Dry X-Ray films are medical films that do not require a darkroom for processing, and there is no chemical used in the processing of the image. In addition, these films are cost-effective and environment-friendly. As compared to wet X-Ray films, dry films produce a high-quality image including an outstanding grayscale and contrast, high resolution, and high density, making it the new axis for digital radiography imaging.
The different types of dry X-Ray films available in the market are either clear base films or blue base films. Furthermore, these films can be compatible with dry thermal imagers or dry laser imagers.
The Road Ahead
The development of dry X-Ray films in emerging countries is expected to further advance the field of dry films in the market. Moreover, market players in such countries are expected to continue developing dry X-Ray films and dry images.
Impact Analysis
The global dry X-Ray film market is anticipated to be influenced by some factors during the forecast period 2022-2032. The key factors driving growth include the several advantages, including several advantages including low cost of dry X-Ray films over other X-Ray methods and increasing demand for x-ray diagnosis procedures.
On the contrary, the factors restraining market growth include the increasing adoption of digital imaging acquisition and softcopy X-Ray diagnosis and several advantages of digital radiography and softcopy X-Ray procedures over the traditional methods.
Global Dry X-Ray Film Market, Impact Analysis
Market Segmentation Based on Products
The global dry X-Ray film market by type has been segmented into clear base film and blue base film. The blue base film is the largest segment among the types, and the trend is anticipated to continue in the forecast period 2022-2032. The following figure indicates the share of products in the global dry X-Ray film market in 2021 and 2032:
Regional Analysis
Regions such as Asia-Pacific and Middle East and Africa have major driving factors such as a rise in demand for X-Ray diagnosis procedures and low adoption of digital imaging and digital radiography, due to which these regions hold the maximum share in the global dry X-Ray film market. Regions such as the Latin America is anticipated to register significant growth during the forecast period 2022-2032 owing to factors such as an increase in X-Ray diagnosis due to the high geriatric population and prevalent medical conditions such as osteoporosis.
COVID-19 Impact and Post-COVID-19 Scenario
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the global healthcare ecosystem in different manners. Many healthcare sectors were highly impacted by the pandemic, and radiology was one of them. Radiology practices and medical imaging volumes significantly decreased during COVID-19, as the focus of hospitals shifted toward the affected patient and most of the world was on lockdown to prevent the pandemic's spread. Since imaging requires physical intervention, the imaging volume decreased, and thus, the use of dry X-Ray films also decreased. Moreover, people started adopting digital imaging and radiography along with softcopy diagnosis as a preferable method of diagnosis, which further impacted the dry X-Ray film market.
However, the market is expected to overcome the impact of COVID-19, and the following scenarios are expected in the post-COVID-19 scenario:
Conclusion
The global dry X-Ray film market is expected to be mainly driven by factors such as an increase in demand for X-Ray diagnosis and the benefits of dry X-Ray films, including their low cost over other traditional X-Ray films. In recent years, the use of X-Ray for diagnosing several conditions, such as osteoporosis, injuries, fractures, and bone replacement, has significantly increased and is expected to continue the pattern in the coming years. As a result, the market is expected to register growth during the forecast period 2022-2032. Since a major restraining factor for the market is the adoption of digital imaging and digital radiography along with softcopy diagnosis, the growth of the dry X-Ray film market is expected to be seen in regions where the adoption is slow such as in emerging countries.
