Global X-Ray Detector Market (by Technology, Application, & Region): Insights and Forecast with Potential Impact of COVID-19 (2022-2027)

X-ray detectors monitor a variety of X-ray parameters, such as flux, spatial distribution, and spectrum. They are utilized in a variety of applications, including medical, security, and nondestructive quality inspection in the manufacturing sector, as well as astrophysics. These are called as scintillators, and when combined with a photomultiplier tube, they can detect a flash of light from a single X-ray photon.

Price reductions, higher image quality as a result of technology innovation, and strong support for funding from venture capitalist companies are also projected to boost market expansion in the next years. The global x-ray detector market is expected to reach US$6.22 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 6.02% during the forecast period.

Segment Covered

By Application: In terms of application, the report provides the bifurcation of the x-ray detector market into four segments: Medical, Industrial, Security and Veterinary. Medical segment acquired maximum share in the market, due to the growing geriatric population, increasing number of orthopedic, mammography and cardiovascular procedures and technological advancements in x-ray devices. On the other hand, industrial segment is expected to have the highest CAGR in the future due to the various computed radiography vendors who improved digital radiography scanners, phosphor imaging plates, and software programs.

By Technology: On the basis of technology, the global the x-ray detector market has been divided into four segments: Flat panel detector, computed radiography, line scan detector and CCD detector. The Flat panel detector segment held the largest share in the market, due to various benefits such as easier positioning during clinical studies, lack of geometric distortion and chemical processing, etc. However, CCD detector is predicted to grow on a significant CAGR in the future because these detectors are highly sensitive photon detector used in digital radiography for the indirect conversion of X-ray photons into an electric charge.

Geographic Coverage

According to the report, the global x-ray detector market can be divided into five major regions: Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America and Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in North America region are the US, Canada and Mexico, while Europe includes Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain and Rest of Europe. Moreover, China, Japan, India, South Korea and Rest of Asia Pacific are included in the Asia Pacific region. The North America x-ray detector market enjoyed the dominant market share, primarily owing to the presence of well-developed healthcare facilities, high R&D investment by major players, and rising medical imaging procedures leading to the growth of x-ray detector market in countries like the US and Canada. While the US continues to be a prominent region of North America x-ray detector market, accounting for rapid technological development in the medical field has led to the development of advanced X-ray detectors. In addition, the focus is on improving health and combating the negative effects of chronic diseases.

Top Impacting Factors

Growth Drivers

• Growing Geriatric Population
• Rise in Cancer Diseases
• Rise In Demand For Digital Imaging Technology
• Uses of X-Ray Detectors in Different Industries

Challenges

• High Cost of X-Ray Test Equipment
• Health Hazards Of Full Body Scanning

Trends

• Wireless X-Ray Detectors
• Artificial Intelligence In Radiology for X-Ray and CT Scan Image Analysis
• Flexible X-ray Detectors Made from Metal-organic Frameworks
• Robotic X-ray Imaging System (RTG)

Driver: Rise In Demand For Digital Imaging Technology

Digital X-ray is changing the way radiology departments operate. This technology is able to reduce patient exposure to radiation, improve diagnostic image quality, and eliminate thousands of dollars in chemical processing costs as compared to traditional X-ray systems. Digital imaging (DR) has clear and delicate images, high resolution, wide gray scale, large amount of information, and large dynamic range. The DR projection speed is fast, and the influence of motion artifacts is very small. Especially for children who cry and move easily and elderly patients who are intolerant to hold their breath. The digital image is better than the traditional X-ray image for displaying bone structure, articular cartilage and soft tissue. The digital image is easy to display the mediastina structures such as blood vessels and trachea, and the detection rate of nodular lesions is higher than the traditional X-ray image.

Challenge: High Cost of X-Ray Test Equipment

Many hospitals in developing countries cannot invest in X-ray detectors equipment (such as X-ray detectors units, high-end CT scanners) due to budget constraints, high equipment costs, and poor reimbursement rates. However, due to the strong demand for X-ray detectors procedures globally, hospitals that cannot afford to invest in new imaging systems opt for refurbished ones. This is because refurbished systems are priced lower than new systems (40-60% of the price of new equipment). Many independent suppliers provide high-end refurbished and reused systems at a significantly lower price.

Trend: Artificial Intelligence In Radiology for X-Ray and CT Scan Image Analysis

Artificial intelligence is a wide-ranging branch of computer science related with building smart machines that can perform tasks that require human intelligence. With AI technology it is possible to analyze and interpret large amounts of radiological images efficiently. Late detection of disease significantly increases treatment costs and reduces survival rates. Often visual human interpretation of an isolated image are time-consuming, difficult and expensive. Artificial Intelligence in healthcare especially in radiology has tremendous scope. Recently, AI in radiology uses deep learning, reinforcement learning and other machine learning algorithms to systematically assess x-ray, CT scan and MRI images and instantly provide detailed reports on the findings.

The COVID-19 Analysis

COVID-19 had a short-term impact on global x-ray detectors, but it is expected to have no long-term impact. In the short term, elective procedures were delayed because countries diverted their healthcare resources to combat the pandemic. The market's supply chain was disrupted as many countries went into lockdown, preventing manufacturers from transporting devices. However, the market recovered due to increased demand for x-ray detectors, and various trends were observed in markets such as security, industrial, and so on.

Analysis of Key Players

The x-ray detectors market is fragmented with the presence of a large number of players majorly dominating worldwide. Key players of the x-ray detectors market are Agfa-Gevaert N.V. (Agfa), Hamamatsu Photonics K.K, Varex Imaging Corporation, FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation, Canon Medical Systems Corporation, Konica Minolta, Inc., Teledyne Dalsa, Rayence Inc., Vieworks Co., Ltd., Careray Digital Medical Technology Co., Ltd., iRay Technology Company Limited, Trixell Organization, Carestream Health, and Analogic Corporation.