HPV Decontamination Systems Market

Decontamination of rooms is achieved by depositing a uniform layer of microcondensed hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) over all the surfaces within the room. Microcondensation is defined in terms of a minute film of HPV, which is invisible to naked eye. The microcondensation process provides the optimum environment for biological inactivation and offers a complete three-dimensional kill. A vapor generator equipped with high-speed gas distribution nozzles and fans provides an even spread of HPV, which can be introduced to any room or enclosure.  HPV comprises oxygen and water vapor, making the process residue-free. There is no need to wipe down surfaces on completion of decontamination process. When this process was first introduced in U.S. hospitals, it required specialist technicians for operation. However, the technology has evolved with time, making it feasible for regular hospital staff to receive trained to performing decontaminations safely and effectively. 

The growing rates healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) makes hospital environments highly susceptible to pathogens. These pathogens pose a significant risk of infection for room occupants. Routine cleaning reduces the risk of microbiological infection in a patient’s room. Therefore, increasing demand for prevention of viral infections is supporting the HPV decontamination systems market’s growth. International regulatory bodies emphasize sterility tests and aseptic processing, which is further acting as a major driver for the growth of the market for HPV decontamination systems. Regulatory bodies force manufacturers to introduce sterility test procedures to demonstrate that the product is manufactured under sterile conditions. HPV decontamination systems are cost effective, with minimum downtime to business operations, which is also a supporting factor for this market’s growth. Inefficient decontamination of open-plan multi-bed units is one of the major restraints to the growth of the HPV decontamination systems market. The growth of antibiotic resistance will offers substantial growth opportunities for the HPV decontamination systems market in the coming years. The issue of antibiotic resistance was highlighted in 2014 by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). Pathogens such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile contribute to a significant proportion of HAIs, and require various classes of antibiotics for their treatment. However, in recent years, highly antibiotic-resistant and untreatable infections are increasing fatality rates in hospitals. Also, the imposition of stringent regulations and compliance in the life sciences and healthcare sectors and decontamination activities in spacecraft and in the airlines industry are also major growth opportunities for the HPV decontamination systems market. The global HPV decontamination systems market generated revenues of US$ 122.75 Mn in 2015 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period (2016 – 2024) to reach US$ 220.05 Mn by 2024.

On the basis of applications, the HPV decontamination systems market is segmented into incubators, autoclave/cage washers, isolators, and rooms/facilities. Incubators are widely used in laboratory environments and for research applications such as cell culturing, neuroscience, tissue engineering, in-vitro fertilization, cancer research, stem cell research, embryonic stem cell research, and other research and mammalian cells cultivation. This generates significant demand for HPV decontamination systems solutions for these applications. Isolators have become a major approach for sterility testing and hydrogen peroxide vapor as become the predominant sterilant. Isolators use a barrier to minimize the risk of contamination, making them the fastest-growing application segment in the market.

Europe and North America were the major regions in the adoption of HPV decontamination systems globally in 2015. Some of the key HPV decontamination systems vendors include Bioquell, plc; Steris Corporation; Getinge Group; Panasonic Biomedical Sales Europe BV; Fedegari Autoclavi SpA; TOMI Environmental Solutions, Inc.; Howorth Air Technology; SKAN AG; MBRAUN; Sterilucent, Inc; and Labotal Scientific Equipment (1997) Ltd.