Increase in PACS Installations to Grow European DR Market

Radiology has seen a technologic transformation in the past few decades with the development of innovative imaging modalities. The emergence of (DR) digital radiography and (CR) computed radiography has changed the face of traditional radiography.

With the economy recovering and capital becoming available to potential buyers, the unit shipment volume is expected to gain momentum in 2011, mostly in the DR segment of the market. The decline in the prices of electronic archive systems, such as picture archiving and communication system (PACS), is an impetus for the growth of DR.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (Palo Alto, CA, USA), an international market research company, revealed that the European DR market earned revenues of US$68.0 million in 2009 and estimates this to reach $111.2 million in 2016 and the European CR market earned revenues of $228.0 million in 2009 and estimates this to reach $237.4 million in 2016. The markets covered are Germany, France, Italy, Spain, The United Kingdom, Benelux, and Scandinavia.

"DR offers optimized work flow and enhanced diagnostic image quality thereby increasing productivity,” said Frost & Sullivan research analyst Simone Carron. "With the implementation of digital imaging being made mandatory in European hospitals in the near future, the transition to digital has significant market potential.”

The enhancement in the clinical value of PACS, such as the ability to make digital images accessible anywhere through digital network, is fuelling the growth of DR. Several vendors are implementing a strategy of offering comprehensive packages comprising of PACS and DR systems, making it additionally attractive to buyers who are looking to acquire an archiving system along with transitioning to digital.

However, widespread capital freezes and financial shortcomings are responsible for the significant delay and decline in the number of DR and CR purchases. The major challenge faced by the industry is the availability of capital for competing technologies, such as digital solutions, that require high initial investments. "DR systems continue to be out of reach for many small and private imaging centers that lack the budgets to make the transition,” explained Ms. Carron. "Besides the standalone full systems, several buyers are unaware that system upgrades are available.”

According to Frost & Sullivan, digital solution providers should synchronize to the needs of end users by building a diverse product range and offering competitive pricing. It is crucial for vendors to justify the high initial investments of CR and DR with an emphasis on operational cost savings.

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