Diagnostic x-ray examinations in Poland in 1986--frequency and type

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 acquisition and processing are described. In Poland, 21,400,000 patients (572 examinations per 1,000 inhabitants) are annually subjected to diagnostic x-ray examinations. The age and gender structure of examined patients is discussed extensively. Special attention is paid to the share of children and youth in the total number of examined patients. The obtained results are compared with the numerical data for other European countries.