JUNE 2001 PRESS RELEASE
Preventive Scanning Drives Demand for Computed Tomography & Electron Beam Technologies
June 7th, 2001 (Jacksonville, OR): For $450.00, would you choose to have a noninvasive test that takes 30 minutes of your time but could potentially determine if you’re at risk for heart disease? The cost can vary, but this question summarizes the offer that is being presented to the general public by a growing number of diagnostic imaging centers throughout the United States. Newspapers, magazines, and television shows have covered developments in this market since noninvasive cardiac scanning was introduced in 1999, and consumer awareness has increased as a result.
In a recent survey conducted by Feedback Research Services, respondents at nine diagnostic imaging centers indicated that pricing and the types of services are fairly consistent from facility to facility. Cardiac, colon, and lung scanning are provided as a means of early detection for individuals who schedule their own appointments or are referred by a physician. More clinical data is needed, but medical organizations at the present time tend to view cardiac screening in a favorable light for symptomatic patients.
Manufacturers of computed tomography (CT) and electron beam tomography (EBT) equipment acknowledge that preventive scanning is an important emergent segment of the diagnostic imaging market, but identifying the best systems to use for specific types of screening may take years. Major competitors such as G.E. Medical (Milwaukee WI) and Marconi Medical (Cleveland OH) sell conventional and "fast" CT systems, while Imatron (South San Francisco CA) uses a proprietary EBT technology. Market prospects look good this year for both segments: Through March 31st 2001, Imatron sold nine EBT scanners and posted record first quarter revenues of $19.3 million.
A new 75-page report entitled Cardiac & Preventive Scanning Markets from Feedback Research Services analyzes the market for preventive scanning, with revenue and growth rate estimates and forecasts for services and equipment sales through 2004. For more information about this report, contact us at 541-899-8088 or info@feed-back.com.
