Different imaging modalities and global demand
Technological advancements in diagnostic imaging devices, rising incidences of chronic diseases coupled with the rapidly ageing population and rising awareness for early diagnosis of clinical disorders are the key factors that are expected to boost the diagnostic imaging market growth.
Diagnostic imaging refers to the use of different imaging modalities that capture images of the human body for diagnosis and treatment of diseases and hence plays a vital role in improving overall health.
Omdia defines the different imaging modalities below:
CT equipment is becoming more advanced. Hospitals are transitioning to higher slice solutions, such as 64–128 slice systems, that offer advanced features at a reasonable price.
MRI procedures continue to grow globally. Technological development and increased use of high field strength magnets have expanded the use of MRI to new use cases.
Ultrasound is a versatile modality. There are mature segments, like OB/GYN and cart systems, and POC and handheld segments.
X-ray has several segments that all perform uniquely. For example, the mammography market is well established and cyclical, while C-arm is a newer and faster-growing market.
Molecular imaging is in the very early stages of development. This modality merges various imaging techniques to produce advanced imaging often used to diagnose cancer and other diseases or disorders.
Among the modalities, X-ray sees the highest demand globally (38 per cent), followed by Ultrasound (27 per cent), MRI (16 per cent), CT (16 per cent) & Molecular Imaging (4 per cent).
Furthermore, research done by Omdia found that the biggest market for medical imaging equipment by region in 2019 was Asia & Oceania (40 per cent), followed by North America (29 per cent).