PET-CT Scanning Market Size & Share [2033]

PET-CT Scanning Market Overview

The PET-CT Scanning Market size was valued at USD 1821.85 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2400.54 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2025 to 2033.

The PET-CT scanning market serves a pivotal role in modern medical diagnostics, integrating the anatomical detail of CT (Computed Tomography) with the metabolic imaging of PET (Positron Emission Tomography). In 2024, over 12,800 PET-CT systems were operational worldwide, with more than 5,100 installed in hospital-based imaging centers and 3,600 units located in specialty oncology clinics. The average PET-CT scanner has an operational life of 7 to 10 years, and over 1,100 new systems are installed annually.

More than 57% of PET-CT procedures are performed for oncology indications, including staging and monitoring of cancers such as lymphoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Neurological use cases, such as Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy evaluation, make up approximately 18%, while cardiology accounts for 11%. PET-CT systems with 64-slice or higher CT capabilities represent 61% of the global installed base as of 2024. In terms of patient throughput, a typical PET-CT scanner performs 15 to 20 scans per day, with an average scan time of 25 minutes per patient. As of 2024, China, the United States, and Germany represent the top three markets for system deployment.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Increased prevalence of cancer and neurological disorders driving demand for advanced imaging systems.

COUNTRY/REGION: The United States leads globally with over 3,200 PET-CT installations across public and private healthcare networks.

SEGMENT: 64-slice PET-CT systems dominate the market, comprising more than 47% of total global installations.

PET-CT Scanning Market Trends

The PET-CT scanning market in 2023–2024 has been shaped by rapid technological advancements, increased procedural volume, and expanding diagnostic applications. Hybrid imaging adoption has risen sharply, with over 26% of hospitals upgrading from standalone CT systems to PET-CT platforms. In oncology, FDG-PET remains the dominant tracer, utilized in over 85% of oncologic scans, but new tracers such as PSMA and FAPI have seen a 21% increase in clinical use, particularly for prostate and pancreatic cancers.

Digital PET-CT systems accounted for 34% of new installations in 2024, up from 22% in 2022. These systems use solid-state detectors offering time-of-flight (TOF) capabilities, improving image resolution and reducing scanning time by nearly 30%. In addition, artificial intelligence-assisted image reconstruction algorithms were deployed in 19% of new systems, improving lesion detectability and reducing radiation dose by 15% on average.

Mobile PET-CT units have grown in popularity, with over 150 new mobile systems introduced in North America and Europe alone in the last year. These are increasingly used in rural settings and during large-scale screening campaigns. Furthermore, PET-CT system integration with PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) and EHR (Electronic Health Records) platforms improved operational efficiency in 3,800 facilities, cutting report turnaround time by 23%.

Manufacturers are also focusing on reducing power consumption and physical footprint. Compact PET-CT scanners with floor space requirements under 200 sq. ft. now account for 18% of new installations. There is also increasing interest in PET-MR fusion systems, although PET-CT remains more widely adopted due to shorter scan times and lower costs.

PET-CT Scanning Market Dynamics

The PET-CT scanning market dynamics encompass the combination of forces and factors that influence the behavior, development, and direction of the global PET-CT market. These dynamics shape how PET-CT systems are adopted, utilized, funded, and innovated across clinical, research, and diagnostic settings.

DRIVER

Rising prevalence of cancer globally.

PET-CT scanning is vital for staging, restaging, and evaluating treatment response in cancer patients. In 2023, over 6.2 million PET-CT scans were performed globally for oncological indications. Breast, lung, and colorectal cancers accounted for 54% of all PET-CT referrals. According to national imaging registries, more than 78% of cancer patients in developed countries undergo PET-CT at least once during their treatment cycle. The installation of high-resolution systems in tertiary oncology centers grew by 15% in 2024. National health schemes in countries like Germany, Japan, and Canada have included PET-CT as part of standard cancer diagnostic protocols.

RESTRAINT

High capital and maintenance costs.

The cost of a PET-CT scanner ranges from $1.6 million to $2.9 million per unit, depending on CT slice count and detector type. Additionally, annual maintenance costs exceed $110,000 per system, including service contracts, calibration, and software upgrades. In emerging markets, these costs are prohibitive, and only 1.2 PET-CT units per million people are available on average, compared to 9.4 units per million in high-income countries. Furthermore, the requirement for specialized radiotracers and cyclotron access limits operational capacity in low-resource settings. Even in well-funded facilities, downtime for detector repairs can last up to 12 days annually, reducing overall throughput.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of PET-CT in neurology and cardiology.

While oncology remains dominant, neurological and cardiac PET-CT applications are growing steadily. In 2024, over 980,000 PET-CT scans were performed for dementia, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Amyloid PET scans for Alzheimer’s disease increased by 18%, supported by FDA approvals of new neuro-tracers. Cardiac PET-CT is increasingly replacing SPECT in myocardial perfusion imaging, with more than 640,000 cardiac scans performed globally in 2023. PET-CT has shown a 94% sensitivity in identifying ischemic regions, and advanced scanners offer dual-phase imaging to assess both perfusion and viability. As reimbursement policies expand, these indications represent a major opportunity for scanner manufacturers and radiopharmaceutical suppliers.

CHALLENGE

Radiotracer supply chain limitations.

PET-CT systems rely on short-lived radiotracers such as 18F-FDG, which have a half-life of only 110 minutes. In 2024, global radiopharmaceutical production capacity reached 5.8 million doses per year, but regional disparities in cyclotron infrastructure caused shortages in 19 countries. In rural and remote areas, transportation delays often exceed 90 minutes, making radiotracer delivery unfeasible. Limited access to advanced tracers like Ga-68 and Cu-64 has hindered research and clinical implementation in smaller centers. Additionally, over 280 facilities reported at least one tracer-related scan cancellation per quarter due to supply inconsistencies or regulatory issues in handling radioactive substances.

PET-CT Scanning Market Segmentation

The PET-CT scanning market is segmented by type and application, reflecting diverse scanner configurations and clinical uses.

By Type

32 Scan: These entry-level PET-CT systems are used in small diagnostic clinics and secondary hospitals. As of 2024, they account for approximately 14% of the installed base. Scan resolution is sufficient for basic oncology staging but limited in spatial detail. Around 1,800 such systems remain in use globally, with an annual scan volume averaging 2,000 per unit.
64 Scan: 64-slice systems are the most widely adopted, making up 47% of installations. Their higher resolution and faster acquisition enable full-body imaging in under 20 minutes. Over 6,000 of these systems are operational worldwide, mostly in tertiary centers. They support advanced cardiac and neurological protocols.
128 Scan: 128-slice PET-CT scanners represent 24% of the high-end market. These offer superior detail, allowing dual-phase imaging and accurate tumor volume assessment. In 2023, more than 850 new 128-slice systems were installed globally. They are commonly used in academic medical centers and cancer institutes.
Others: This category includes mobile units, PET-CT with integrated MRI capability, and custom research platforms. These systems make up 15% of installations, including over 420 mobile units and 130 PET-MR hybrids. Their use is rising in mobile diagnostic campaigns and multi-modality research.

By Application

Head: Head scans are primarily used in neurology and oncology. In 2024, over 1.1 million head-focused PET-CT scans were performed globally. Applications include glioma assessment, dementia evaluation, and seizure localization.
Thoracic Cavity: Scans of the chest region focus on lung cancer, mediastinal lymph nodes, and cardiac assessment. More than 2.4 million thoracic PET-CT scans were performed worldwide in 2023, with 71% for oncologic staging.
Heart: Cardiac PET-CT utilization exceeded 640,000 scans in 2023. Common protocols include myocardial perfusion, viability, and inflammation imaging. 128-slice systems are favored for dynamic cardiac studies.
Abdominal and Pelvic: Abdominal and pelvic imaging accounts for 22% of PET-CT procedures. In 2024, over 1.8 million scans were performed for colorectal, prostate, and ovarian cancers. Multi-tracer protocols are increasingly used for functional imaging.
Extremities: PET-CT of the extremities is used for detecting bone metastases and inflammation. Approximately 500,000 scans were recorded in 2023, particularly for sarcomas and lymphoma evaluations.
Others: Includes whole-body scans, research applications, and pediatric cases. Over 1.2 million such scans were performed in 2024, reflecting the modality's versatility in rare and systemic disease diagnosis.

Regional Outlook for the PET-CT Scanning Market

The regional outlook for the PET-CT scanning market refers to the geographic analysis of how market performance, adoption trends, infrastructure development, and healthcare policies vary across different global regions in relation to PET-CT technologies. This outlook highlights region-specific factors such as diagnostic demand, radiopharmaceutical supply chains, hospital infrastructure, and public or private investment that shape the procurement, utilization, and advancement of PET-CT systems.

North America

North America remains the largest market for PET-CT systems, with over 3,700 scanners in operation across the U.S. and Canada. In 2024, more than 4.6 million PET-CT procedures were conducted in the region, with 71% in oncology. The U.S. National Cancer Institute reports a 15% increase in PET-CT usage since 2022. The region also leads in AI-assisted imaging adoption, with over 900 facilities implementing decision-support tools. Radiotracer availability is strong, supported by over 120 cyclotrons across the region.

Europe

Europe holds the second-largest share, with more than 2,600 systems operating across 27 countries. Germany, France, and the U.K. account for 64% of installations. In 2024, over 3.2 million PET-CT scans were performed in the region. Adoption of PSMA tracers in prostate cancer grew by 27%, and PET-CT has been included in national oncology screening guidelines in six EU countries. Centralized radiotracer production hubs support efficient supply across borders.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, with over 3,100 PET-CT units deployed by 2024. China alone added over 260 new systems in 2023, with an annual scan volume exceeding 3 million. India and South Korea also recorded double-digit installation growth. Government-funded cancer centers and private diagnostics networks are expanding access to advanced imaging. However, cyclotron availability remains a bottleneck in parts of Southeast Asia.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa remain underpenetrated, with fewer than 650 systems across the entire region. However, demand is rising, with over 120 new installations in 2023. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa lead regional adoption. International health partnerships have established 23 new PET-CT centers in the past year. Radiotracer supply remains a key constraint in several sub-Saharan countries, limiting utilization to under 50% in some facilities.

List of Top PET-CT Scanning Companies

Philips Healthcare
General Electric Co
Siemens AG

Philips Healthcare: Philips leads the global PET-CT scanning market with more than 4,500 systems installed worldwide. Its Vereos platform with fully digital detectors is used in over 1,200 institutions. The company added 170 new units globally in 2023, primarily in high-volume oncology centers.

Siemens AG: Siemens holds a strong market position with over 3,800 PET-CT systems operational globally. Its Biograph Vision series accounts for 27% of all high-end digital scanner installations. In 2024, Siemens completed over 200 installations across North America, Europe, and India, focusing on AI integration and reduced-dose imaging.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the PET-CT scanning market surged between 2023 and 2024 due to rising demand for early cancer detection, neurological imaging, and advanced radiotracer applications. Public health systems in over 34 countries allocated dedicated budgets for PET-CT infrastructure expansion. In the U.S., $460 million was invested in upgrading 320 centers with 64-slice and 128-slice systems. The U.K.’s NHS committed to funding 50 new PET-CT installations by 2025.

Private diagnostic providers are also expanding. In India, four leading diagnostic chains collectively added 95 PET-CT units in 2023. In China, over $1.2 billion in government funding supported the deployment of systems in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. South Korea’s largest oncology hospital expanded its fleet from 12 to 17 PET-CT systems in one year, with funding from both public and private sources.

Opportunities lie in the rollout of mobile PET-CT units, with the number of mobile service providers doubling in Europe over 24 months. PET-CT rental models have emerged as a cost-effective approach in rural and underserved markets. Additionally, expansion of radiotracer manufacturing, especially Ga-68 and Cu-64, is expected to drive demand for specialized scanners in research and precision medicine.

Academic and research collaborations are also expanding PET-CT use in neuroscience and immuno-oncology. Over 70 clinical trials launched in 2023 incorporated PET-CT endpoints for monitoring therapy response in real time. These initiatives have attracted significant investment from pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms.

New Product Development

PET-CT scanner manufacturers introduced several innovations in 2023–2024 focused on image quality, workflow efficiency, and dose reduction. Philips launched an updated version of its digital PET-CT system with enhanced TOF resolution, enabling 20% better image contrast and 15% faster scan times. Siemens released a software suite integrating AI-based lesion recognition and automated SUV calculation, used in over 350 hospitals globally.

GE introduced a new compact PET-CT model designed for ambulatory centers, requiring only 220 sq. ft. of space and consuming 20% less power. The system supports dual-tracer imaging protocols and can switch between oncology and neurology modes seamlessly. Additionally, software-based motion correction tools were launched by all major manufacturers, reducing artifacts and improving accuracy in pediatric and geriatric scans.

Remote diagnostics and cloud-based service platforms are also part of the innovation wave. Siemens deployed its Smart Remote Assist platform to monitor over 1,400 PET-CT systems in real-time, reducing unplanned downtime by 22%. Philips introduced a predictive maintenance tool that uses machine learning to forecast system wear and preemptively schedule service visits.

Biograph Flow, another Siemens product, integrates dynamic whole-body scanning with continuous bed motion, enabling accurate assessment of tumor kinetics. In 2024, more than 70 centers adopted this technology. Hybrid research systems that combine PET-CT with functional MRI and spectroscopy were launched in five countries for multi-modality research.

Five Recent Developments

Philips installed its 1,200th Vereos Digital PET-CT scanner globally in June 2024.
Siemens launched Biograph Vision Quadra, a total-body PET-CT scanner, in January 2024.
GE introduced its compact dual-mode ambulatory PET-CT in October 2023.
Siemens’ Smart Remote Assist platform reached 1,400 connected installations in March 2024.
Philips unveiled an AI-powered predictive maintenance suite in July 2023.

Report Coverage of PET-CT Scanning Market

This report comprehensively covers the global PET-CT scanning market, evaluating installations, procedural volumes, scanner configurations, and clinical adoption across more than 50 countries. The report analyzes scanner segmentation by CT slice count, radiotracer compatibility, and end-user application in oncology, neurology, and cardiology.

Market segmentation includes 32, 64, and 128-slice systems and covers over 20 procedural subcategories. Trends in hybrid imaging, AI software, radiopharmaceutical logistics, and PACS integration are addressed with quantitative data from over 8,000 institutions.

Profiles of major manufacturers—Philips, Siemens, and GE—are included along with performance metrics, market share estimates, and technology deployments. Regional analysis spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and MEA, accounting for over 95% of global scan volume. The report details more than 30 government policies affecting scanner funding and radiotracer usage.

Emerging trends in mobile PET-CT, AI-enhanced diagnostics, digital detector technologies, and clinical trial integration are assessed. Investment patterns, including $3.5 billion allocated globally between 2023 and 2024, are analyzed across public and private sectors. The report offers a complete picture of the PET-CT scanning landscape to guide manufacturers, investors, radiologists, hospital administrators, and regulatory authorities.