New Flat Panel Detectors Trigger Decline in CR Sector

By MedImaging International staff writers
Posted on 01 Jun 2015

Revenues from Computed Radiography (CR) equipment dropped by nearly 25% from 2013–2014. The decline was caused by an increase in new Flat Panel Detector (FPD) systems, and retrofits. Revenues from multi-plate systems declined the fastest, because a higher cost compared to single-plate systems.

CR equipment revenues in development markets are also forecast to continue to decline in 2015–2019, due to an increase in retrofits. Revenues from retrofits and a strong growth in fixed FPD systems are also affecting CR revenues in Western Europe. Revenues have been affected by declining budgets as a result of healthcare spending cuts. CR equipment prices range from USD 65,000 for low end systems to USD 200,000 for high-end systems. In parts of the Latin America and Asia Pacific regions there is still demand for single-plate CR systems, in cases where retrofit costs are too high, but a strong decline in the market for multi-plate CR systems. The global CR market is expected to continue to decline, driven by the need to save costs in the longer term, and increase workflow throughput and efficiency. Prices of FPD and retrofits are also expected to continue to decline.