Digitization in the European Radiology Market

Aside from improving efficiency and increasing the workflow of radiology departments, the main factor driving the digitization of radiographic images is the implementation of picture archiving and communications system (PACS).

Because input into PACS is in a digital form, hospitals and healthcare institutions need to convert their film screen images into digital data to upload them into the PACS network. This transition from analog film-based technology to digital technology is driving hospitals to redesign and update their radiology systems, thereby forcing the uptake of computed radiography (CR) and particularly digital radiography (DR) systems.

Whereas analog screen film x-rays have been in use since the time Roentgen discovered x-rays, their increasing use has required better and more rapid equipment to provide for the increase in diagnostic procedures. In meeting these requirements, digital systems such as CR and DR decrease procedure time and increase patient throughput. Furthermore, digital technology increases image availability and also reduces image retakes and duplication costs, enhancing overall workflow and productivity.

"However, continuous price erosion and low adoption rates of PACS in some regions are proving to be key challenges to the growth of the CR and DR systems market in Europe,” noted Srividya Badrinarayanan. healthcare industry manager, Frost & Sullivan (Palo Alto, CA, USA), an international growth consultancy company.

Considering the individual markets for CR and DR technologies, in spite of the simultaneous growth of both the markets, the growing popularity of DR systems is reducing the demand for CR systems. Low radiation dose during the x-ray procedure combined with excellent image quality make DR systems highly sought after, particularly among institutions that are concerned about the radiation dose given to patients.

The European CR systems market was valued at U.S.$261.9 million for 2005 and is expected to reach $322.9 million in 2010. Although the market shows good growth potential in countries such as Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, it has reached saturation in other large countries such as France and the Scandinavia, where the market for CR systems has now become more of a replacement market.

Revenues in the European DR systems market on the other hand were valued at $165.0 million in 2005 and could reach $318.6 million in 2010. Germany ranks top in the DR systems market with a 23% share of the total European market followed by Scandinavia with 18% and the United Kingdom with 16%.




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