Computed Tomography Technology: An Advanced Tool for Detail Scans of Areas Inside the Human Body

X-Ray is one of the oldest methods of scanning the human body for injuries and diseases that cannot be seen with naked eyes. This technology uses high electromagnetic radiation for producing images of the bones, tumors, and internal tissues of the body. With time this technology has advanced, and today the healthcare industry is using an advanced version; computed tomography (CT) scan technology for scanning the areas inside the human body.

What is a Computed Tomography (CT) Scan?

Computed tomography (CT) scan refers to an imaging test done to get a detailed picture of the blood vessels, soft tissues, and bones inside the body. This method uses computer and X-Ray technology together for producing axial or horizontal pictures of the human body, often known as slices.

CT scan technology is highly advanced and capable of creating images for any human body part, including organs, fats, muscles, and bone. In comparison to X-Rays, CT scans deliver many detailed pictures of the body and are preferred by medical experts.

Difference between X-Ray and Computed Tomography Scans

In X-Ray, the energy beams are focused on a specific part that is being studied. Generally, a plate is placed behind the particular part of the body that captures high-energy beam passed via bones, skin, and muscles. This technology can provide only a specific amount of information and fail to deliver much information related to the internal organs and related structures present in the body.

On the other hand, in CT scanning, the beam of X-Ray moves in the circular direction around the whole body of the patient, allowing one to get different views of the specific body part or organ. The collected information is passed to capture technology that studies and displays the data in a two-dimensional (2D) view.

In comparison between both, a CT scan can help to get a detailed picture and information than that produced by an X-Ray. Computed tomography can direct doctors and experts in a better manner with the accurate information needed.

As per the reports of the BIS Research, the market value of the global spine X-ray and computed tomography was $916.0 million in 2020. It is projected to grow and touch $1,623.5 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.91% during 2021–2030.

Risk and Hindrance of Computed Tomography and its Market

The factors hindering the global spine X-Ray and computed tomography market growth are the high risk, exposures to high radiation, and uncertainty in regulatory approvals. Moreover, the cost of computed tomography technology is high, making it unaffordable for every hospital and clinic.

Following are the risks involved in the CT scans:

• Radiation exposure

During the process of CT scanning, patients are exposed to high radiation energy. This amount is much higher than what patients are exposed to during the X-Ray process. It is because CT scans create more detailed pictures and information of the body parts.

If this technology is used on patients with low radiations, it does not have many long-term issues. However, if this is used on high radiation on the patients, there can be an increase in the chance of a patient getting affected with cancer.

Doctors prefer to use the lower radiation power to get the required information in most cases. Also, CT technology is continuously getting advanced, and the machines currently in use need much less radiation compared to the previously used.

• Harmful for pregnant women

CT scan can have a huge effect on the health of an unborn baby. So, to avoid this, most of the experts and doctors suggest preferring other types of exams, like ultrasound, to save the baby from high radiation exposures.

• Contrast material

In certain scenarios, doctors suggest the patients get certain dyes which are known as contrast materials, given to patients in different ways, such as through veins or by inserting inside the rectum. This contrast material inserted or injected inside the body can have several allergic reactions and medical problems.

Future of Global Spine X-Ray and Computed Tomography Market

The market of the global spine X-Ray and computed tomography is constantly growing due to the increase in demand for CT scans and X-Rays, the involvement of artificial technology in healthcare, and the rising expense of the healthcare sector.

Also, governments are continuously investing money in insurance related to healthcare for the reduction of overall costing and to enhance the affordability of quality treatments.

There are several regions covered under the global spine X-Ray and computed tomography market like North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and others. Among these, North America is supposed to dominate the CT scan market due to the presence of advanced infrastructures of healthcare and more focus on development and research activities.

Conclusion

Though there are several risks involved in the use of CT scans, this technology provides doctors with the accurate information required more effectively. In the coming years, the use of this technology can be highly helpful for doctors in understanding the patient’s internal injuries and diseases in a much better manner.