Lead Garments

Have you ever had any of the following questions concerning Lead garments?

How long does a lead apron need to be? Does it need to cover the femurs? Does it need to be a wrap-around if I routinely have my back to the fluoroscopy table?

With regard to types of leaded aprons, I strongly recommend a wrap-around or coat-type apron to reduce exposures to the bone marrow in the vertebrae and critical organs in the trunk when your back is toward the fluoroscopy unit. A very good option is a combination vest and skirt apron, which wraps around the body and distributes the weight across the shoulders and hips. Nearly all the critical organs can be shielded by a lead apron that has a length to about mid-femur. The bone marrow not shielded by a standard leaded apron is in the skull, cervical vertebrae, and long bones of the arms and lower long bones of the legs.

Why is Lead Shielding Important?

The cancer risks from low-level, low-dose-rate radiation exposure are based on the doses to various radiosensitive critical organs. The major critical organs include the gonads, breast, active bone marrow, lungs, thyroid, bone surfaces, and, to a lesser degree, various other organs in the trunk of the body. Except for various regions of active bone marrow and the brain, these body parts have a small associated risk from radiation exposure,

If the chances of damage to reproductive organs from x-rays are so small, why do patients have to wear protective aprons?

Leaded aprons are used for diagnostic x-ray procedures to protect those portions of the body that are not involved in the image. The risk to the patient from diagnostic doses is very small and may even be zero. However, the apron is used in an application of the ALARA concept: the dose should be kept As Low As Reasonably Achievable. The apron is inexpensive and carries no discomfort or risk. Although it may be unnecessary for many very low-dose procedures such as chest or dental x rays, it is a prudent practice.