Digital radiography driving increase of X-ray procedures market in US

According to a report published by iData Research, the increasing acceptance of digital radiography systems is driving the increase of X-ray procedures in the US. Digital technology presents better image storage results than film-based images, minimized scan times and better image quality, increasing efficiency and driving the number of procedures performed. The X-ray systems include analog, computed radiography (CR), digital radiography (DR), fluoroscopy and cardiovascular X-ray systems. Cardiovascular X-rays is the biggest market segment due to the fact that these devices value notably more than any other type of X-ray. The US market for cardiovascular X-rays is valued at over USD 1 billion and would continue to grow throughout the forecast period. Unit sale growth will outrun the slight shrink in ASP, resulting in an increase in market value. The need for cardiovascular X-rays is rising at a balanced rate, but would begin to move towards a substitute market near the end of the forecast period. Over 300 million X-ray procedures were performed in the US last year with a market value estimated at over USD 2 billion. Philips Healthcare is the prime competitor in the US market for X-ray imaging systems followed by GE Healthcare.