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Today we are exploring the delightful domain of ultrasound devices.

Will portable ultrasound technology dominate this market?

Let’s find out!

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Portable Ultrasounds

Portable ultrasound technology is rapidly advancing in Australia, offering medical professionals compact and cost-effective tools for point-of-care diagnostics.

These compact, handheld devices bring advanced diagnostic imaging to the bedside or field, where traditional, bulky ultrasound machines may be impractical. 

This technology is particularly beneficial in remote and rural areas, where access to traditional ultrasound facilities may be limited.

Portable ultrasounds are being used in various specialties, including emergency medicine, cardiology, obstetrics, and general practice, providing rapid and accurate diagnoses and improving patient outcomes.

Potential Impact

The Australian ultrasound devices market is worth approximately $295 million AUD as of 2024.

Provided portable ultrasound technology continues to take off and becomes a significant disruptor of this market:

In a low growth scenario, where portable ultrasounds only come to account for 30% of this market, the portable ultrasounds market segment would be worth about $88.5 million AUD.

In a high growth scenario, where portable ultrasounds come to account for 90% of this market, the portable ultrasounds market segment could be worth as much as $265.5 million AUD.

Why this WILL be disruptive:

• Increased Accessibility and Faster Diagnosis: Portable ultrasound devices can be used directly at the point of care, such as in emergency rooms, clinics, and remote or rural areas, reducing the need for patients to travel to specialised facilities. This capability is crucial in underserved regions of Australia, providing quicker access to diagnostic imaging and allowing for faster initiation of treatments that improve patient outcomes​.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Portable ultrasound systems, ranging in cost from approximately $2,400 to $7,600 AUD, are increasingly affordable and offer significant long-term savings. While the initial investment may be higher, the reduction in hospital admissions, fewer repeat tests, and more efficient workflows contribute to cost savings for smaller clinics that may not have previously afforded full-sized ultrasound equipment​.

• Technological Advancements: The rapid progress in portable ultrasound technology—such as improvements in image quality, user-friendly interfaces, dual-probe technology, and wireless compatibility with smartphones or tablets—narrow the performance gap between portable and traditional devices. These advancements enhance portability and flexibility, making handheld devices more appealing and effective for healthcare providers​.

Why this WON’T be disruptive:

• Operator Skill and Training: Effective use of portable ultrasound devices necessitates adequate training and skill among healthcare professionals. Ensuring consistent image quality and accurate interpretation can be challenging, particularly for those accustomed to traditional systems. This transition may require additional training, and any resistance to change could hinder rapid market adoption​.

• Regulatory Hurdles and Market Saturation: Stringent regulatory requirements for medical devices in Australia can impede the swift adoption of new portable ultrasound technologies. These regulatory challenges may slow the introduction of innovations and limit market growth in an already established ultrasound devices market, projected to reach $405 million AUD by 2029​.

• Limited Image Quality and Specialisation: Although portable ultrasound devices have seen significant improvements, they often still fall short of the image quality and resolution offered by larger, stationary systems. This limitation can restrict their use in specialised fields that demand high-resolution imaging, such as cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diagnostics​.