National survey in diagnostic radiology in Bulgaria 2007-2009

The paper presents the current status of Diagnostic Radiology in Bulgaria. The total number of X-ray systems in 2009 is 2490, with 55.8 % contribution of conventional radiography and fluoroscopy systems, 25.5 % of dental, 7.8 % of computed tomography and 6.9 % of mammography systems. Old X-ray equipment still constitutes a considerable part of the total number, including also high dose CT and angiography systems. The paper presents analysis of results of a large scale national survey of patient doses in Diagnostic Radiology, performed in the period 2007 - 2009, which covered conventional radiography, mammography, fluoroscopy, including interventional radiology, and computed tomography. Variations in patient dose of up to 18 % were found between departments for the same X-ray procedure. New national diagnostic reference levels for 17 X-ray procedures are presented. The total collective dose of the Bulgarian population was estimated to be 3191 man.Sv. Computed tomography has the highest contribution (30.1 %), followed by conventional radiography (27.3 %), fluoroscopy (20 %) and interventional radiology (9 %). The next national survey should be performed in 2013-2014. The assurance of quality diagnostics at minimum exposure of patients and staff should be of constant concern for the radiological society