The defect rate for X-ray equipment in Germany rose slightly to 13 percent in 2025. A good one in eight X-ray equipment has deficiencies in independent safety tests. This is the result of the “TÜV Röntgenreport 2026”.

The experts of the TÜV organizations tested 15,333 X-ray machines nationwide. They found defects in 2,037 devices and documented a total of 2,794 complaints. Of the deficiencies, 17 percent were serious, 52 percent were significant and 31 percent were minor. Serious deficiencies that greatly increase the risk to patients generally preclude continued operation until they have been remedied.

A particularly large number of devices come from human and dental medicine. In dental medicine, the deficiency rate was 16 percent, in human medicine 14 percent. Common problems concern image quality, especially damaged or dirty imaging plates, as well as deficiencies in radiation protection such as missing dose indicators or inadequate protective equipment.

Dr. Alexander Schröer, radiation protection expert of the TÜV Association, explained that X-rays are an indispensable tool in medicine, but every image also means radiation exposure. Therefore, devices and their use must be controlled particularly carefully. With increasing digitization and the use of AI in image evaluation, the quality of the underlying images is becoming increasingly important.

The TÜV Association is calling for more quality assurance in the operation of X-ray machines. Regular independent inspections are not a bureaucratic burden, but a central prerequisite for safe radiation protection. In addition, there is a need for qualification among operators, service companies and supervisory authorities. Coordination between the federal and state governments in the implementation of regulatory requirements should be improved in order to ensure uniform standards.

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Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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