By Kaitlyn Wilkie

Molecular imaging allows for evaluating biological processes at the molecular level. Molecular imaging is used for early detection and localization of disease, as cellular changes occur in the body before anatomical changes can be observed with other imaging modalities. This technology is beneficial for many conditions, such as cancer, cardiac disease, brain disorders, inflammatory disorders, and infectious disorders.

symplr collects data from its 3,000+ provider customers, who have submitted their capital quotes for a custom price benchmarking analysis. symplr data reflects received executable quotes for molecular imaging solutions offered by GE HealthCare, Siemens Healthineers, Spectrum Dynamics, and Canon Medical Systems. symplr's provider customers have shown the greatest interest in GE’s molecular systems, with GE quotes accounting for 60% of the molecular imaging quotes across all market segments evaluated by symplr in the last 12 months. Siemens accounts for 27%, Spectrum Dynamics for 8%, and Canon Medical for 4%.
There are various imaging techniques used in molecular imaging. Most molecular imaging systems in the symplr database are PET/CT systems. Positron emission tomography (PET) is used to assess the level of biochemical activity and perfusion in the cells of organs by tracing radiopharmaceuticals injected into the patient before imaging. This technology can be integrated with CT or MR. The combination of PET with another imaging technique results in improved lesion localization, providing clinicians with both physiological and anatomical information with each imaging exam. The combined technology can also decrease the amount of imaging exams a patient will undergo throughout their care.

64-128 slice PET/CT systems are appropriate for cardiac cases, which require the most precision and clarity for images. GE, Siemens, and Canon Medical offer multiple models at various price points in this market segment. Most symplr provider customers opt for one of these systems, due to their capability for many case types. The cost of these systems ranges from $1.2 million to $4 million. GE accounts for 52% of this market segment, Siemens for 42%, and Spectrum Dynamics and Canon Medical for 3% each.

16-40 slice PET/CT systems are typically used for oncology cases. GE, Siemens, and Canon Medical offer systems in this market segment. Pricing has ranged from $700k to $1.6 million. These systems are priced lower than higher-slice systems due to their limited versatility in case types. Siemens accounts for 78% of this market segment, and GE and Canon Medical account for 11% each.

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