Global Market Increase in Higher-Slice CTs with Standard Dose Reduction

Computed Tomography (CT) vendors have been competing in the multislice arena over the last decade. However, the focus is now turning toward radiation exposure and moving to dose-reduction, according to InMedica (Wellingborough, UK) market research. The challenge today for manufacturers is to develop high-slice equipment that incorporates effective dose reduction without compromising on image quality.

The global CT market, which was estimated at US$3.3 billion in 2010, is expected to increase in the proportion of higher-slice systems with more advanced clinical applications and lower doses of radiation. In fact, dose-reduction is expected to become standard on most equipment.

Theo Ahadome, market analyst at InMedic commented, “Ultimately, the responsibility for ensuring dose reduction however, must fall on the purchasing hospital and how much reduced dose they will consider sufficient to choose a particular system. Although many manufacturers claim at least a 75% dose reduction from different techniques, one must question what this means in real terms to the patient. Is it enough that the dose is reduced by 75% of what it otherwise would have been? Moreover, it is unclear what role the Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA) will play.”

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