Diagnostic Imaging Data set (DID)

Since 2012 the Department of Health has required the collection of diagnostic imaging activity from existing Radiology Information Systems (RISs) within the NHS. The Diagnostic Imaging Data set (DID) is a central collection of detailed information about diagnostic imaging tests carried out on NHS patients, extracted from local Radiology Information Systems (RISs) and submitted monthly.

This data helps to ensure that GPs have access to the right diagnostic tests to help them to diagnose or exclude cancer earlier. The DID therefore reports on imaging activity, referral source and timeliness.

Find out more about the data on the NHS England Diagnostic Imaging Data set webpage. 

The National Disease Registration Service (NDRS) currently has imaging data undertaken in the NHS in England for all cancers. This is linked to the main cancer registration data. This includes diagnostic imaging relevant for cancers as follows:

• chest x ray in the diagnosis of lung cancer
• non-obstetric ultrasound in the diagnosis of ovarian and other abdomino-pelvic cancers
• magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain in the diagnosis of brain cancer
• computed tomography (CT) scans in diagnosis of many cancers

Currently imaging data is available for imaging taking place from 2013 to 2019 for cancers diagnosed between 2013 and 2018.