Operator Shielding: How and Why

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Staff are exposed to potentially high levels of radiation exposure during interventional radiology procedures. Radiation protection shielding devices should be used to help maintain personnel exposures as low as reasonably achievable. Body protection tools include lead aprons, thyroid shields, radiation protection cabins, and floor- and table-mounted shields. Eye protection tools include leaded glasses, ceiling-mounted shields, and protective patient drapes. Hand protection tools include leaded surgical gloves and protective patient drapes. For the most part, these radiation protection tools provide substantial dose reduction for personnel, with several notable exceptions. Leaded glasses without lateral protection do not provide adequate protection to operators because they are typically exposed to scatter radiation from the side. Leaded surgical gloves are not useful for hand protection when hands are placed in the primary x-ray beam. Although other radiation protection tools are effective, they come with drawbacks, including staff physical discomfort and reduced procedure efficiency. As a result, further development of new protection devices is encouraged.

Section snippets

Sources of Personnel Radiation Exposure

During interventional radiology procedures, personnel should be aware of 3 different types of ionizing radiation exposure: the primary x-ray beam, scattered x-rays, and leakage x-rays. Occupational exposure to the primary x-ray beam may occur when the operator manipulates devices positioned within the imaging field of view. Dose rates in this region are in the range of 5-20 mGy/h at the surface where the x-ray beam exits the patient during fluoroscopy. Scattered x-rays are produced within the

Radiation Protective Equipment

Various types of protective devices have been developed to shield staff from radiation exposure during interventional radiology procedures. These devices include apparel, such as aprons, thyroid shields, eyewear, and gloves. Also, mobile shields can be mounted on the floor, ceiling, and procedure table or placed on the patient. In general, shields should be used whenever possible to keep personnel exposure as low as reasonably achievable without lengthening the procedure or compromising patient

Conclusions

Ideal protective devices block all radiation from personnel without impeding access to or communication with the patient or causing physical discomfort for staff. Unfortunately, current protective equipment falls short of that ideal in varying degrees, leaving personnel to make compromises between their own protection, comfort, and efficiency. Many radiation protection tools come with drawbacks, including heavy and uncomfortable garments and shields with limited usefulness. To improve

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