The X-ray industry in the United States remains a critical component of the broader medical imaging market, essential for diagnostics, treatment planning, and overall patient care. In 2024, this industry is set for significant growth, fueled by technological advancements and the increasing demand for early and accurate diagnosis, particularly as the population ages. Summit Industries and its AMRAD Medical brand are at the forefront of this evolution, leading the charge with cutting-edge X-ray systems designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern healthcare. AMRAD Medical, known for its high-quality radiographic equipment, continues to drive innovation in digital radiography, fluoroscopy, and mobile X-ray solutions, ensuring that healthcare providers have the tools they need to deliver precise and efficient patient care.
Eli M. Rozier, Jr., Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development at Summit Industries, states, “At Summit Industries, our commitment to innovation is unwavering. We continually strive to deliver the highest-quality imaging solutions that empower healthcare professionals to make faster, more accurate diagnoses while ensuring patient safety and comfort. As the demand for advanced imaging grows, we remain dedicated to shaping the future of diagnostic imaging in the U.S. healthcare system.”
As the industry expands, Summit Industries and AMRAD Medical will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of diagnostic imaging in the United States.
Growth Drivers in the X-ray Imaging Market
- Aging Population and Chronic Diseases: The United States is experiencing a demographic shift, with a growing aging population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2034, older adults are expected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. This demographic trend is contributing to an increase in age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and various forms of cancer, which require regular and precise imaging for effective management.
- Technological Advancements: The X-ray industry has seen considerable technological advancements, including the development of digital radiography (DR), which offers superior image quality, lower radiation doses, and faster processing times than traditional film-based systems. Innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) integration in X-ray systems are also enhancing diagnostic accuracy, automating image analysis, and improving workflow efficiency in healthcare facilities.
- Rising Demand for Diagnostic Imaging: There is a growing emphasis on early diagnosis and preventive healthcare, leading to an increase in diagnostic imaging procedures. X-ray imaging, being one of the most widely used and accessible imaging modalities, is benefiting from this trend. The adoption of routine screening programs, particularly for diseases like breast cancer (through mammography) and lung cancer (through chest X-rays), is also contributing to the industry’s growth.
- Increased Healthcare Spending: The U.S. healthcare system continues allocating substantial resources toward improving medical infrastructure, including acquiring advanced imaging equipment. This is supported by both public and private investments aimed at modernizing healthcare facilities, particularly in underserved regions. The expansion of healthcare coverage under various federal programs also ensures that more patients have access to necessary diagnostic services.
- Expansion of Telemedicine: The rise of telemedicine, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to the integration of X-ray services into remote healthcare. Portable and point-of-care X-ray systems are becoming increasingly popular, enabling imaging to be conducted in non-traditional settings such as patients’ homes, rural clinics, and during emergency medical services.
Summit Industries is dedicated to keeping up with the growing demands
Summit Industries has greatly expanded its AMRAD Medical Product line in recent years to include various modalities that are essential to the industry.
Digital Radiography (DR) Systems: DR systems have become the gold standard in X-ray imaging due to their ability to produce high-resolution images with minimal radiation exposure. These systems are faster and more efficient than conventional analog systems, making them essential in busy hospital environments where rapid diagnosis is crucial. All of the AMRAD General Radiographic X-ray Systems such as the OTS Intellect, DFMT Elite, and Simplicity systems can be integrated with our TS Primo or DR Elite DR packages.
Mobile and Portable X-ray Systems: Mobile and portable X-ray systems are increasingly in demand due to their ability to provide immediate imaging in a variety of settings, including emergency rooms, intensive care units, and even remote or underserved locations. These systems are crucial for delivering prompt diagnostic care to patients who cannot be easily transported to traditional radiology departments. Among the standout products in this category are the DRAGON Portable Elite and Classic X-ray systems, as well as the Odyssey Mobile X-ray systems. The DRAGON series is renowned for its versatility and ease of use, offering high-quality digital imaging in compact, portable mobile units that can be deployed quickly and efficiently in remote critical care environments. Meanwhile, the Odyssey X-ray systems represent the pinnacle of mobile imaging technology, designed to meet the rigorous demands of hospitals and clinics.
Kevin Lucas, Summit Industries’ Southeast Sales Manager, notes, “The Odyssey and DRAGON systems redefine mobile imaging by combining advanced technology with portability, ensuring that healthcare professionals can deliver top-tier care wherever it’s needed most.”
These mobile systems not only improve patient outcomes by delivering immediate results but also expand access to quality imaging in challenging or resource-limited environments.
Fluoroscopy Systems: Fluoroscopy systems are vital in modern medicine, offering real-time moving images of internal structures that assist in a wide range of procedures, from orthopedic surgeries and gastrointestinal studies to interventional cardiology. This imaging technology is indispensable for guiding minimally invasive treatments, improving diagnostic accuracy, and enhancing patient outcomes. Among the leading innovations in this field is the Aptitude and Aptitude Plus R/F system. The Aptitude system exemplifies the next generation of fluoroscopy equipment, integrating advanced digital capabilities to elevate precision during procedures. Its versatility allows it to perform both fluoroscopic and radiographic imaging, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of clinical applications.
As Eli M. Rozier, Jr. explains, “The Aptitude systems are designed to meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals, combining superior image quality with lower radiation exposure to enhance both patient safety and procedural accuracy.”
The demand for more accurate and less invasive procedures continues to grow, so systems like the Aptitude are meeting this need by offering high-quality images with lower radiation doses, faster processing times, and greater adaptability in diverse medical environments. This makes the Aptitude system not only a technological advancement but a crucial asset in enhancing the efficiency and safety of complex medical procedures.
For real-time mobile imaging needs, the AMRAD Medical Agility and Agility Plus C-arm systems easily capture sharp, high-resolution images for surgical and specialty procedures. The Agility C-arm systems are designed for rapid positioning and are perfectly balanced for maximum maneuverability.
Mammography Systems: Mammography, a specialized form of X-ray imaging for breast cancer detection, continues to be a critical area of focus. Mammography systems have long been a cornerstone of breast cancer detection, relying on specialized X-ray imaging to identify abnormalities at early stages. Among the advanced tools in this domain is the Helianthus 2D mammography system. The Helianthus system is particularly notable for its innovative approach to radiation exposure. Unlike traditional mammography systems, which can subject patients to higher doses of radiation, the 2D Helianthus system significantly reduces radiation while maintaining high image quality. This balance between patient safety and diagnostic precision underscores the Helianthus as a leading choice in breast cancer screening, prioritizing both the health and comfort of the patient. Its technology not only improves the overall mammography experience but also advances the mission of early detection in the ongoing battle against breast cancer.
2024 and Beyond
In 2024 and beyond, Summit Industries is poised to lead the X-ray industry in the United States as it experiences significant growth, driven by technological advancements, an aging population, and the increasing demand for early and accurate diagnostic imaging. Summit Industries, with its commitment to innovation and quality, is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge X-ray systems such as digital radiography, portable solutions like the DRAGON and Odyssey series, and specialized imaging modalities like the Aptitude R/F system. These advanced systems are designed to meet the evolving needs of healthcare providers and patients, ensuring that the industry not only keeps pace with healthcare demands, but also enhances patient outcomes through superior imaging quality and efficiency.
As Summit Industries continues to innovate and respond to changing healthcare dynamics, X-ray imaging remains a cornerstone of modern medical practice, and Summit’s role in shaping its future is undeniable.
