Global Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Global Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Segmentation, By Type (SPECT Radiopharmaceuticals, PET Radiopharmaceuticals), Application (SPECT Applications, PET Applications), Procedure (Central Nervous System, Endocrine, Skeletal, Gastrointestinal, Genito-urinary, Pulmonary), End User (Hospitals and diagnostic Centers, Research Institutes) - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2032

Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Size

• The global nuclear medicine diagnostics market size was valued at USD 7.98 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 17.87 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 10.60% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fueled by the increasing adoption of advanced imaging technologies and technological progress in radiopharmaceutical development, leading to improved accuracy and efficiency in both oncological and cardiological diagnostics. These innovations are enhancing disease detection, monitoring, and treatment planning in both hospital and outpatient settings
• Furthermore, rising consumer demand for early and non-invasive diagnostic solutions, coupled with an aging population and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, is establishing nuclear medicine diagnostics as a preferred imaging modality. These converging factors are accelerating the uptake of PET and SPECT-based imaging systems, thereby significantly boosting the industry's growth

Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Analysis

• Nuclear medicine diagnostics—based on radiopharmaceuticals and advanced imaging modalities—are pivotal for the early detection and treatment monitoring of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and neurological disorders
• The rising global prevalence of chronic diseases, coupled with continuous innovation in radiotracers (e.g., F‑18, Tc‑99m) and hybrid imaging systems (PET‑CT, SPECT‑CT), is fueling growing demand for nuclear medicine diagnostics
• North America dominated the nuclear medicine diagnostics market, holding a 52.01% share in 2024, supported by strong healthcare infrastructure, early adoption of advanced imaging technologies, favorable reimbursement policies, and high procedural volumes in the U.S.
• Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region in the nuclear medicine diagnostics market during the forecast period, driven by increasing healthcare investments, expanding diagnostic imaging infrastructure, government support for radiopharmaceutical production, and rising awareness about early disease detection in countries such as China, India, and Japan
• SPECT Applications dominated the nuclear medicine diagnostics market with a revenue share of 61.3% in 2024, attributed to their high utility in cardiovascular disease detection, renal scans, and bone assessments. Their widespread clinical use across diagnostic centers sustains their market dominance

Report Scope and Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Segmentation      

Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Trends

Enhanced Accuracy and Workflow Efficiency Through AI Integration

• A significant and accelerating trend in the global nuclear medicine diagnostics market is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into diagnostic imaging platforms, enabling enhanced image interpretation, early disease detection, and improved workflow automation for clinicians
• AI-powered tools are increasingly being deployed in PET and SPECT imaging systems to automate image reconstruction, detect anomalies, and quantify lesions with greater precision—reducing interpretation time and minimizing human error
• For instance, next-generation radiology software can now assist nuclear medicine professionals by flagging abnormal scan patterns, predicting disease progression, and even recommending personalized treatment pathways based on historical imaging and patient data
• Moreover, AI is being used to optimize radiopharmaceutical dosing and scheduling, reducing patient wait times and enhancing scanner utilization rates in high-volume diagnostic centers. This streamlining of operational workflows leads to increased throughput and cost efficiency
• The adoption of AI-enabled imaging platforms also supports standardization across multi-center clinical trials and diagnostic procedures, particularly valuable in oncology and neurology where consistent quantification and monitoring are essential
• The ongoing advancement of AI in nuclear medicine diagnostics is fundamentally reshaping clinician expectations—shifting from basic visual interpretation to a data-driven, decision-support model, which is accelerating both diagnosis and treatment planning globally

Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Dynamics

Driver

Growing Need Due to Rising Chronic Disease Burden and Demand for Early Diagnosis

• The increasing global prevalence of chronic conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders is significantly driving demand for nuclear medicine diagnostics. As early and accurate detection becomes critical for effective treatment planning, healthcare systems are increasingly turning to PET and SPECT imaging modalities
• For instance, in April 2024, Lantheus announced an advancement in its radiopharmaceutical pipeline aimed at improving early-stage prostate cancer detection. Such developments by key players are expected to boost the nuclear medicine diagnostics industry throughout the forecast period
• With an aging population and growing awareness of preventive healthcare, patients and healthcare providers are seeking more precise, non-invasive imaging solutions. Nuclear imaging offers unique advantages in identifying metabolic activity at the molecular level, helping detect diseases before structural changes become visible
• The growing emphasis on personalized medicine and targeted therapies further propels demand for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals that provide patient-specific insights, making nuclear medicine an indispensable tool in modern diagnostics
• In addition, increasing investments in hybrid imaging systems (such as PET/CT and PET/MRI) and the expanding use of radioisotopes in clinical applications are accelerating the adoption of nuclear medicine across both developed and emerging economies

Restraint/Challenge

Radioisotope Supply Shortages and High Operational Costs

• A major challenge facing the nuclear medicine diagnostics market is the limited and inconsistent supply of key medical isotopes, such as Technetium-99m and Fluorine-18. These isotopes are critical for a wide range of diagnostic procedures but depend on aging nuclear reactors and complex global supply chains
• For instance, temporary shutdowns of major isotope-producing facilities in Canada and Europe have previously led to diagnostic delays, highlighting the vulnerability of the supply infrastructure
• Furthermore, the high costs associated with setting up and maintaining nuclear imaging infrastructure, including cyclotrons and radiopharmacies, can be a barrier to adoption—especially in resource-constrained or rural healthcare settings
• Ensuring the development of alternate isotope production methods, decentralization of radiopharmaceutical supply, and government support for infrastructure upgrades will be vital to overcoming these challenges and ensuring sustained market growth

Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of type, application, procedure, and end user.

• By Type

On the basis of type, the nuclear medicine diagnostics market is segmented into SPECT Radiopharmaceuticals and PET Radiopharmaceuticals. SPECT Radiopharmaceuticals held the largest market share of 59.8% in 2024, primarily due to their widespread use in cardiology, bone imaging, and thyroid assessments. Their relatively lower cost and accessibility across hospitals have contributed to their dominance.

PET Radiopharmaceuticals are expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 10.6% from 2025 to 2032. This growth is driven by the rising adoption of PET imaging for early cancer diagnosis and brain imaging, alongside advancements in tracer development and availability of hybrid PET/CT systems.

• By Application

On the basis of application, the nuclear medicine diagnostics market is segmented into SPECT Applications and PET Applications. SPECT Applications accounted for the largest revenue share of 61.3% in 2024, attributed to their high utility in cardiovascular disease detection, renal scans, and bone assessments. Their widespread clinical use across diagnostic centers sustains their market dominance.

PET Applications are projected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period. The increasing incidence of cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, combined with the superior sensitivity and specificity of PET imaging, are key drivers behind this growth.

• By Procedure

On the basis of procedure, the nuclear medicine diagnostics market is segmented into central nervous system, endocrine, skeletal, gastrointestinal, genito-urinary, and pulmonary procedures. The Skeletal segment held the largest market share of 27.5% in 2024, due to the high volume of bone scans performed for cancer metastasis, arthritis, and orthopedic evaluations. This procedure remains a staple in nuclear medicine diagnostics.

The Central Nervous System segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 10.9% from 2025 to 2032, driven by the increasing burden of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and epilepsy. PET and SPECT imaging are being increasingly integrated into early diagnostic workflows for CNS disorders.

• By End User

On the basis of end user, the nuclear medicine diagnostics market is segmented into hospitals and diagnostic centers and research institutes. Hospitals and diagnostic centers dominated the market with a share of 87.4% in 2024, owing to the growing number of diagnostic procedures, integrated nuclear medicine departments, and reimbursement support for radiopharmaceutical-based imaging.

Research Institutes are anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 9.7% during the forecast period, as ongoing innovations in radiopharmaceutical development, clinical trials, and academic collaborations continue to drive the adoption of advanced nuclear imaging techniques in research settings.

Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Regional Analysis

• North America dominated the nuclear medicine diagnostics market with the largest revenue share of 52.01% in 2024, driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, robust healthcare infrastructure, and early adoption of advanced imaging modalities such as PET and SPECT
• In addition, favorable reimbursement policies and strong R&D investments by both public and private sectors support sustained market growth in the region

• The demand for nuclear medicine diagnostics is reinforced by the increasing use of radiopharmaceuticals in oncology, cardiology, and neurology, as well as the development of novel tracers and hybrid imaging technologies. This growth is further bolstered by collaborations between research institutions and imaging centers to advance personalized diagnostic techniques

U.S. Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Insight

The U.S. nuclear medicine diagnostics market accounted for the largest revenue share of 55% in North America in 2024, supported by the country’s leadership in diagnostic imaging advancements, high procedural volumes, and significant government and private sector investments in cancer and cardiac diagnostics. Continuous FDA approvals of new radiopharmaceuticals and the integration of AI into imaging systems are fueling growth further.

Europe Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Insight

The Europe nuclear medicine diagnostics market is projected to grow steadily throughout the forecast period, driven by increasing adoption of advanced imaging systems and rising cancer prevalence across major economies. Government initiatives supporting diagnostic infrastructure, along with stringent regulatory oversight ensuring high-quality care, are major contributors to regional growth.

U.K. Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Insight

The U.K. nuclear medicine diagnostics market is expected to expand at a notable CAGR during the forecast period, fueled by expanding healthcare access, a high burden of chronic diseases, and NHS-led efforts to improve early diagnostic services. Rising demand for hybrid imaging solutions in oncology and neurological disorders continues to support the expansion of the nuclear medicine field in the U.K.

Germany Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Insight

The Germany nuclear medicine diagnostics market is forecasted to grow at a considerable CAGR, supported by the country's focus on precision medicine and sustainable healthcare solutions. Germany’s strong pharmaceutical and imaging technology sectors are helping drive innovation in radiopharmaceutical development and diagnostic imaging integration, particularly in cancer and cardiac care.

Asia-Pacific Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Insight

The Asia-Pacific nuclear medicine diagnostics market is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, driven by increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, expanding diagnostic capabilities, and rising awareness of early disease detection. Key countries such as China, Japan, and India are prioritizing nuclear medicine imaging for oncology and neurological applications due to rising disease incidence and supportive government initiatives.

Japan Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Insight

The Japan nuclear medicine diagnostics market is gaining momentum, supported by the country’s aging population and strong inclination toward cutting-edge healthcare technologies. Japan continues to invest in hybrid imaging systems and novel radiopharmaceutical research, with growing demand from oncology centers and academic hospitals aiming to improve precision diagnostics.

China Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Insight

The China nuclear medicine diagnostics market held the largest share of the Asia-Pacific market in 2024, driven by rapid urbanization, increased healthcare spending, and a growing middle class seeking access to advanced diagnostics. Domestic production of radiopharmaceuticals, along with supportive national healthcare reforms, is helping expand the use of nuclear medicine in cancer screening and treatment planning.

Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market Share

The nuclear medicine diagnostics industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• Cardinal Health (U.S.)
• General Electric (U.S.)
• Lantheus (U.S.)
• Bayer AG (Germany)
• Bracco Diagnostic Inc. (Italy)
• NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, LLC (U.S.)
• Eckert & Ziegler (Germany)
• Jubilant DraxImage, Inc. (Canada)
• PharmaLogic Holdings Corp. (U.S.)
• Institute of Isotopes Co., Ltd (Hungary)
• SHINE Medical Technologies, LLC (U.S.)
• Global Medical Solutions LLC (China)

Latest Developments in Global Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics Market

• In March 2022, Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) announced the opening of a private nuclear medicine facility in northern Malaysia. On the local market, this debut is projected to have a favourable effect. However, the high price tag attached to these therapies may limit market expansion as lower-income populations in developing nations may not be able to afford such treatment
• In May 2024, South Africa inaugurated NuMeRI—the continent’s first dedicated Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure, at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria. This world-class facility supports advanced clinical research and drug development in oncology and tuberculosis, positioning South Africa as a leading hub in nuclear medicine diagnostics
• In June 2025, AIIMS Raipur (India) installed an automated radiosynthesizer and Gallium generator, enabling in‑house production of advanced PET radiotracers (e.g. PSMA, DOTA, FAPI, Exendin). This upgrade enhances diagnostic precision, promotes personalized cancer therapy, and strengthens the institute’s nuclear medicine capabilities

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