Hand-held X-rays Market by Application (Dental, Orthopedic, and Others), End-use (Hospitals, Outpatient Facilities, and Research & Manufacturing), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Hand-held X-rays Overview

Hand-held x-rays, also known as portable x-ray devices, are compact and mobile devices that capture x-ray images outside a traditional x-ray room. These devices are lightweight and straightforward, permitting healthcare experts to bring the x-ray equipment to the patient's bedside or other locations where patient transportation is challenging. They consist of a portable x-ray generator and a digital image receptor, which creates high-quality x-ray image. Hand-held x-rays advantage intensive care units, emergency departments, nursing homes, and domestic healthcare settings, where patients may be immobile or critically sick. The portable nature of these devices saves time and effort by eliminating the need to transport patients. Additionally, they provide immediate image results, enabling healthcare professionals to make prompt diagnostic decisions. Hand-held x-rays also incorporate safety features to minimize radiation exposure for patients and healthcare workers.

Global Hand-held X-rays Market Analysis

The global hand-held x-rays market size was $728.17 million in 2022 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 10.98%, by generating a revenue of $2010.69% million by 2032.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Hand-held X-rays Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the hand-held x-rays market. Supply chain disruptions caused by lockdown measures and travel restrictions led to delays in production and distribution, resulting in a shortage of hand-held x-ray machines in some regions. Furthermore, the decreased demand for non-urgent procedures and elective surgeries during the pandemic reduced the need for these devices. However, the pandemic highlighted the importance of portable medical devices, leading to an increased focus on hand-held x-ray machines for point-of-care imaging in temporary hospitals, field hospitals, and remote areas. Infection control measures also affected the market, requiring additional cleaning and disinfection protocols. On the positive side, integrating hand-held x-ray machines with telemedicine platforms expanded their applications. As the COVID-19 situation improves and healthcare systems stabilize, the hand-held x-rays market is expected to recover.

 Portability and Convenience of Hand-held X-ray Devices to Drive the Market Growth

The hand-held x-rays market is driven by several factors. Firstly, the portability and convenience offered by hand-held x-ray devices play an essential role. These compact and lightweight devices allow healthcare professionals to perform x-ray imaging at the patient's bedside or in remote areas, making them especially beneficial in emergencies or when patients cannot be easily moved. Furthermore, there’s an increasing demand for point-of-care imaging solutions that provide instant results and facilitate faster diagnoses. Hand-held x-ray devices meet this demand by enabling real-time imaging, reducing the need for patient transportation, and minimizing delays in treatment. Technological advancements are also contributing to the market growth, as these devices offer improved image quality, resolution, and safety features. Furthermore, the increasing aging population has led to a higher demand for healthcare services, and hand-held x-ray devices cater to the needs of elderly patients who may face mobility challenges. In addition, the veterinary care sector has embraced hand-held x-ray devices for diagnosing animal injuries or diseases. Cost-effectiveness and efficiency are additional drivers, as hand-held x-ray devices require lower initial investment, have lower maintenance costs, and optimize workflow in healthcare facilities. Lastly, increasing awareness and adoption of these x-rays among healthcare professionals is contributing to market growth.

Regulatory Challenges to Restrain the Market Growth  

The hand-held x-rays market may face several challenges that could restrain its growth. One significant challenge is navigating regulatory requirements and compliance procedures, which can result in delays in product development and market entry. Moreover, the cost considerations associated with hand-held x-ray devices may limit adoption, as they can be generally expensive compared to traditional x-ray machines. Furthermore, these devices may have limited imaging capabilities compared to larger, stationary x-ray machines, restricting their utilization to particular applications or regions of the body, and potentially decreasing their demand to healthcare providers. The need for skilled operators and specialized training is another hurdle, as hand-held x-ray devices require personnel who can accurately position the device, interpret images, and ensure patient and operator safety. Safety concerns related to radiation exposure also exist, despite the presence of safety features, requiring proper radiation shielding, and adherence to safety protocols. Finally, competition from alternative imaging technologies like ultrasound and portable computed tomography scanners poses a challenge to the hand-held x-ray market.

Point-of-care Diagnostics to Drive Excellent Opportunities

The hand-held x-ray market has several opportunities for growth and expansion. One key opportunity is point-of-care diagnostics. The rise of point-of-care diagnostics creates another avenue for the hand-held x-rays market to flourish. These devices enable on-site or bedside diagnostics, reducing patient transportation and wait times for imaging results. This is especially beneficial in remote or rural areas with limited access to traditional imaging facilities. Additionally, hand-held x-ray devices find extensive usage in dental and veterinary practices, providing immediate diagnostics for dentists and veterinarians. Technological advancements have further propelled the market forward, with smaller, lighter, and more powerful devices offering improved image quality, radiation safety features, and ease of use. Lastly, hand-held x-ray devices have applications beyond the medical field, such as industrial non-destructive testing and security screenings. Expanding into these sectors can unlock new opportunities for the hand-held x-rays market in the coming future.

Global Hand-held X-rays Market Share, by Application, 2022

The dental sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. Dental hand-held x-ray devices have emerged as dominant players in the market for several reasons. Their portability and convenience make them highly appealing to dental professionals. Unlike traditional stationary x-ray machines, handheld devices are compact and lightweight, enabling easy transportation and use in various locations. This flexibility enhances dental practice and improves patient care. Moreover, handheld devices offer time and cost efficiency, requiring minimal setup time compared to their stationary counterparts. They eliminate the need for dedicated x-ray rooms and the associated shielding. By enabling x-rays to be taken directly at the patient’s chair, these devices save time for both dentists and patients. Additionally, handheld x-ray devices are often designed with patient comfort in mind and employ lower radiation doses, ensuring safety. Technological advancements have further boosted their popularity with improved image quality, instant image acquisition, and enhanced diagnostic capabilities. However, it is essential to note that the dominance of handheld x-ray devices may vary depending on geographical location, dental practice size, budget constraints, and individual dentist preferences.

Global Hand-held X-rays Market Share, by End-use, 2022

The hospitals sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. Hospitals have dominated the hand-held x-rays market due to several factors. Firstly, hospitals possess the necessary infrastructure and resources, such as dedicated x-ray rooms and trained staff, enabling them to integrate handheld x-ray devices into their existing systems seamlessly. Secondly, their high patient volume creates a strong demand for x-ray services, making handheld x-ray devices valuable tools for expediting the diagnostic process. Additionally, the flexibility of handheld devices allow hospitals to bring imaging technology directly to the patient’s bedside or in emergencies, enhancing patient care. Moreover, as comprehensive medical centers, hospitals collaborate with other facilities and engage in research, making handheld x-ray devices beneficial for sharing images and enabling remote consultations. Hospitals also possess the knowledge and experience to navigate regulatory compliance and have the financial resources to invest in advanced medical technologies.

Global Hand-held X-rays Market Share, by Region, 2022

The North America hand-held x-rays market generated the highest revenue in 2022. North America has dominated the hand-held x-rays market due to several key factors. Firstly, the region has been a leader in technological advancements within the medical and healthcare industry, allowing the companies based in the North America to develop advanced hand-held x-ray devices with improved features and capabilities. Secondly, North America boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure, emphasizing quick and accurate diagnoses, making portable imaging solutions like hand-held x-ray devices in high demand. The region's stringent regulatory environment also ensures product safety and compliance, establishing North American companies as trusted providers. The large population, high prevalence of chronic diseases, and aging population in North America contribute to the market demand for medical imaging equipment. Moreover, the region benefits from robust marketing and distribution networks, both domestically and internationally, making hand-held x-ray devices more accessible to customers.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Hand-held X-rays Market

Investment and agreement are common strategies followed by major market players. One of the leading market players in the industry is Fujifilm. In July 2022, Fujifilm Europe launched a new hybrid C-arm and portable x-ray device. The device, called FDR Cross, is designed to offer high-quality fluoroscopic and static x-ray images during surgery and other medical procedures. Some of the leading hand-held x-rays market players are Dental Imaging Technologies Corporation, REMEDI Co., Ltd, Genoray, OXOS Medical, Fujifilm, MaxRayCocoon.com, Digital Doc LLC., EVIDENT and Carestream Dental LLC.