What does the future of computed tomography technology look like according to Frost & Sullivan? They predict within two years, higher CT slice counts will push low slice machines with only 1 or 2 slices out of the European market.
The study compares the use of 1, 2, 4, 16, 20, 32, 40 and 64 slice scanners with that of new higher slice counts 128, 256+ and suggests that the benefits of higher slice scanners should render low slice CT Scanners obsolete in the European market.
Industry professionals cite the push for higher slice CT development as being a direct result of efforts to increase machine efficiency, reduce radiation dosage and enhance image quality. Why? The danger of radiation exposure from imaging technology has been a hot global news topic for some time now. In recent years the use of radiation based methods of imaging like CT and x-ray has dropped significantly.
In view to grow market share, CT scanner technologists have been working towards improvements that will make CT scanners safer, more effective and open up new clinical applications for the technology. The feeling is that the combination of higher CT slice technology alongside the installation of radiation reducing add-on devices; products that have been entering commercialization in response to fears of high radiation exposure, read article ‘Low Radiation CT Scans Thanks to Novel Device’, should be sufficient to cause the use of high slice CT scanners to rally back as a good and cost effective imaging option over more expensive alternatives like MRI.
Frost & Sullivan’s study found that the European CT scanner market yielded $523.6 million in 2011 and estimates the number to reach $691.6 million in 2018. So market research conservatively supports this optimism.
But there will be obstacles to improve the health of the CT industry. Challenges that face deeper CT scanner market penetration include overcoming remaining concerns over radiation exposure, proving real measurable benefits that warrant increased clinical use and training technical staff to support progressively advanced machines.
Source: http://www.medwow.com/articles/
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