The global mobile medical imaging services market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.23% through 2021, according to a new report from Research and Markets.

To calculate the market size, the report considered the services offered by medical mobile imaging service providers, representing mobile MRI, mobile CT, mobile PET/CT, and others, on a part-time or full-time contract basis.

According to the report, the market has seen increased strategic collaborations and mergers and acquisitions. The report also found that mobile imaging equipment, such as PET and CT imaging systems, are capital-intensive devices. Hospitals purchasing these expensive devices also need to bear additional costs, such as staffing and maintenance costs.

While large hospitals with high usage volumes can afford to invest in purchasing the imaging devices, the small- and medium-sized hospitals and clinics may prefer to partner with mobile imaging service providers, the report found.