The latest annual Imaging and Radiodiagnostic statistics were published on 6 August 2014 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.

The key points from the release are:

• The total number of imaging examinations or tests, covering the period from 1st April 2013 to 31st March 2014 was 42.9 million, compared to 41.0 million imaging examinations or tests in the period from 1st April 2012 to 31st March 2013. This represents an increase of 4.6%.

• Of the imaging examinations or tests, 23.1million were X-Rays (radiographs), 10.0 million were Ultrasound, 5.2 million were Computed Tomography (CT), 2.7 million were Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), 1.3 million were Fluoroscopy and 0.6 million were Radio-isotopes.

The full release and detailed tables by provider can be found here.

The United Kingdom Statistics Authority has designated these statistics as National Statistics, in accordance with the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 and signifying compliance with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics. Designation can be broadly interpreted to mean that the statistics:

• meet identified user needs;
• are well explained and readily accessible;
• are produced according to sound methods, and
• are managed impartially and objectively in the public interest.

Once statistics have been designated as National Statistics it is a statutory requirement that the Code of Practice shall continue to be observed.