To analyze the distribution of radiodiagnosis resources in China and provide data support for further optimizing the allocation of radiodiagnosis resources and improving the weaknesses in radiation protection.

The survey was carried out in accordance with the unified plan and using questionnaires of the national medical radiation protection monitoring program issued from 2017 to 2019. The survey included all medical institutions performing radiodiagnosis in China. The survey indicators included distribution of medical institutions performing radiodiagnosis, number of equipment, number of radiation workers and other information, the allocation of radiation protection equipment and the frequency of radiodiagnosis. The survey was performed using questionnaire survey and reported through the national medical radiation protection monitoring information system. In terms of the organization code, the name of the organizations excludes those repeatedly reported. The original data was exported in the form of excel table from the database for the purpose of statistical analysis.

By the end of 2019, except Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions and military systems, there were 68 924 diagnostic radiology medical institutions in China, 147 913 diagnostic radiology equipment, accounting for 91.7% of the total pieces of nationwide diagnostic radioprotective equipment. There are 367 201 radiologists in China, accounting for 76.1% of 406 830 radiologists in all medical institutions, with high allocation rate of radiation protection equipment. However, the allocation rate in first-class hospitals was the lowest among all levels of hospitals. The piece of protection equipment was increased with the grade of hospital. From perspective of of economic development level, the highest was found in the eastern region, with the lowest in the central and northeast region, both of which are about 90%.

The current status of radiodiagnosis and protection was ascertained basically through this three-year round of survey, with a large number of survey data accumulated. This survey provides data support for the development of relevant protection policies and standards at national and provincial levels. Survey data indicated that there are still nearly 1 000 direct fluorescent screen fluoroscopy machines in use in China. Relevant policies and standards should be established to gradually phase out the equipment with serious radiation hazards.

Medical radiation monitoring; Radiation diagnosis; Radiation protection