X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a standard imaging technique used in medicine. Outside of the hospital, CT has also found a home in the lab, primarily in the form of systems designed to analyze much smaller samples. These microCT systems provide high-quality three-dimensional imaging of samples. The technique, for either large or small samples, involves recording multiple X-ray images of the sample from different angles. Software reconstruction then assembles the data into cross-sections or a three-dimensional model. As in a standard X-ray radiograph, materials with higher densities and average atomic number block more X-rays, providing the contrast seen in the image.

There are two broad classes of applications for microCT. Materials science applications use the ability of X-rays to see inside samples to image internal structures in electronic components, ceramics, composites, medical devices, geological samples and even fossils. Many of the instruments are not just optimized for small samples but offer the capabilities of a CT microscope, resolving features on the nanoscale. The primary market for these instruments is academia, and advanced materials and components research labs in various industries.

MicroCT has important life science applications as well. The most prominent of them is the capability to image live animals. Thus, there are scanners that are dedicated to performing microCT on in vivo animal subjects. These products can be applied to basic research and preclinical drug development. MicroCT offers excellent anatomical detail of the research subjects. The use of various CT contrast agents can help provide better imagery of the subject. However, many applications depend on information about the distribution of molecules of interest in the body. Such measurements are better suited to other molecular-imaging modalities. Many preclinical imaging systems now provide multiple imaging modes on a single instrument. MicroCT is often chosen for the anatomical detail it provides. While academia is a strong market for preclinical imaging microCT, pharmaceutical labs and other developers of therapeutic devices are also a source of demand.

Several of the primary vendors of microCT, such as GE and Siemens, are also leaders in the medical CT market. However, the CT and microCT businesses are distinct and call for different channels. For instance, GE Healthcare partnered with Gamma Medica for the distribution of microCTs for preclinical imaging, while GE Measurement and Control markets different microCT products for materials science applications. Bruker recently entered the market through its acquisition of Skyscan (see IBO 4/15/12). Hitachi High-Technologies entered the market in March 2011 with its acquisition of Aloka. Other microCT vendors include Caliper Life Sciences (PerkinElmer), Carestream Health, Scanco Medical, VAMP/Raytest and Xradia. The 2011 market demand for microCT was approximately $80 million.

MicroCT at a Glance:

Leading Suppliers

• GE/Gamma Medica

• Siemens

• Bruker (Skyscan)

Largest Markets

• Academia

• Pharmaceutical

• Electronics

Instrument Cost

• $250,000–$1 million