Pulse Oximetry Market to Grow 150 Percent by 2013

PALO ALTO, Calif.–The U.S. market for pulse oximetry is set to
grow more than 150 percent over the next six years, with both
hospitals and alternative markets like home care driving the
expansion, according to a recent report.

Frost & Sullivan’s “U.S. Pulse Oximetry Monitoring Equipment
Market” found that the market earned $201 million in 2006 and
estimates that it will hit $310 million in 2013.

According to the report, miniaturized pulse oximeters with
telemetry and/or data recording capabilities will generate revenues
in non-traditional segments like home monitoring, while versatile
bedside oximeters are likely to grow in hospitals’ low-acuity
floors.

“The home monitoring market is witnessing a boost in demand for
handheld and finger pulse oximetry,” said Frost & Sullivan
research analyst Mike Arani. “Also, due to the low cost and ease of
use, finger pulse oximeters are being promoted in non-clinical
markets such as fire rescue and military.”

The low prices of OEM SpO2 boards and reduced replacement rates
of hand-held and finger units could limit the total market revenue
growth, the analysis found. The market may also be restricted in
the hospital segment by a high level of maturity coupled with
budget limitations.

Looking into niche markets outside traditional health care and
offering cost-optimized monitors will help improve oximeters’
uptake, the research firm said. High-end products like modular
monitors were noted as promotable because they are highly versatile
as well as upgradeable.

New modular monitors can be used as bedside or portable systems
with telemetry data communication capabilities, and also by
hospitals to control costs in the long run, the report said.