An update of the frequency and type of diagnostic x-ray examinations in Poland

This paper presents the results of a survey concerning x-ray diagnostic examinations in Poland, as the main source of radiation risk to the general population. The methods of data collection and processing were similar to that used for the previous national survey (1986). In 1995, 27,600,000 diagnostic x-ray examinations were performed in Poland (6,200,000 more than in 1986). The number of examinations per 1,000 inhabitants increased from 572 to 715 during those nine years. The age and gender structure of examined patients is discussed extensively, the numbers for 1986 and 1995 are compared. Special attention is paid to the proportion of children and adolescents in the total number of patients examined. The obtained results are also compared with the numerical data concerning other countries.