Medical Imaging Markets: X-Ray, Digital X-Ray, CT and Other Radiography Systems

Published: November 2011
No. of Pages: 150
Price: $ 3500


Radiography includes mammography, computed tomography, traditional x-ray and digital x-ray. These imaging procedures are affected by a number of factors: advances in technology, consumer expectations for healthcare, declining reimbursement and coverage of medical expenses by insurances companies and the aging of the population are among the factors driving these imaging markets.

This report, Medical Imaging Market from Kalorama Information, details these these factors and provides 2011 market size and forecast to 2015 for the following markets
• Digital X-Ray
• Traditional X-Ray
• Dental X-Ray
• Film
• CT
• Mammography
• Fluoroscopy
• Regional Markets (US, Europe, Asia, ROW) for these segments
Digital systems replace the conventional film cassette with an electronic receptor that directly converts the x-rays to digital images. Over the years, Kalorama Information analyst Joe Constance has tracked this trend of digital radiography. Digital technology enables x-ray modalities to detect problem sites more rapidly and with greater accuracy. These capabilities are helping fuel hospitals' transition from film-based systems to filmless environments. At the same time there are practical limiters to digital and areas where film-based systems will still be useful, and the report details these.

This report analyzes the current and potential world market for medical and dental x-ray systems. Various modalities that use x-rays to create images, such as fluoroscopy and CT, are included in the report. Also reviewed is the market for medical and dental x-ray film. This report emphasizes the current and future markets for these products. This report generally reviews the nature and direction of research, as well as future markets. It also profiles several companies involved in marketing medical and dental x-ray equipment, and medical and dental x-ray film, including:
• Adimec
• AFP Imaging Corp.
• Canon Inc.
• Carestream Health Inc.
• C.M.C. Biotech Co. Ltd.
• dpiX LLC
• Fischer Industries Inc.
• Tower Semiconductor Ltd.
• Trixell
• United Radiology Systems Inc.
• Varian Medical Systems
Market forecasts are based on an examination of current market conditions and on investigations into the development of new products by key companies. The market data provide multiple year forecasts for all product segments covered in the report. The information presented in this report has been generated by data gathered from company product literature and other corporate brochures and documents, as well as information found in the scientific and trade press. In addition, interviews were conducted with company executives.

Browse All: Medical Devices Market

Dramatic Change in X-Ray Market as Digital Systems Exceed Traditional
Kalorama Information estimates that digital x-ray system sales will exceed those of traditional x-ray systems used for a medical (non-dental) purpose in 2011. According to the healthcare market research publisher, revenues for digital x-ray systems are the largest component of the $12 billion radiography market, slightly higher than the firm's projection for traditional systems. Kalorama notes in its new report: Medical Imaging Markets: X-Ray, Digital X-Ray, CT and Other Radiography Systems, that digital x-ray will exhibit the highest growth in the radiography market which includes mammography, fluoroscopy, dental imaging, computed tomography, and analog x-ray systems.

The report states that it is initially expensive to purchase a digital x-ray system such as the Philips DigitalDiagnost, the Siemens AXIOM Multix, or products from several other companies. But with continued use, operating costs are lower than with standard radiography. Digital systems don't require film and processing, the annual cost of which can be as great as the capital cost of standard radiographic equipment. And, once a digital system is installed, large film storage facilities are no longer needed.

"The initial cost of buying a digital system is several times higher than a conventional system," said Joe Constance, the report's author and imaging analyst for Kalorama Information. "But the high cost can be justified, particularly in a high volume setting."

Kalorama finds that it is not the cost savings but convenience and usability that are especially driving system sales. Diagnosticians can retrieve digital x-rays almost instantly from a computer terminal. The movement to digitize diagnostic imaging is closely tied to the movement to boost health care efficiency through the digitization of health care records - electronic medical records (EMRs). As a result of steadily increasing digital business, radiology equipment manufacturers that once had significant involvement in film and film-related technologies have been investing in alternative digital technologies.

The report also notes changes in the competitors operating in x-ray equipment. Because innovation relies greatly on funding, large companies with flexible budgets for research and development have owned a sizable percentage of the market. But others, such as Kodak, have left the business. That company decided to focus its attention on the significant digital growth opportunities in consumer and professional imaging and graphic communications.

The report contains analysis of the market including company profiles, regional market breakouts, key trends and market shares of competitors.