The global market for digital x-ray systems is expected to produce $7 billion in sales in 2008 and hit $8.3 billion by 2011, according to a recently released report by market research firm InMedica, a division of IMS Research of Wellingborough, U.K.
The report says that the most dramatic growth in digital x-ray is being seen in digital breast screening, and future growth will come from the adoption of flat-panel detector technology in the mobile C-arm segment.
Despite these bright spots, overall growth has been constrained by the effects of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005, and the suspension of mobile C-arm shipments from GE Healthcare of Chalfont St. Giles, U.K. In 2006, GE halted C-arm deliveries from its GE OEC Medical Systems facilities in Salt Lake City and Lawrence, MA, as part of a consent decree with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding good manufacturing practices (GMP) deficiencies.
Digital x-ray system prices, particularly for flat-panel systems, remains an impediment to more rapid conversion to digital technology, InMedica said.
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