Portable X-ray machines play a crucial role in healthcare, often being the decisive factor between life and death, according to radiographer Sam Pilkington. While traditional X-rays are typically conducted in hospitals, portable machines are especially beneficial for acutely unwell patients or situations requiring infection control. Pilkington, a final-year student at the University of the West of England and a member of the Institute of Physics, emphasizes the significance of these devices in reducing the transportation burden on patients, as the X-ray equipment can be brought to them. The advantages extend to remote locations such as battlefields, disaster zones, and roadsides. The global portable X-ray market, valued at $7.1 billion (£5.6 billion) last year, is anticipated to double to $14 billion by 2028, with the COVID-19 pandemic driving increased adoption. In essence, there are two main categories of portable X-ray machines: mobile units on wheels and ultraportable devices, which can be carried by a single person.
In developing nations like the Philippines and Nigeria, portable X-ray systems are revolutionizing tuberculosis (TB) screening, a preventable and curable disease causing approximately 1.3 million deaths annually. Traditionally, a chest X-ray has been the most effective TB screening tool, but accessibility was hindered by a lack of hospitals, especially in remote and nomadic communities. The Stop TB Partnership, representing over 1,500 global entities, emphasizes the transformative impact of portable X-ray machines equipped with artificial intelligence. These devices enable on-the-spot detection, overcoming historical barriers and facilitating quicker and more accurate readings, marking a significant advancement in community healthcare.