The U.S. and European digital radiography markets generated $95 million in revenues in 2000, and will reach $356 million by 2007, according to a report from market research firm Frost & Sullivan.
To date, DR has yet to achieve widespread market acceptance, as radiology facilities view DR's high initial startup costs skeptically in light of less expensive options such as computed radiography, said Frost & Sullivan industry analyst Antonio Garcia.
While costs are projected to drop significantly in the later years of the forecast period, DR prices are expected to remain above $300,000 per system for the next several years, Garcia said. Frost reports that most market participants believe that an economy of scale will be achieved for detector panel production, which would drive prices down. Once this occurs, DR will be more accessible to a broader segment of the radiology market, according to the firm.
In the meantime, Frost & Sullivan said that hospitals and other potential consumers are opting instead to invest available funds in CR systems, which are much cheaper than DR units. This trend will continue for the foreseeable future, Garcia said. However, departments will need a combination of CR and DR to reap the full benefits of their radiography rooms, he said.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersFebruary 5, 2002
Related Reading
Report: PACS to revive RIS market, January 8, 2002
Copyright © 2002 AuntMinnie.com
