Medical Thermometer Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Patient Demographic (Pediatrics, Adults), By Product (Infra-red Radiation, Digital), By Point Of Measurement, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027

Report Overview

The global medical thermometer market size was valued at USD 274.1 million in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.0% from 2020 to 2027. An increase in the prevalence of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, and other medical conditions such as malaria and dengue, as well as raising awareness about the importance of body temperature monitoring, are the major factors driving the market. In addition, growing demand for multifunction non-contact clinical electronic thermometers is also contributing to market growth. The major factors impacting the growth of the market are the growing prevalence of target diseases, increasing operations by the local and small-sized players, and rapid technological advancements. The outbreak of COVID-19 has created large-scale opportunities for local manufacturers. Due to the restrictions on movement at international borders, the supply chain of major players has been disrupted. This has created an opportunity for local players to enter the market.

The rising number of cases has led to a shortage of medical supplies, thus, local players are manufacturing products on a larger scale to meet the growing need. For instance, Kinsa, Inc., distributed around 7,500 Bluetooth-enabled smart medical thermometers to community-based organizations and underserved individuals. This medical thermometer can pair up with smartphone apps, and allow tracking of real-time COVID-19 hot spots across the U.S.

In addition, the worldwide rise in viral diseases, including the current pandemic of coronavirus, is affecting the number of people having fever, cold, and cough at an exponential rate. As per the WHO statistics on June 2, 2020, there were 10.5 million confirmed cases globally, out of which 512,311 people died. Since high fever is a major symptom of COVID-19, and other infections, thus, there has been a sudden surge in demand for medical thermometers due to the rising need for temperature screening and monitoring. This is expected to boost the demand for medical thermometers over the forecast period.

Moreover, the introduction of new regulations on the marketing of clinical electronic thermometers by the U.S. FDA in April 2020 because of the outbreak of COVID-19 has boosted the sale of medical thermometers drastically around the world. This policy eases some regulatory requirements normally required for the development of clinical electronic thermometers and permits the import of these thermometers during this pandemic without obtaining FDA 510(k) pre-clearance. The FDA will not object to the marketing, distribution, and use of medical thermometers that are not presently 510(k) cleared unless they create undue risks. This policy is only effective for the duration of this public health emergency declared by the Department of Health and Human Services, thus boosting the market growth.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has positively impacted the healthcare industry with increased demand for medical thermometers, which is likely to drive the market during the forecast period. The need for thermal screening at offices, public places, and hospitals has increased the demand for infrared medical thermometers. With offices being operational in a staggered manner around the world, as per the government guidelines, companies are installing fever scanning stations, digital trackers, and other systems in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Security officials are using various devices, such as digital medical thermometers and sophisticated heat detection cameras to identify if someone is unwell. For instance, according to CNBC, companies such as Walmart and Amazon will be checking the temperature of hundreds and thousands of employees every day before they begin work. Such factors are expected to boost the demand of medical thermometers globally.

Usage of the medical thermometer is increasing in countries such as the U.S., Brazil, the U.K., and India due to the increasing rate of infectious diseases, including the current pandemic of coronavirus. For instance, as of July 9, 2020, a total of 769,150 cases of coronavirus has been reported in India so far, out of which, 476,565 people have recovered and 21,151 have died. Furthermore, the rising concern of individuals regarding self-health care management is expected to help in maintaining dominance. For instance, temperature monitoring will be the new norm for COVID-19 infection screening, until a vaccine is ready. With the community spread of the infection across the globe, over-the-counter sales of medical thermometers in the consumer market are rising. Citizens are informed to self-screen and monitor themselves at regular intervals. Thus, rising awareness about the significance of body temperature monitoring as an effective way to identify illnesses prior to clinical diagnosis drives adoption. Therefore, a high number of patients, supportive healthcare policies, and a developed healthcare market in the country are anticipated to boost the market.

Moreover, the regulatory procedure for medical devices approvals is relatively less stringent in India and China. These countries facilitate the easy entry of advanced products in the market. In addition, the availability of resources enables advancements in technology at cheaper costs that have led to an increase in the number of manufacturing facilities in such countries. For instance, China’s order 650 restricts foreign investment in the country. The order was passed to protect local medical device manufacturing companies. It has led to an increase in the number of local manufacturers, which is anticipated to boost the growth of the market in the country over the forecast period. Similarly, the government of India has drafted the National Medical Device Policy to support the “Make in India” initiative to reduce dependence on imports, thereby benefitting consumers and local medical equipment manufacturers India. Such initiatives are anticipated to boost the medical thermometer market during the forecast period.

Patient Demographic Insights

The adult segment has dominated the market with a revenue share of 60.0% in 2019. As people get older, they get prone to medical conditions, such as diabetes, renal, and cardiovascular diseases. This means that their immune system does not function well and gets weaker. Therefore, adults are more susceptible to infectious diseases, which, in turn, is likely to boost the demand for medical thermometers.

However, the pediatrics segment is expected to witness a CAGR of 18.8% from 2020 to 2027. As every day children get exposed to a variety of germs due to which they are vulnerable to vector-borne, airborne, water- and food-borne diseases. In addition, toddlers are also at risk of getting infectious diseases, as they tend to put everything into their mouths and not often clean their hands. Fever is a common sign of all such illnesses, so measuring body temperature is the primary diagnosis for many infections. This is anticipated to boost market growth during the forecast period.

Product Insights

The digital medical thermometers segment has dominated the market with a share of 46.2% in 2019. This is attributed to the benefits offered by digital medical thermometers such as higher accuracy, easy to clean and disinfect, and low chances of cross-infection of these devices. In 2018, the Drug Technical Advisory Body (DTAB) approved a proposal to include mercury-free thermometers with BP monitoring machines under the preview of the D&C Act, 1940. This proposal has helped maintain the quality of medical thermometers, ensuring patient’s safety.

The infrared radiation medical thermometers segment is expected to witness a CAGR of 18.8% from 2020 to 2027. This is owing to increasing cases of non-contact surface temperature readings. They allow fast and touchless measurement of temperature from a safe distance. They reduce the risk of the transmission of germs from one person to another, and quickly measure and display the temperature. These factors will help in increasing the demand for infrared radiation medical thermometer during the forecast period. In addition, the growing spread of COVID-19 infections globally has also increased the demand for these thermometers for primary diagnosis. As per the Worldometer, on 2^nd July 2020, around 10.8 million people were suffering from COVID-19 disease.

Point of Measurement Insights

Ear point of measurement segment has dominated the market with a revenue share of 25.9% in 2019. The ear (tympanic) temperature accuracy is much higher compared to other modes of temperature measurement. Thermometers use electronic heat sensors to record body temperature inside the ear canal. This thermal radiation emitted is in proportion to the tympanic membrane’s temperature and most closely reflects the temperature of the brain. Therefore, it is an ideal location for accurate temperature assessment. Thus, these factors are expected to boost segment growth in the coming years.

Whereas, the ambient point of measurement segment is expected to witness a CAGR of 21.1% from 2020 to 2027. Ambient temperature measurement is used by thermal scanners which are deployed in almost all public areas. These scanners are most expensive yet most effective; hence their implementation has increased everywhere. In addition, these scanners can detect temperatures from a very safe distance. IR based thermal scanners measure ambient temperature. These factors are anticipated to boost segment growth during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market with a revenue share of 35.1% in 2019. This is attributable to the presence of government initiatives, the high prevalence rate of infectious diseases, and the prevalence of other medical conditions such as dengue, malaria, swine flu. For instance, as per the CDC, it is estimated that 35.5 million people were affected with influenza, out of which 16.5 million people visited physicians, and 490,600 were hospitalized during the 2018 - 2019 season. Furthermore, the availability of technologically advanced products and the presence of major key players such as 3M, Medline Industries, Welch Allyn, America Diagnostics Corporation, A&D Medical are is also contributing towards the growth of the market in the region.

In Asia Pacific, the market is expected to witness a CAGR of 18.2% from 2020 to 2027. The growth is attributed to factors such as a huge population base, increased disposable income, and rising cases of viral disease such as COVID-19, influenza, and Tuberculosis (TB). For instance, TB is a common cause of death in India. As per the WHO report in 2018, 26,90,000 people had TB in India, out of which 19,90,000 were notified. This is expected to boost the sales of medical thermometers in this region. Moreover, advancements in the clinical development framework of developing economies such as India, China, and Japan are likely to contribute to market growth.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key companies are stressing on research and development to develop technologically advanced products to gain a competitive edge. For instance, in November 2019, Microlife Corporation launched a new product portfolio range consisting of blood pressure monitors, thermometers, nebulizer, scales, and breast pumps. With the launch of these products, the company will expand its product portfolio. Furthermore, in March 2016, Exergen Corporation has launched the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer (TAT-5000). It is a non-invasive medical thermometer that helps in measuring body temperature, easily and with accuracy. It can be used on all types of patients, including infants and children.

Companies are involving mergers, partnerships, and acquisitions, aiming to strengthen their product portfolio, manufacturing capacities, and to provide competitive diversity. For instance, in August 2019, Hill-Rom has acquired Breathe Technologies, Inc. Through this acquisition, the company will expand its product portfolio by utilizing wearable non-invasive ventilation technology in its respiratory care products. Similarly, in July 2017, Cardinal Health acquired Medtronic's deep vein thrombosis, nutritional insufficiency, and patient care business. This acquisition will provide Cardinal Health’s customers with more product offerings and includes some well-established brands. This business segment of Medtronic comprises 23 product types, including various industry-leading brands. These products are used in nearly every hospital in the U.S. Some of the prominent players in the medical thermometer market include:

• America Diagnostics Corporation

• Easywell Biomedicals, Inc.

• Cardinal Health

• Compumedics Ltd.

• Terumo Corporation

• McKesson Corporation

• Medical Indicators Inc.

• Mediaid, Inc.

Medical Thermometer Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2016 to 2027. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global medical thermometer market report on the basis of patient demographic, product, point of measurement, and region:

• Patient Demographic Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Pediatrics

  • Adults

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Digital Thermometers

  • Infrared Radiation Thermometers

  • Others

• Point of Measurement Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Ear

  • Forehead

  • Oral

  • Anal

  • Ambient

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • The U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

    • Colombia

  • The Middle East & Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE