Contrast Media Market – By Type, By Form, By Modality, By Route of Administration, By Indication, By Application, By End Use – Global Forecast 2025 – 2034

Contrast Media Market Size

The global contrast media market size was valued at USD 7.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 12.9 billion in 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2034. Contrast media are utilized in imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, X-ray, and ultrasound for enhancement of the differentiation between tissues, organs, and blood vessels for the diagnosis of different pathological conditions.
 

The global contrast media market is expanding remarkably owing to the enhanced scope of radiological examinations performed, both at the inpatient and outpatient departments. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases is supporting MRI, CT, and X-ray scan volumes which routinely employ contrast media aids for accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, contrast enhanced mammography (CEM) is especially useful in screening of breast cancer in women with dense breasts.
 

A 2025 study published in Clinical Breast Cancer showed that CEM detected 80% of the cancers which were detectable, far greater than the 41% detection rate of traditional 2D mammography and other imaging techniques. Given that there were 310,000 new invasive breast cancer diagnoses in the U.S in 2024, there is an urgent need for high sensitivity diagnostic breast imaging tools. Thus, market is expected to flourish during the forecast period.
 

In addition, the growing prevalence of chronic illnesses significantly fuels the contrast media market because such conditions require precise imaging for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring processes. Mounting evidence indicates that the burden of noncommunicable diseases is heavy. A study undertaken in 2022 and published in the National Library of Medicine states that NCDs are responsible for 41 million deaths a year, which is 74% of the mortality share globally. Cardiovascular diseases led to 17.9 million deaths, followed by cancer (9.3 million), chronic respiratory diseases (4.1 million) and Diabetes (2.0 million). These four groups contribute more than 80% of premature NCD deaths. Due to the diagnostic requirements posed by these conditions, there is an increasing utilization of contrast MRI, CT, and X-ray which propels the market growth.
 

 Contrast Media Market Trends

• Adoption of low-osmolar and iso-osmolar contrast agents (LOCM and IOCM) with reduced risk of adverse reactions is on the rise. For instance, GE Healthcare’s Visipaque (IOCM) is used broadly among high-risk individuals, including those with renal impairment. The use of these agents is increasing in cardiac and neuroimaging procedures.
   
• Additionally, AI is being integrated into imaging systems to optimize the use of contrast agents partially. Bayer's Calantic digital solutions, for instance, enable optimized dosage utilization, image capturing, and even workflow processes in radiology automation.
   
• Further, the 2022 iodinated contrast shortage due to lockdowns in China, is a recent instance of global shortage of contrast media. This historically drove diverse sourcing strategies. Thus, companies are investing in decentralized supply. For instance, GE Healthcare plans to spend USD 138 million on a new facility within its Carrigtwohill fill-finish site in County Cork, Ireland, enabling it to supply 25 million additional doses annually by 2027.
   
• Further, with real-time CEUS (contrast-enhanced ultrasound) vascular imaging, microbubbles-based contrast agents are gaining traction for use across dynamic liver lesion examinations and cardiac vascular profiling. Microbubbles such as Definity (Lantheus Holdings); Lumason (Bracco Imaging); and Sonovue (Bracco Imaging) are being used globally for CEUS owing to its non-invasive and live imaging features.
   

Trump Administration Tariffs

• The manufacturers of contrast media products may face increased tariffs from the Trump administration that may put in additional costs to imports from China on the medical grade ingredients as well as packaging materials used to make the contrast media products.
   
• The tariffs may also impact on the collection of iodine compounds, chelating agents, stabilizers, vials packaging plastic resins, and precision electronic components used in injector systems of vials. Multinational imaging corporations capture a significant portion of these inputs from Chinese suppliers.
   
• Due to this, businesses might reconsider their purchasing policies and try to find new suppliers based in regions that aren’t affected by tariffs such as India, South Korea, and Eastern Europe. These locations have the same standards when it comes to the pharmaceutical industry and thus can offer lower costs, which is especially important for the producers of generic contrast agents and the embedded contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) with slim operational margins.
   
• In the near term, the industry is likely to experience persistent challenges associated with elevated prices, slower product delivery, tighter stock control, and more stringent inventory management systems. Over the long term, however, these issues are enabling a gradual transition to more domestic manufacturing centers, heightened supply chain regionalization, and tailored risk sourcing strategies to recharge exposure to trade disruptions.
   

Contrast Media Market Analysis

Based on type, the market is segmented into iodinated contrast media, gadolinium-based contrast media, microbubble contrast media, and barium-based contrast media. The global market for contrast media was valued at USD 7.2 billion in 2024. The iodinated contrast media segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 65.3% in 2024.
 

• Iodinated contrast media are essential in enhancing image clarity during medical X-ray, the market for which is expected to reach USD 20.1 billion by 2032, and CT procedures by increasing the visibility of internal structures such as blood vessels and organs.
   
• Their growing use is supported by the rising prevalence of chronic conditions. According to the CDC, 6 in 10 U.S. adults have at least one chronic disease, with 4 in 10 having two or more, contributing to a healthcare burden of USD 4.5 trillion per year.
   
• Further, iodinated contrast agents work effectively with numerous imaging methods such as CT scans, angiography, venography, and urography. This flexibility enables their use in many different medical diagnostic procedures.
   
• The radiodensity of iodine contrast is about 25-30 HUs per milligram in a millilitre at a tube voltage of 100-120 kVp, which aligns with the energy levels used in diagnostic radiography. This characteristic attains a high contour distinction among various body tissues, thus improving the quality of the images, preferring the use of iodinated contrast media.
   
• In addition, the introduction of non-ionic, low-osmolality iodinated contrasts has greatly decreased the likelihood of adverse reactions associated with older ionic, high-osmolality models. These changes make the use of non-ionic media safer for patients undergoing medical procedures, further contributing to the segment’s growth.
   

Based on form, the contrast media market is segmented into liquid contrast media, powder contrast media, and other forms. The liquid contrast media segment emerged as a dominant segment in the market, accounting for 78.4% of revenue share in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 10.3 billion by 2034.
 

• The dominance of liquid contrast media is supported by their wide applications across X-ray, CT,  magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, and angiography. They are easy to administer, and their rapid distribution assists them in becoming efficient in diagnostic settings.
   
• Iodinated agents are particularly integral to CT scans, which are among the most common imaging procedures worldwide.
   
• In addition, non-ionic iodinated media also have high safety records. A study performed on 109,255 patients undergoing enhanced CT exams reported an adverse drug reaction rate to be 0.34% with the majority being mild. For these reasons liquid contrast media are safe, dependable, and aids to diagnostic capabilities.
   

Based on modality, the contrast media market is categorized into computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, and ultrasound. The computed tomography segment emerged as a dominant segment in the market, accounting for 54% of revenue share in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7.2 billion by 2034.
 

• This segment dominated the market owing to the widespread use of CT imaging. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in the U.S., contrast media is being used by 48% of the 91.4 million annual CT scans, supporting its critical role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
   
• Additionally, CT contrast agents are critical in interventional oncology, interventional cardiology, and even emergency medicine, improving the visualization and staging of certain cancers.
   
• In addition, the ongoing development of safer, more effective iodinated agents continues to strengthen the CT segment’s growth prospects while also underscoring the segment's enduring clinical importance.
   

Based on route of administration, the contrast media market is categorized into intravascular route, oral route, rectal route, and other routes of administration. The intravascular (IV) route segment emerged as a dominant segment in the market, accounting for 65.8% of revenue share in 2024.
 

• IV route segment dominates the contrast media market by route of administration owing to their wide applicability, rising scan volumes, constant innovations, and steadfast advancements.
   
• The IV contrast media segment is the backbone of the market as they are critical in improving the precision of imaging during CT, X-ray, MRI and ultrasound examinations.
   
• Further, for CT and X-ray examinations, IV administered iodinated contrast agents greatly enhance the visibility of vascular and soft tissue structures. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 3.6 billion diagnostic examinations are performed annually, including 350 million on children under the age of 15, reflecting the high demand for the use of IV contrast media.
   

Based on indication, the contrast media market is categorized into neurological disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and nephrological disorders. The neurological disorders segment emerged as a dominant segment in the market, accounting for USD 2 billion in 2024.
 

• The neurological disorders segment’s dominance is driven by the increasing global burden of neurological diseases and rising demand for advanced imaging.
   
• According to The Lancet Neurology, over 3 billion individuals globally lived with a neurological condition in 2021, with DALYs increasing by 18% since 1990. Conditions like stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy are fuelling imaging demand.
   
• In addition, one of the largest applications of contrast media in neurology is stroke imaging. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 12.2 million people experience a stroke annually, underscoring the urgent need for accurate diagnosis. CT Angiography (CTA) and MRI using gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) serve critical functions in evaluating blood flow and identifying blockages during ischemic strokes, enhancing treatment decisions and outcomes. 
   
• Further, with approximately 330,000 new brain tumor cases diagnosed annually, the demand for contrast-enhanced MRI is increasing. Gadolinium-based contrast agents, Gadobutrol and Gadoterate Meglumine, assist in delineating the tumor margins and assessing malignancy, which aids neurosurgeons in preoperative planning as well as in post-treatment monitoring. Further driving the revenue growth in the neurological disorders segment.
   

Based on application, the contrast media market is segmented into radiology, interventional radiology, and interventional cardiology. Radiology segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 70.1% in 2024.
 

• The radiology segment has a commanding lead in the market because of the ubiquitous application of contrast-enhanced CT, MRI, and X-ray procedures. According to 2022 study published by Springer journal, over 300 million scans are conducted in a year with CT scans accounting for 40% of all contrast-enhanced diagnostics.
   
• The American College of Radiology stated that in 2023, GBCAs or gadolinium-based contrast agents are integral for the MRI examination of soft tissue, brain and spinal cord structures in 40 to 50 percent of the instances.
   
• Further, the advancements of dual energy CT (DECT), functional MRI (fMRI), and AI powered imaging are accelerating this segment, alongside the growing cancer cases worldwide.
   

Based on end use, the contrast media market is segmented into hospitals, clinics, and ASCs, and diagnostic imaging center. Hospitals, clinics, and ASCs segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 62.9% in 2024.
 

• The foremost end users in the market are hospitals, clinics, and ASCs, as they have a high throughput of imaging procedures. The inpatient and emergency imaging services require a strong infrastructural backbone, which is why hospitals lead in utilization.
   
• Clinics partially serve the outpatient diagnostic sphere and focus on the cardiology and orthopedic branches. ASCs are emerging as a new rapidly growing segment performing contrast-enhanced interventional radiology and other minimally invasive procedures.
   
• Moreover, there are more than 80 million CT scans, and 40 million MRIs performed each year, with most of them conducted in hospitals and imaging clinics as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thus, the segment is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period.
   

North America: The U.S. contrast media market revenue is expected to increase considerably from USD 2.3 billion in 2024 to reach USD 3.9 billion by 2034.
 

• The growing burden of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and diseases of the nervous system are increasing the need for sophisticated and advanced contrast-enhanced imaging procedures.
   
• For example, the Global Cancer Observatory reported that about 89.1% of cancer cases were diagnosed in the US in 2022, which underscores the extensive use of contrast media in cancer detection and its importance in cancer detection using CT, MRI and angiography imaging.
   
• Additionally, the increase in Alzheimer’s disease cases in the country, along with other disorders of the nervous system, increases the demand for monitoring the progression of various diseases, which, in turn, increases the demand for contrast media across imaging centers.
   
• As stated in the Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report 2024, by 2030, there will be 8.5 million people aged 65 and older suffering from Alzheimer’s Dementia in the U.S., and this number will increase to 11.2 million by 2040. This further emphasizes the growing need for enhanced imaging procedures.
   
• High healthcare spending, innovations in delivery systems, and well-structured reimbursement policies are also aiding to the growth of the market in the U.S.
   

Europe: The UK contrast media market is projected to experience steady growth between 2025 and 2034.
 

• Enhanced investments for NHS modernization as well as maternal health departments have increased the use of contrast media in MRI and CT examinations.
   
• National Health Service (NHS) reported that the same day reporting of CT scan results increased from 81% in 2013 to 91% in 2023, which showcases the growing need and reliance on timely deciphered contrast-enhanced imaging.
   
• Further, the imaging services align with the UK's value-based healthcare system and are aimed towards advancing the quality of care and precision during the diagnosis, which further drives the use of contrast media across imaging centers in UK.
   

Asia Pacific: Japan contrast media market is poised to witness lucrative growth between 2025 – 2034.
 

• Japan leads in diagnostic imaging density, with the highest number of CT scanners per capita globally, which translates into sustained demand for iodinated and gadolinium-based contrast agents.
   
• According to the data from Statista, in 2021, Japan had 115.7 CT scanners per million people, underscoring its reliance on imaging for disease surveillance.
   
• In addition, the country’s focus on early detection, aging population, and robust imaging protocols are expected to drive continued adoption of contrast media during the forecast period.
   
• Furthermore, strategic initiatives by key players are exposing new growth opportunities, further strengthening the market expansion in Japan.
   

For instance, in April 2024, Bracco Group announced the establishment of Bracco Japan, aimed at strengthening its long-standing presence in the country.
 

Middle East and Africa: The contrast media market in Saudi Arabia is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system under Vision 2030 is boosting investment in diagnostic imaging technologies.
   
• Moreover, significant increase in ageing population can be witnessed in Saudi Arabia. There is a sharp increase in citizens aged 60 and over, which is expected to be growing from 2 million (5.9% of the total population) in 2020 to an estimated 10.5 million by 2050, intensifying the need for age-specific diagnostic imaging services.
   
• Further enhancing market growth is the rising burden of chronic conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, advancing the need for contrast agents to be used in early detection and disease monitoring in the country.
   

Contrast Media Market Share

The top 4 players in the market which include GE Healthcare, Bayer AG, Bracco Imaging, and Guerbet Group hold approximately 75% of the market share. These companies continue to lead the market due to constant spending on new imaging technologies and forging new partnerships, as well as obtaining regulatory approval to widen their imaging portfolios. Other new entrants are also using nanotechnology-based contrast agents and novel precision imaging techniques to target niche markets. Their focus on precision diagnostics and affordable imaging is heightening demand and accelerating the adoption of advanced contrast agents in emerging economies.
 

Contrast Media Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the contrast media industry include:

• Bayer
• Bracco
• GE HealthCare Technologies
• Guerbet
• Fresenius
• iMAX Diagnostic Imaging
• J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
• Jodas Expoim
• Lantheus
• Livealth Biopharma
• nanoPET Pharma
• Senochemia Pharmazeutika
• TAEJOON Pharmaceutical
• Trivitron Healthcare
• Unijules Life Sciences
   
• GE Healthcare’s portfolio includes the iodinated, gadolinium-based, and ultrasound contrast agents. The firm has strong distribution relationships with major hospitals and imaging centers across North America, Europe, and rest of the world.
   
• Gaurbet specializes in contrast agents for interventional imaging and MRI, such as Dotarem and Lipiodol, utilized in more than 70 countries. The company places a strong emphasis on R&D to develop advanced and safer next-generation contrast agents.
   
• Bracco offers one of the broadest portfolios of contrast agents across imaging modalities, which allows Bracco to serve all major diagnostic imaging markets globally including MRI, CT, ultrasound, angiography, and interventional radiology. Products such as SonoVue and Lumason ensures its dominance in the contrast-enhanced ultrasound application.
   

Contrast Media Industry News:

• In January 2025, GE HealthCare revealed that it is investing USD 138 million in expanding contrast media production capacity at its Carrigtwohill fill-finish site in County Cork, Ireland. Expected to yield an additional 25 million doses by 2027, the new 3,000 square meter facility will be capable of producing an additional 25 million doses annually by the end of 2027. In addition to supporting commercial products, the growing facility will aid propitiatory candidates and strengthen GE HealthCare’s position in the global contrast media market.
   
• In April 2024, Bracco announced the establishment of Bracco Japan, aimed at strengthening its long-standing presence in the country. Bracco Japan aims to strengthen historical presence of Bracco in Japan, in order to better serve local doctors and patients with advanced contrast agents, diagnostic imaging technologies and services, as well as incorporating injectors and other products in Japan.
   
• In April 2023, GE Healthcare Technologies announced the launch of Pixxoscan, an MRI contrast agent. With the accessibility of Pixxoscan, the radiology departments will have more access to agents that support a wide variety of MRI procedures which will further aid them in tailoring patient care.
   
• In January 2023, Bayer announced the EU approval of its iodine-based contrast agent Ultravist-300 and Ultravist-370 for use in contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) across the EU region.  The product is suitable to evaluate and detect lesions of the breast in adjunct to mammography (with or without ultrasound) or as an alternative when MRI is contraindicated or not an option.
   

The contrast media market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Iodinated contrast media
• Gadolinium-based contrast media
• Microbubble contrast media
• Barium-based contrast media

Market, By Form

• Liquid
• Powder
• Other forms

Market, By Modality

• X-ray
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Ultrasound

Market, By Route of Administration

• Intravascular route
• Oral route
• Rectal route
• Other routes of administration

Market, By Indication

• Neurological disorders
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Nephrological disorders

Market, By Application

• Radiology
• Interventional radiology
• Interventional cardiology

Market, By End Use

• Hospitals, clinics, and ASCs
• Diagnostic imaging centers

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE