Articles - Collective Minds Radiology

Number of MRI Scans Per Year Worldwide: Overview of global MRI utilization

Written by Pär Kragsterman | November 2, 2024

Approximately 100-150 million Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans are performed worldwide each year, with the United States accounting for nearly 40 million of these scans annually. This high volume reflects the growing importance of MRI technology in modern healthcare diagnostics.

Global MRI Infrastructure and Distribution

The global distribution of MRI machines varies significantly by region and country. According to Statista's latest data, Japan leads the world with 57.39 MRI units per million population, followed by the United States with 37.99 units and South Korea with 35.48 units per million people.

Read Also: Number of CT Scans Per Year Worldwide: Computer Tomography usage from 2024 research data

Annual Equipment Sales and Market Value

The MRI industry continues to grow steadily, with approximately 5,000 new MRI units sold worldwide each year. According to Grand View Research, the global MRI market reached USD 6.64 billion in 2023 and is projected to expand further in coming years.

Regional Distribution of MRI Scans

United States

In the United States, healthcare facilities perform approximately 40 million MRI scans annually. This high volume reflects the country's advanced healthcare infrastructure and widespread access to diagnostic imaging.

Europe

The European region shows varying rates of MRI utilization. According to recent statistics, countries like Germany, France, and Austria lead in the number of scans performed per capita. As noted by Eurostat, these countries consistently show the highest numbers of MRI scans relative to their population size.

Environmental Impact of Global MRI Usage

The environmental footprint of worldwide MRI operations is significant. Each MRI scanner consumes as much energy as 26 four-person households, making them one of the largest power consumers in radiology departments. This has led to increasing focus on developing more sustainable MRI technologies.

Future Growth Projections

Several factors are driving the continued growth in global MRI scan volumes:

  1. Aging global population
  2. Rising prevalence of chronic conditions
  3. Technological advancements in MRI capabilities
  4. Increasing accessibility in developing markets

Also Read: What is DICOM? The Complete Guide to Medical Imaging Standards

Market Trends and Technological Developments

The MRI industry is experiencing significant technological evolution, with manufacturers focusing on:

  • Energy-efficient systems
  • Reduced helium consumption
  • Improved image quality
  • Faster scanning times
  • Enhanced patient comfort

Summary

The global volume of MRI scans continues to grow annually, with current estimates ranging from 100-150 million scans worldwide. The United States performs approximately 40 million of these scans, while other developed nations show varying but significant usage rates. With technological advances and increasing healthcare needs, this number is expected to rise further in coming years.

FAQ

Q: How many MRI scans are performed in the United States annually? A: Approximately 40 million MRI scans are performed each year in the United States.

Q: Which country has the highest number of MRI machines per capita? A: Japan leads globally with 57.39 MRI units per million population.

Q: How many new MRI machines are sold globally each year? A: Approximately 5,000 new MRI units are sold worldwide annually.

Q: What is the current global MRI market value? A: The global MRI market was valued at USD 6.64 billion in 2023.

 

 

Reviewed by: Mathias Engström on November 2, 2024