and pathology laboratories. It is the predominantly used sterilization equipment due to its convenient usability and low maintenance operation. Different types of sterilization techniques offers distinct sets of advantages. In case of heat sensitive materials and the items which are more prone to damage due to the repeated exposure to heat, chemical sterilization methods is preferred over the high heat sterilization methods.

Furthermore, rising incidence of hospital acquired infections (HAIs), is driving the need for sterilization and disinfectants in hospitals. According to the FDA’s guideline for disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities, failure to attempt proper sterilization and disinfection leads risk of person-to-person disease host transmission. Further, it has been stated by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that hospitals in the U.S. with proper sterilization techniques and equipment will be granted Medicare positive payment adjustment in 2017. These will further encourage the use of proper sterilization equipment and disinfectants.

However, high cost of maintenance and replacement parts is a still a hurdle on large scale adoption of sterilization equipment in developing economies. Besides, stringent government regulations laid by National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) associated with the use of toxic gas such as ethylene oxide during gas sterilization of heat sensitive devices such as electrical, rubber and plastic equipment in hospitals, is critical to be followed to avoid environmental and health issues.

High turnover rate of sterile processing technicians will act as constraint challenging factor for the market growth

The sterilization departments in the hospitals of the U.S. face a major challenge of increased turnover rate of sterile processing technicians. Continuous advancement in the surgical devices fuels the demand for highly trained technicians, which hospitals struggle to keep pace with. However, a wise investment in sterile processing equipment will offset the capital cost required to hire and train a new technician.