Forensic Imaging Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Modality (X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound), By Application (Death Investigations, Clinical Studies), By End-use (Forensic Institutes, Hospitals), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Forensic Imaging Market Size & Trends

The global forensic imaging market size was valued at USD 84.4 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2024 to 2030. Increasing preference for virtopsy or virtual autopsy over traditional autopsy method is one of the major drivers for the market growth. Increasing awareness regarding the value of virtual autopsy as an alternative or supplement to the traditional “body opening” autopsy has boosted the market growth. The application of cross-sectional imaging modalities such as MRI, CT, X-ray, and ultrasound in the forensic examination has facilitated post-mortem medical investigations to be performed quickly and minimally invasive. In addition, integration with artificial intelligence and expanding applications of the imaging modalities in the identification of the deceased and matching of severed body parts is expected to open new avenues of market growth.

Minimally invasive nature of virtual autopsies is attracting large number of professionals towards choosing it over conventional method. The procedure involves use of advanced radiological assistance such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to scan the body of deceased. It is believed to deliver better insights than conventional autopsies that are specific, sensitive and accurate. In addition, when the risk of infections or contaminations is identified as high, professionals opt of virtual autopsy process. Easy access and availability of imaging technology is developed economies, enhanced healthcare infrastructures, and increasing number of pathological postmortems are expected to drive growth for this market in approaching years. A virtual autopsy is a non-invasive technique, which is becoming a preferred choice for communities against the traditional autopsy. For instance, the Buddhist culture in Japan does not favor autopsy. Whereas, the religious beliefs of Muslims, Jews, and some Native Americans do not support conventional autopsy either.

The increasing preference for virtual autopsy in judiciary systems is anticipated to expand the use of the forensic imaging modalities. At times, the photo evidence developed from a traditional autopsy procedure is very disturbing and gruesome for lay viewers, thus impeding its acceptability in court proceedings. In such cases, 3D reconstructed images with necessary markings developed through the usage of modern imaging technologies are more palatable and appreciated by judges. Moreover, the digitalization of the evidence enables data storage and prevents its vulnerability towards tampering.

The increasing global crime rate, lack of human resources in medical examiner offices, and the advent of advanced technology are the factors expected to drive the growth of the market. For instance, Virtobot, an integrated robotic system comprising of MRI, CT, Angiography, and navigation systems equipment with documentation and 3D simulation software provides forensic information without mutilating the body.

Modality Insights

X-ray held the largest market share and accounted for 54.0% in 2023. The imaging modality was considered as the gold standard for the identification of the deceased body in forensic medicine. The primary indication for X-ray scans in forensic includes gunshot, air embolism, and motor crash deaths. The increasing usage of modern imaging equipment such as CT and MRI with time has contributed to its declining installation rate. However, in developing and undeveloped regions of the world, limited accessibility and affordability to imaging technologies, X-ray still finds its usage in forensic imaging.

Computed tomography (CT) is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.9% from 2024 to 2030. A postmortem CT examination can more precisely locate lesions and fractures in complex regions such as the spine, neck, face, and pelvis of the corpse, compared to traditional autopsy. In addition, the practice of CT examination prior autopsy to narrow down the autopsy scope is getting wider acceptance owing to the cost and time benefits. For instance, if a CT scan signifies that a car accident victim died due to head trauma and has a normal pelvis and abdomen, then the autopsy would be limited to the head region.

MRI is not widely used in forensic imaging because of its high cost, complexity, and presence of stringent protocols for imaging. An MRI is often recommended as an adjunct to CT scans due to its ability to deliver excellent soft tissue contrast images of the neurological tissue such as the brain and spine. Moreover, limitations such as single body part scan at a time and requirement of specific body conditions have kept the utilization rate of MRI in forensic imaging low.

Application Insights

The death investigations accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023. The increasing number of unnatural deaths such as suicide, murders, and accidental trauma has contributed to the segment’s largest market share. Moreover, strong evidence requirement by the court, underlying the exact cause of death in cases lacking proper eyewitness, has fueled the utilization of virtual autopsy.

The clinical studies segment is expected to experience a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This segment is primarily driven by using forensic imaging technology in research centers, organ donor’s examinations, criminal investigations for academic purposes, and more. In addition, rare yet significant discoveries related to newly identified diseases and infections are expected to develop lucrative opportunities for the segment.

End-use Insights

Forensic institutes dominated the market in 2023. Multiple forensic institutes across the world are increasingly engaged in research activities related to the use of forensic imaging in numerous applications. This has resulted in a growing number of installations of forensic imaging systems. The Victoria Institute of Pathology Sydney and Institute of Forensic Medicine Denmark have already installed CT scanners for forensic imaging purposes.

The hospital segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.1% from 2024 to 2030 as hospitals are equipped with all specific requirements such as floor space, technical staff, capital, pathologist, and radiologist for performing a virtual autopsy under one roof. In addition, problems such as cost, risk, and time associated with the transfer of corpse to forensic institutes for the investigation will lead to an increase in the adoption of forensic imaging tools in hospitals in the coming years.

Regional Insights

North America forensic imaging market accounted the market with a revenue share of 25.40% in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Rising rate of criminal activities, rapidly growing number of traumatic deaths, and increasing inclusion of forensic imaging in virtual autopsies in expected to drive growth in the region.

U.S. Forensic Imaging Market Trends

The U.S. forensic imaging market dominated the global market with a share of 20.0% in 2023. The U.S. is expected to show huge demand for additional pathologists at autopsy examiner centers in the coming years to cope with the heavy workload. This is anticipated to increase the adoption of advanced imaging technologies in autopsy centers, which, in turn, will help them to lower the number of unnecessary autopsies performed.

Asia Pacific Forensic Imaging Market Trends

The  dominated the market with revenue share of 25.8% in 2023 and is anticipated to witness noteworthy growth in the coming years. Increasing inclination towards virtual autopsies over conventional autopsies, availability of advanced imaging equipment in the region, less distressing procedural steps and enhancement in healthcare infrastructure is expected to fuel growth in the coming years.

Key Forensic Imaging Company Insights

Some of the key companies in the forensic imaging market include Canon Medical Informatics, Inc.; Bruker; Neusoft Corporation; Shimadzu Corporation; FUJIFILM. Key companies are stressing research and development to make CT imaging more accessible and affordable for forensic centers. For instance, in Jan 2019, Cannon launches a low cost and compact-sized 16 slice CT scanner called “Aquilion Start CT” suited for forensic imaging services at the event called Arab Health 2019. The market players are adopting various strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, product launch, entering joint ventures, and development of low-cost equipment especially for developing economies to gain market share.

• Canon Medical Informatics, Inc., a major participant in diagnostic technology solutions industry, offers health imaging informatics solutions such as equipment & systems, enterprise imaging solutions, and predictive analytics tools.

Recent Developments

• In March 2024, GA-EMS introduced the Full Spectrum Imaging System (FSIS) Crime Scene Examiner (FSIS-CSE). It is the newest system in the General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) crime scene latent evidence detection & image capture systems portfolio.

Forensic Imaging Market Report Scope

Global Forensic Imaging Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global forensic Imaging market report based on modality, application, end-use, and region.

• Modality Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • X-ray

  • CT

  • MRI

  • Ultrasound

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Death Investigations

  • Clinical Studies

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Forensic Institutes

  • Hospitals

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Sweden

    • Norway

    • Denmark

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Thailand

    • Australia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait