How Many Medical Imaging Scans Are Done Per Year? MRI, CT, PET, Ultrasound & X-Ray Statistics
How Many Medical Imaging Scans Are Done Per Year?
Medical imaging plays a critical role in diagnosing and monitoring health conditions.
Each year, billions of imaging scans, including MRI, CT, PET, ultrasound, and X-rays, are performed globally. But just how many of these scans take place annually?
In this guide, we’ll discuss the latest statistics on MRI, CT, PET, ultrasound, and X-rays, giving you a clearer picture of how often these imaging modalities are used.
Global Medical Imaging Statistics
The total number of medical imaging scans performed worldwide is estimated to be billions yearly. While exact numbers vary by country, here’s an estimate of annual imaging scans:
| Imaging Modality | Estimated Annual Scans (Global) |
|---|---|
| X-Ray | 3.6 - 4.2 billion |
| Ultrasound | 800 million - 1 billion |
| CT Scan | 375 - 450 million |
| MRI Scan | 150 - 200 million |
| PET Scan | 3 - 5 million |
These numbers continue to rise yearly due to advancements in medical technology, increasing healthcare access, and aging populations.
MRI Scan Statistics
✔ Worldwide Annual MRI Scans: 150 - 200 million
✔ USA Annual MRI Scans: ~40 million
✔ Europe Annual MRI Scans: ~65 million
✔ Average MRI Machines per Million People:
MRI scans are commonly used for brain, spine, joint, and soft tissue imaging, and usage continues to grow as machines become more advanced.
CT Scan Statistics
✔ Worldwide Annual CT Scans: 375 - 450 million
✔ USA Annual CT Scans: ~85 - 90 million
✔ Europe Annual CT Scans: ~130 million
✔ Most Common Uses: Brain, chest, abdomen, and trauma imaging
✔ Growth Trend: CT scan usage has increased by over 50% in the last decade due to its speed and high-resolution imaging capabilities.
PET Scan Statistics
✔ Worldwide Annual PET Scans: 3 - 5 million
✔ USA Annual PET Scans: ~2 million
✔ Europe Annual PET Scans: ~1 million
✔ Most Common Uses: Cancer detection, heart disease, and brain disorders
✔ PET-MRI Growth: Emerging hybrid PET-MRI technology improves cancer diagnostics with better soft tissue contrast.
Ultrasound Scan Statistics
✔ Worldwide Annual Ultrasounds: 800 million - 1 billion
✔ USA Annual Ultrasounds: ~150 - 180 million
✔ Europe Annual Ultrasounds: ~250 million
✔ Most Common Uses: Pregnancy, heart, abdomen, and musculoskeletal imaging
✔ Portable Ultrasound Growth: Advances in handheld ultrasound devices are making imaging more accessible globally.
X-Ray Scan Statistics
✔ Worldwide Annual X-Rays: 3.6 - 4.2 billion
✔ USA Annual X-Rays: ~600 million
✔ Europe Annual X-Rays: ~1 billion
✔ Most Common Uses: Fractures, lung infections, dental exams, and routine screenings
✔ Digital X-Ray Growth: The transition from film-based X-rays to digital imaging improves efficiency and reduces radiation exposure.
Why Are Medical Imaging Scans Increasing?
The number of medical imaging scans performed each year continues to grow due to several factors:
✔ Aging Populations – More people require imaging for chronic conditions.
✔ Technological Advancements – Newer MRI and CT machines provide faster, more detailed images.
✔ Increased Access to Healthcare – Expanding medical facilities in developing countries.
✔ Early Detection & Preventative Medicine – Routine screenings for cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
✔ Rise of AI in Radiology – AI is helping radiologists interpret images faster and more accurately.
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Citations
Global Imaging Statistics: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 3.6 billion diagnostic examinations are performed each year globally. businesswire.com
United States Imaging Statistics:
CT Scans: Over 80 million CT scans are performed annually in the United States. Harvard Health
PET Scans: In 2020, approximately 2.22 million PET scans were conducted in the United States. statista.com
European Imaging Statistics:
MRI Scans: In 2022, Germany performed 13.0 million MRI scans, France conducted 9.8 million, Spain had 5.4 million, and Italy reported 4.8 million MRI scans. European Commission
CT Scans: France reported 15.2 million CT scans in 2022, followed by Germany with 13.6 million, Spain with 6.8 million, and Italy with 6.3 million. European Commission
United Kingdom Imaging Statistics:
In January 2023, England reported 1.65 million X-ray exams, 0.81 million ultrasound exams, 0.52 million CT scans, and 0.31 million MRI scans. NHS England
Pediatric Imaging in the United States:
Approximately 5 to 9 million CT examinations are performed annually on children in the United States. cancer.gov
Global MRI Utilization:
Approximately 100-150 million MRI scans are performed worldwide each year, with the United States accounting for nearly 40 million of these scans annually. about.cmrad.com
Medical Imaging Equipment Density:
As of 2021, Japan had the largest density of CT scanners with 115.7 scanners per million people, followed by the United States. statista.com
