An estimated 31.2 million ultrasound exams were performed in 2005, according to a report published by market research and consulting firm IMV Medical Information Division.
For hospitals with more than 200 beds, patient exams reached 18.5 million in 2005, up 41% compared with the 13.1 million performed in 1998. The Des Plaines, IL-based firm last performed its survey of U.S. hospital-based ultrasound departments in 1998.
In other report highlights, the average number of ultrasound units installed per hospital radiology department was 2.5, according to IMV. In addition, over half of the ultrasound installed base in hospital-based departments was installed in 2002 or later.
Average budgets for equipment are increasing, with over 40% of the ultrasound sites improving their current capability, either by adding new units, replacing old systems, or updating their current scanners, the company said. Key technologies driving future purchases include real-time 3D or 4D imaging and instant image optimization technologies.
Ultrasound sites are also expanding their use of networks to transmit images to multiple locations, including within departments, between departments, and to other sites, IMV said. The proportion of ultrasound sites with networks in hospitals with more than 200 beds increased from 26% in 1998 to 88% in 2005.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
May 8, 2006
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