New Multislice CT Technology Will Render Single and Dual-Slice CT Scanners Outmoded

The need for multislice computed tomography (CT) systems will fuel growth in the European CT market. Single and dual-slice CT scanners are forecasted to become outdated in the next two years, whereas 16-slice and 64-slice scanners will continue to account for a major share of the market over the next five to six years, according to recent market research.

A new market report from Frost & Sullivan (Mountain View, CA, USA), an international growth consultancy firm, found that the market generated USD 523.6 million in 2011 and estimates this to reach USD 691.6 million in 2018. The research entails less than 64-slice scanner (comprising single, dual, 4-, 16-, 20-, 32-, and 40-slice CT scanners), 64-, 128-, and 256-slice scanners, and greater than 256-slice scanners.

Recent technical advancement has made the market very unstable, with several new products being regularly introduced. These new products will increasingly supplant single and dual-slice CT systems, driving them into obsolescence.

“In the forthcoming years, numerous premium and super premium CT systems will flood the market, sparking demand for high slice CT systems such as 128- and 256-slice scanners,” noted Frost & Sullivan program manager Sujith Eramangalath. “These high slice CT systems have superior features in terms of reduced scanning times, lower dosage levels, and enhanced image quality.”

Different phases of the replacement cycle will help to drive growth of the high slice CT market. Overall, the market will benefit as the range of clinical applications covered by CT will expand. Technologic developments supporting better image quality, combined with cost-effective pricing and positive reimbursement policies, will also maintain growth in the CT market over the long-term.

Market growth will, however, be affected by the need for proven clinical results that validate the efficacy of CT. The lack of optimal CT protocols and dearth of skilled personnel will also pose important challenges to market prospects. “Issues related to dosage have also been targeted as a cause for significant concern,” said Mr. Sujith. “Now, however, with a number of dose control measures being introduced, workflow integration is emerging as the key deciding factor in promoting CT adoption and penetration.”

All market participants now have product ranges that sweep across all segments and offer various dose control features. As a result, the most important differentiating factor now is the ease of integration of the product into the preset workflow. This is a critical factor, which market participants will need to consider as it will play a key role in end-user’s buying choices.

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