Medical Imaging Phantoms Market

Medical Imaging Phantoms Market by Type (Anthropomorphic Phantoms and Calibration Phantoms), Imaging Modalities (X-ray, CT, Mammography, MRI, and Others), Application (Quality Control, Equipment Calibration, Dosimetry, and Others), End-User (Hospitals and Clinics, Diagnostic Centers, Academic and Research Institutes, Medical Device Companies, and Others), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World) is expected to grow at a steady CAGR forecast till 2032 owing to the growing prevalence of chronic diseases and rising awareness for early disease diagnosis.

The medical imaging phantoms market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032. The demand for medical imaging phantoms is experiencing a significant surge, driven primarily by the growing prevalence of chronic diseases. Furthermore, the heightened awareness regarding early disease diagnosis and the intensified research and development activities by key industry players emerge as pivotal factors fostering the robust growth of the medical imaging phantoms market. These factors are expected to continue shaping the market positively throughout the forecast period from 2025 to 2032.

Medical Imaging Phantoms Market Dynamics:

According to data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), commonly referred to as chronic diseases, represent a significant contributor to major health challenges worldwide, resulting in the demise of 41 million individuals each year. Among NCDs, cardiovascular diseases claim the highest number of lives each year at 17.9 million, followed by cancer (9.3 million) and chronic respiratory diseases (4.1 million). Without adequate intervention, this trend is expected to escalate in the future.

Early detection and diagnosis stand as arguably the most crucial and impactful objectives in the treatment of chronic diseases like cancer. Patients diagnosed in the early stages have the best prospects for curative treatment and long-term survival. Notably, cancer remains the leading cause of death in the UK, with a growing and aging population presenting increasingly complex healthcare needs, resulting in a concerning rise in cancer incidence. Early disease diagnosis helps to identify and make a treatment plan to increase the lifespan of patients and their survival rate.

Key players and research institutes are concentrating their efforts on extensive R&D to develop innovative medical imaging phantoms for advanced medical imaging. Researchers have been developing a standardized MRI system phantom to evaluate scanner performance, stability, inter-comparability between scanners, and the precision of quantitative relaxation time imaging. This phantom is tailored to assess various parameters such as geometric distortion, resolution, slice profile, proton spin relaxation times, B1 distortion, and proton density, ensuring accuracy across these metrics. For instance, in March 2024, researchers from the Medical University of Vienna (MedUni Vienna) and Vienna University of Technology (TU Wein) developed a 3D-printed ""brain phantom in a joint research collaboration. This phantom is structured to mimic brain fibers and can be imaged using a specialized form of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These brain models offer a valuable tool for furthering research into neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

However, the high cost of development and manufacturing, and the stringent regulatory guidelines of medical imaging phantoms, among others are some of the key constraints that may limit the growth of the medical imaging phantoms market.

Medical Imaging Phantoms Market Segment Analysis:

Medical Imaging Phantoms Market by Type (Anthropomorphic Phantoms and Calibration Phantoms), Imaging Modalities (X-ray, CT, Mammography, MRI, and Others), Application (Quality Control, Equipment Calibration, Dosimetry, and Others), End-User (Hospitals and Clinics, Diagnostic Centers, Academic and Research Institutes, Medical Device Companies, and Others), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

In the type segment, the MRI category held the largest market share in the medical imaging phantoms market in 2024. This can be attributed to the growing use of medical imaging phantoms that mimic vascular strictures in the human body in MRI device calibration and testing. In recent years, there has been a growing use of MRI which is used to detect various types of chronic disease which requires extensive use of medical imaging phantoms, contributing to the growth of the market. For instance, the National Health Service (NHS) England in 2021, stated that, in the twelve months from September 2020 to August 2021, a total of 40.3 million imaging tests were reported in England. Among these, MRI tests accounted for 0.29 million of imaging tests conducted in August 2021. 

Test phantoms play a crucial role in evaluating scanner performance, stability, inter-comparability, and the accuracy of quantitative relaxation time imaging in magnetic resonance (MR) systems. Distortions in MR imaging, stemming from factors like magnetic field inhomogeneity and gradient non-linearity, underscore the need for consistent assessment and monitoring. Regular evaluations are essential to ensure the precision and reliability of MR imaging data, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and patient care.

In October 2021, LAP GmbH Laser Applikationen, a Germany-based medical technology company, introduced the THETIS 3D MR Distortion Phantom. This innovative phantom is equipped with small markers arranged in a square grid, each emitting a strong, localized MR signal. Featuring 258 signal sources on each measurement plate, it provides comprehensive coverage. Notably, its design facilitates seamless integration within the MR bore, effectively identifying distortions even at the periphery of the field of view.

Moreover, MRI phantoms are specifically crafted to replicate human soft tissue, enabling assessment of image contrast and calibration for distinguishing MRI features such as fat, water, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Consequently, the widespread adoption of these medical imaging phantoms within the MRI category is poised to bolster segment growth, thereby fueling the expansion of the overall medical imaging phantoms market during the forecast period.

North America is expected to dominate the overall Medical Imaging Phantoms Market:

North America is estimated to account for the largest market share in the medical imaging phantoms market in 2024 due to the rising adoption of early disease diagnosis. Additionally, the increase in R&D activities and the presence of developed and sophisticated healthcare infrastructure in the region are the key factors driving the growth of the medical imaging phantoms market in North America.

The rising adoption of early disease diagnosis has contributed to increased survival rates and improved patient life in North America. Early diagnosis helps in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer. For instance, the Government of Canada in September 2023 mentioned that with the early diagnosis of breast cancer, 82% of cases detected at stages I and II significantly enhanced the survival rates of patients.

Key players in the region are developing and commercializing innovative medical imaging phantoms for quality assurance testing of ultrasound devices. For instance, in February 2020, CIRS Inc. a US-based test simulation and medical imaging company, launched Model 069A, Zerdine® flow phantom. The phantom features dual scanning surfaces, positioned at both the top and bottom, enabling testing at different depths and orientations. This versatile design renders the phantom suitable for assessing peripheral flow as well as deeper abdominal vessels, providing comprehensive evaluation capabilities across various imaging scenarios.

Thus, all the above-mentioned factors are expected to propel the growth of the medical imaging phantoms market in North America during the forecast period. 

Medical Imaging Phantoms Market Key Players:

Some of the key market players operating in the medical imaging phantoms market include Sun Nuclear Corporation, Fluke, IBA, Standard Imaging, Inc., Mirion Technologies, Inc., Pro-Project Group, The Phantom Laboratory, Carville Limited, Modus Medical Devices, Radiology Support Devices, 3-Dmed, Kyoto Kagaku Co., Ltd., Leeds Test Objects, Gold Standard Phantoms, PTW Freiburg GmbH, Pure Imaging Phantoms, QUART GmbH, PhantomX GmbH, NavAxis, Yezitronix Group Automation & Control Industries Inc., and others.

Recent Developmental Activities in the Medical Imaging Phantoms Market:

• In April 2024, Standard Imaging, Inc., a US-based medical technology company launched LUCY EA. It is a pseudo-anthropomorphic phantom designed to enhance efficiency and precision in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and surface guided radiation therapy (SGRT) quality assurance (QA) processes, revolutionizing medical physics standards. It can effectively monitor the accuracy of Linac imaging, surface guidance, and dose delivery to single or multiple targets.
• In October 2022, Sun Nuclear Corporation, a US-based company pioneering in quality assurance and dosimetry tools announced its research collaboration with Accuray to develop quality management solutions. Through this partnership, Sun Nuclear developed enhanced dynamic platform, to facilitate precise and reproducible movement of compatible phantoms with sub-millimeter accuracy, simplifying quality assurance (QA) procedures and instilling greater clinical confidence in advanced tumor treatments.
• In May 2022, IBA, a US-based medical technology company announced that it completed the acquisition of Modus Medical Devices Inc. for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition provided IBA with opportunities for synergies in both research and development and sales, allowing the company to expand its product portfolio. This will enhance IBA's competitive standing worldwide and increase its presence in the North American market. 

Key Takeaways from the Medical Imaging Phantoms Market Report Study

• Market size analysis for current Medical Imaging Phantoms Market size (2024), and market forecast for 8 years (2025 to 2032)
• Top key product/technology developments, mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures happened over the last 3 years.
• Key companies dominating the global Medical Imaging Phantoms market.
• Various opportunities available for the other competitors in the Medical Imaging Phantoms Market space.
• What are the top-performing segments in 2024? How these segments will perform in 2032?
• Which are the top-performing regions and countries in the current Medical Imaging Phantoms market scenario?
• Which are the regions and countries where companies should have concentrated on opportunities for Medical Imaging Phantoms market growth in the coming future?

Target Audience Who Can be benefited from this Medical Imaging Phantoms Market Report Study

• Medical Imaging Phantoms product providers
• Research organizations and consulting companies 
• Medical Imaging Phantoms-related organizations, associations, forums, and other alliances
• Government and corporate offices
• Start-up companies, venture capitalists, and private equity firms
• Distributors and Traders dealing in Medical Imaging Phantoms
• Various end-users who want to know more about the Medical Imaging Phantoms Market and the latest technological developments in the Medical Imaging Phantoms Market.  

Frequently Asked Questions for the Medical Imaging Phantoms Market:

1. What are Medical Imaging Phantoms?

• Test phantoms are physical objects or models employed in medical imaging and diagnostic procedures to assess and adjust the performance, precision, and dependability of imaging equipment. These phantoms are crafted to mimic human tissues or specific anatomical structures and possess known characteristics or features that facilitate precise assessments and comparisons.

2. What is the market for Medical Imaging Phantoms?

• The medical imaging phantoms market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032.

3. What are the drivers for the global Medical Imaging Phantoms market?

• The medical imaging phantoms market is expected to experience expansion owing to factors such as the growing prevalence of chronic diseases. Furthermore, the heightened awareness regarding early disease diagnosis and the intensified research and development activities by key industry players are some of the key factors resulting in appreciable revenue growth in the Medical Imaging Phantoms Market during the forecast period (2025 to 2032).

4. Who are the key players operating in the global Medical Imaging Phantoms market?

• Some of the key market players operating in the medical imaging phantoms include Sun Nuclear Corporation, Fluke, IBA, Standard Imaging, Inc., Mirion Technologies, Inc., Pro-Project Group, The Phantom Laboratory, Carville Limited, Modus Medical Devices, Radiology Support Devices, 3-Dmed, Kyoto Kagaku Co., Ltd., Leeds Test Objects, Gold Standard Phantoms, PTW Freiburg GmbH, Pure Imaging Phantoms, QUART GmbH, PhantomX GmbH, NavAxis, Yezitronix Group Automation & Control Industries Inc., and others.

5. Which region has the highest share in the global Medical Imaging Phantoms market?

• North America is expected to account for the largest market share in the medical imaging phantoms market in 2024 due to the rising adoption of early disease diagnosis. Additionally, the increase in R&D activities and the presence of developed and sophisticated healthcare infrastructure in the region are some of the key factors driving the growth of the medical imaging phantoms market in North America.