A method of and an apparatus for recording and reading out radiation image information. The apparatus includes a circulatory feed system for feeding stimulable phosphor sheets each capable of recording radiation image information along a predetermined circulatory feed path, an image recording unit for exposing the stimulable phosphor sheets to a radiation through an object to record the radiation image information of the object on the stimulable phosphor sheets, an image readout unit having a stimulating light source for emitting stimulating light to scan the stimulable phosphor sheets with the radiation image information recorded thereon and a photoelectric readout device for detecting light emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheets scanned by the stimulating ligth to produce image signals, and an image erase unit for discharging remaining radiation energy from the stimulable phosphor sheets after the images have been read therefrom by the image readout unit and before new radiation images are recorded on the stimulable phosphor sheets by the image recording unit. Prior to successive recording of images on the stimulable phosphor sheets, any remaining images and dust are erased from the sheets, and the sheets are checked for defects or scratches thereon. Any sheet bearing such a defect is controlled to skip image recording, readout, and erasing steps. The frequency of erasing the remaining image on a stimulable sheet in the erasing step is controlled dependent on the amount of the radiation to which the object is exposed.