The global diagnostic ultrasound market size was valued at USD 7.39 billion in 2023 and is predicted to hit around USD 11 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.06% from 2024 to 2033.
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The U.S. diagnostic ultrasound market size reached USD 1.66 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to be worth around USD 2.48 billion by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 4.09% from 2024 to 2033.
North America dominates the diagnostic ultrasound market share of 32% in 2023, driven by advancements in ultrasound imaging technology. Despite these advancements, prehospital ultrasound utilization remains limited in the region. Factors such as provider training, system size, population served, and transport type are believed to influence the adoption of prehospital ultrasound.
Barriers to prehospital ultrasound implementation persist, including equipment costs, training expenses, and limited evidence of improved outcomes. These challenges hinder widespread adoption in North America's emergency medical services (EMS) systems despite the technology's potential to enhance patient care in the prehospital setting.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) recognizes leaders, innovators, and contributors in medical ultrasound through its national awards. The 2023 class of award recipients were honored during UltraCon in Orlando for their outstanding contributions to the field.
Diagnostic ultrasound, commonly known as sonography or diagnostic medical sonography, is a pivotal imaging technique leveraging sound waves to generate precise images of internal body structures. These images serve as critical diagnostic tools, aiding in the identification and management of various diseases and conditions. The versatility of ultrasound is evident in its wide-ranging applications, including prenatal care to monitor fetal health, gallbladder disease diagnosis, assessment of blood flow, and guidance for biopsy procedures or tumor treatments. Moreover, ultrasound plays a vital role in examining breast lumps, thyroid glands, and genital and prostate issues, as well as evaluating joint inflammation and metabolic bone diseases.
Further categorization reveals two primary types of diagnostic ultrasound: anatomical and functional. Anatomical ultrasound focuses on producing detailed images of internal organs or structures within the body. Conversely, functional ultrasound integrates additional data, such as softness or hardness of tissue, other physical characteristics, and tissue or blood movement, with anatomical illustrations to generate exhaustive 'information maps.' These maps help healthcare professionals to visualize changes or variations in function within a particular structure or organ, facilitating more precise diagnoses and treatment planning.
| Report Coverage | Details |
| Global Market Size in 2023 | USD 7.39 Billion |
| Global Market Size by 2033 | USD 11 Billion |
| U.S. Market Size in 2023 | USD 1.66 Billion |
| U.S. Market Size by 2033 | USD 2.48 Billion |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2024 to 2033 |
| Segments Covered | By Technology, By Portability, By Application, and By End-use |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa |
Drivers
Prenatal ultrasound technology
The utilization of prenatal ultrasound technology is a significant driver in propelling growth within the diagnostic ultrasound market. Expectant parents widely embrace routine ultrasound examinations during pregnancy for the essential assessment of fetal and maternal health and the emotional connection it fosters. These examinations offer a unique opportunity for parents to witness and engage with the developing fetus, often including the experience of hearing the fetal heartbeat and capturing images to share with loved ones.
The evolution of ultrasound technology, particularly the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound imaging, has further revolutionized the prenatal experience. These advancements enable more detailed visualization of fetal features, including facial characteristics and limb movements, in real-time, enhancing both diagnostic capabilities and the overall bonding experience for parents.
This heightened consumer demand for innovative imaging technologies drives continuous growth and expansion within the diagnostic ultrasound market, emphasizing the importance of ongoing technological advancements to meet evolving consumer preferences and market needs.
Utilization of high-frequency sound waves
The use of high-frequency sound waves emitted by ultrasound probes serves as a primary driver in advancing the diagnostic ultrasound market. These sound waves are directed into the body, where they reflect off internal organs and structures, providing valuable insights for medical professionals. The reflected ultrasound waves are then detected by transducers, enabling the creation of detailed images of the organs and structures within the body.
The diagnostic ultrasound market leverages state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment to offer patients and referring doctors a comprehensive range of ultrasound scans. Notably, ultrasound imaging is a painless procedure, making it widely accepted among patients. By utilizing high-frequency sound waves, ultrasound scanners generate images of the body's interior, facilitating the detection of tissue changes in organs. This capability not only enhances diagnostic accuracy but also drives the growth of the diagnostic ultrasound market by addressing a broad spectrum of medical needs efficiently and effectively.
Restraints
Limitations in imaging depth and bone obstruction
While ultrasound remains a valuable diagnostic tool, its effectiveness is constrained by inherent limitations. One notable limitation in the diagnostic ultrasound market arises from the poor transmission of sound waves through air or bone, rendering ultrasound ineffective at imaging body parts containing gas or obstructed by bone, such as the lungs or head. Additionally, ultrasound may struggle to visualize objects situated deep within the human body.
Healthcare providers may often resort to alternative imaging modalities such as computed tomography CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging MRI scans, or X-rays to overcome these limitations. This reliance on complementary imaging tests imposes constraints on the growth of the diagnostic ultrasound market, as it underscores the necessity for diversified diagnostic approaches to address specific anatomical challenges and achieve comprehensive diagnostic outcomes.
Dependency on body habitus
A significant limitation of diagnostic ultrasound lies in its reliance on body habitus. While a 12 MHz linear array transducer can effectively visualize superficial structures with high resolution, imaging deeper structures such as the hip joint or rotator cuff in individuals with obesity or extreme muscularity can be severely limited. The penetrance of ultrasound waves into tissue is inversely proportional to the wave frequency employed.
The dependence on body habitus presents a considerable constraint on the growth of the diagnostic ultrasound market, as it impedes the technology's ability to deliver comprehensive imaging solutions across diverse patient populations. As a result, healthcare providers may turn to alternative imaging modalities to overcome these limitations, thereby restraining the broader adoption and expansion of diagnostic ultrasound services.
Opportunities
Advancements in ultrasound technology
Ultrasound technology continues to evolve, presenting significant opportunities for the diagnostic ultrasound market. Recent developments have seen the emergence of new ultrasound techniques such as plane wave imaging, high-resolution contrast-enhanced ultrasound, micro-elastography, 3D ultrasound, and high-frequency ultrasound. Moreover, the invitation for submissions of original research and review papers covering advanced ultrasound technologies across all aspects of clinical and research domains further underscores the growing opportunities within the diagnostic ultrasound market.
Exploration of cutting-edge ultrasound innovations fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, clinicians, and industry stakeholders. Furthermore, advancements enhance imaging capabilities, allowing for more precise and comprehensive diagnostic assessments. Overall, the continuous advancement of ultrasound technology presents a fertile ground for expansion and innovation within the diagnostic ultrasound market.
3D ultrasound volume imaging
The introduction of three-dimensional (3D) volume imaging represents a significant milestone in modern sonography, offering promising opportunities for the diagnostic ultrasound market. While MRI holds its value, the maturation of 3D ultrasound technology is poised to rival MRI's capabilities. With 3D ultrasound volume imaging, practitioners can capture volumes that allow for reconstruction in any plane post-patient visit, a capability that may catalyze the development of standardized ultrasound techniques akin to those seen in MRI.
This advancement is expected to solidify ultrasound's position in body imaging, particularly when compared to MRI. The ability to reconstruct multiplanar slices from 3D ultrasound volumes offers a standardized approach to diagnosis, enhancing simplicity, reliability, and overall diagnostic accuracy. As a result, ultrasound is transitioning from an artistic approach to imaging towards standardized planes understandable by a wider range of practitioners.
The emergence of 3D volume imaging not only addresses the need for standardization in ultrasound but also creates new opportunities for growth in the diagnostic ultrasound market. By offering enhanced diagnostic capabilities and greater accessibility to a broader range of practitioners, 3D ultrasound technology is poised to expand the market's reach and competitiveness, ultimately driving improved patient care and outcomes.
The 2D segment held the largest market share of 37% in 2023, representing the most prevalent form of ultrasound imaging. Characterized by its ability to generate black-and-white images displaying the skeletal structure of the baby and its internal organs, 2D ultrasound plays a pivotal role in diagnosing fetal health during pregnancy. The simplicity and effectiveness of 2D ultrasound lie in its real-time, radiation-free process utilizing high-frequency sound waves to provide live imaging of the pelvis.
As its name suggests, 2D ultrasound produces flat images without depth, offering a familiar and widely recognized imaging modality for both healthcare providers and patients. Typically utilized until week 24 of pregnancy, 2D ultrasound remains the cornerstone of prenatal imaging, offering essential insights into fetal development and well-being.
While advancements in ultrasound technology have introduced alternative imaging modalities such as 3D and 4D ultrasound, 2D ultrasound retains its prominence due to its accessibility, reliability, and established track record in clinical practice. Despite its limitations in depth perception, the widespread adoption and familiarity of 2D ultrasound contribute to its continued dominance in the diagnostic ultrasound market.
The trolley segment captured the biggest share in the diagnostic ultrasound market in 2023, particularly the portable ultrasound systems. These carts are specifically designed to provide mobility and stability to ultrasound machines, facilitating easy transportation between different locations within healthcare facilities. A mobile trolley cart for ultrasound imaging scanner systems typically consists of a wheeled cart with a locking mechanism to secure the ultrasound machine during transit.
The use of mobile trolley carts brings several advantages, including improved mobility and flexibility in clinical settings. Additionally, it offers shelves and compartments for storing probes, cables, and other accessories essential for ultrasound procedures. Healthcare professionals can effortlessly move ultrasound machines between patient rooms, exam areas, or even different healthcare facilities, enhancing operational efficiency. Moreover, they help mitigate the risk of damage to ultrasound equipment by providing a stable and secure platform during transport.
Mobile trolley carts come in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different types of ultrasound machines, offering durability and reliability in medical environments. Overall, trolley carts play a crucial role in enhancing the portability and functionality of ultrasound systems, contributing significantly to their widespread adoption in healthcare settings.
The obstetrics/gynecology segment held a significant share of the diagnostic ultrasound market in 2023, driven by the widespread utilization of ultrasound technology in this specialized field. Obstetrical ultrasound plays a crucial role in providing detailed images of embryos or fetuses within a woman's uterus, as well as assessing the health of the mother's uterus and ovaries. Doppler ultrasound, a specialized technique within obstetrical ultrasound, enables the evaluation of blood flow in arteries and veins throughout the body.
During obstetrical ultrasound examinations, healthcare providers can assess blood flow in vital structures such as the umbilical cord, fetus, or placenta, offering valuable insights into fetal health and development. Importantly, obstetric ultrasound utilizes sound waves instead of ionizing radiation, making it a safe and preferred method for observing pregnant ladies and their fetuses. This non-invasive imaging modality carries no known harmful effects, underscoring its significance as the primary tool for prenatal care and monitoring.
Overall, obstetrical ultrasound's ability to provide detailed imaging and evaluate blood flow dynamics contributes significantly to its dominance in the diagnostic ultrasound market. Its widespread application in obstetrics/gynecology underscores its importance in ensuring the health and well-being of pregnant women and their unborn babies, making it an indispensable component of prenatal care worldwide.
The maternity centers segment holds the largest share of the diagnostic ultrasound market in 2023, supported by the well-documented safety of ultrasonography in pregnancy. Ultrasound examinations conducted during pregnancy have been shown to effectively diagnose approximately 50% of major anomalies, with a notable emphasis on multiple examinations throughout gestation. The distribution of ultrasound examinations reflects 10.1% in the first trimester, 57.0% in the second trimester, and 32.9% in the third trimester.
Despite the prevalence of ultrasound, approximately 15.3% of pregnancies surveyed also received X-ray examinations, highlighting a need for diverse diagnostic modalities. Moreover, a significant portion, around 74.6%, of pregnancies were monitored using electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) during labor. This monitoring comprised external EFM alone in 54.9% of cases and combined external and internal EFM in 19.7% of cases, indicating a comprehensive approach to maternal and fetal healthcare.
Maternity centers play a pivotal role in leveraging diagnostic ultrasound technology to ensure the safety and well-being of both mothers and babies throughout pregnancy and childbirth. The utilization of ultrasound and complementary diagnostic methods underscores the commitment to comprehensive prenatal care, positioning maternity centers at the forefront of the diagnostic ultrasound market.
Segments Covered in the Report
By Technology
By Portability
By Application
By End-use
By Geography
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