Market Analysis: Digital radiography

X-ray is the top selling equipment modality in the global imaging market, according to researchandmarkets.com. X-ray equipment is used to detect and diagnose internal injuries, cancer, developmental disorders, spinal trauma, dental conditions and breast cancer. Researchandmarkets.com reports that the U.S. and European markets have almost equal share in the global X-ray equipment market. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, coupled with an aging population, continue to drive global demand for X-ray equipment.

Digital systems account for more than 50 percent of sales in the $12 billion X-ray equipment market, according to health care market researcher Kalorama Information, whose analysts expect that number to continue to climb. Digital images are sharper, are produced in seconds, and can be read and transmitted almost instantly. Digital X-rays can be stored less expensively and transmitted electronically.

The digital X-ray market “should continue to experience soft growth in the next few years given the world economic conditions, but eventually growth will be stronger than the market growth of conventional X-ray systems,” which also continues to increase, according to Kalorama’s X-ray/Radiography Markets report. The digital X-ray market reached nearly $4 billion last year.

The cost of a digital medical X-ray system is significantly higher than an analog system, though the initial cost is justified in part by increases in productivity and efficiency that digital, which is more convenient and easier to use, provides. Digital X-ray’s annual cost is significantly lower, as digital systems don’t require film and processing or space for film storage.

Read full article in the Feb. 2013 issue of Medical Dealer.