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Ultrasound continues to be much cheaper than MRI or CT and the results are available immediately.

Ultrasound technology seems to be having its day. The popular imaging modality can be found throughout the hospital as an important tool for a number of procedures. At a time when hospitals are looking to curb spending, new applications for ultrasound are being investigated as an alternative to pricier modalities. As a noninvasive, non-ionizing and cost-effective technology with a wide range of possible uses, ultrasound is here to stay and thrive.

The ultrasound market is projected to grow to more than $5.3 billion by 2016, according to a report by Marketstrat, Inc., a California-based company specializing in medical research. Key topics at the recent annual convention for the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine ( AIUM ) included miniaturization, improvement in image quality, fusion of modalities, 3D capabilities and elastography. Despite declining reimbursement rates that pose a challenge for the industry, manufacturers and users agree that ultrasound will remain a viable technology.

"Ultrasound continues to be much cheaper than MRI or CT and the results are available immediately," says Dr. Jacques Abramowicz, AIUM Annual Convention committee chair.

Several new units on the market today are designed with an emphasis on portability, higher image quality, ease of use and a diversity of diagnostic applications. Some companies are also marketing their products to appeal to nontraditional ultrasound users.

Does That Come in Miniature?

For ultrasound, size matters. The trend in miniaturization continues to grow and portability is also a key draw that is helping to move units as well.

"It seems as if portable systems and smaller stand alone systems are in demand," says Bill Cowan, vice president of Liberty Diagnostic Services, a pre-owned ultrasound sales and service company. "The image quality of the portable systems has caught up to the full size systems."

Source: DOTmed News