Practices and regulations for radiological mass screening in the Federal Republic of Germany

Since approximately 5 years ago, a process of investigation is underway in the individual states of the Federal Republic for determining the validity of current practices and regulations for chest x-ray mass screenings. There is a trend towards change from general x-ray mass screenings to that of selected risk groups as a result of a decrease in tubercular disease cases. A generally accepted definition of 'risk groups' has not as yet been defined, so that various procedures are still being used in the individual federal states. It is commonly agreed, however, that the frequency and the extent of radiological mass screenings for the detection of tubercular disease have to be in direct correlation with the respective epidemiological situation. The International Commission on Radiological Protection has repeatedly emphasized the necessity of a regular review of chest x-ray mass screening procedures and their adaptation to respective epidemiological conditions. This demand is not only made for reasons of cost efficiency but is primarily governed by the desire to keep the radiation exposure of individuals and the general population as low as reasonably achievable