Demand for mobile x-ray systems is rising thanks to recent technology innovations, according to a new report from market research firm KLAS.
The company said that new mobile systems are smaller and more mobile than ever, and image quality is improving despite their smaller size. This is leading to larger mobile imaging volumes across hospital departments.
Mobile x-ray still has some kinks to work out, according to the report, such as wireless connectivity and battery life. Some of the problem may lie with hospital network infrastructure rather than the mobile x-ray unit itself, but the report cautions that healthcare providers want vendors to be more proactive by fixing wireless connectivity problems, rather than blaming the hospital's wireless network.
Many hospitals are also choosing digital detector technology rather than the traditional analog technology. Existing analog systems can be retrofitted with digital detectors, a route that can achieve cost savings compared to buying completely new systems.
The report also specifies specific customer issues found with each vendor of mobile x-ray technology, as well as areas where vendors can improve.
