Mark Enterprises

Radiation Protection Apron

Radiation protection aprons are essential garments designed to shield medical personnel and patients from unnecessary x-ray radiation exposure during diagnostic radiology procedures. These aprons come in various styles and materials, including lead, lead composite, and non-lead options, each offering different levels of protection and comfort.

Types of Radiation Protection Aprons

• Regular Lead Aprons: Contain 100% lead and provide complete protection at 80 kVp. They range between 10 and 25 pounds, depending on size and style.
• Lightweight Lead Aprons: Use a mixture of lead and other lighter weight metals, making them about 25% lighter than regular lead aprons. They typically weigh between 7 and 20 pounds.
• Non-Lead Aprons: Use 100% non-lead attenuating metals to provide complete protection. These aprons are the lightest, typically weighing between 5 and 17 pounds.

Usage and Maintenance

• Proper Use: Lead aprons should be worn in the fluoroscopy room by each person, except the patient, whose body is likely to be exposed to 5 mR/hr or more.
• Inspection: Personnel should visually inspect these devices for obvious signs of damage such as tears or sagging of lead before each use.
• Storage: Lead aprons should be kept flat or on hangers in properly designed racks to prevent defects such as internal cracks and tears.

Effectiveness

• Lead Aprons: A 0.5 mm lead apron has been shown to attenuate over 99% of the radiation dose.
• Study Findings: A study found that 0.5 mm lead aprons blocked just over one third of the radiation scattered towards the surgeon, indicating that reducing radiation use (e.g., by using robotic guidance) is a more effective strategy for minimizing exposure.

Manufacturers

• AliMed: Offers a wide range of lead aprons for radiation protection.
• INFAB: Provides high-quality radiation protection aprons, thyroid collars, glasses, gloves, mobile barriers, and more.
• Universal Medical Inc.: Carries a full line of X-ray lead aprons, including regular lead, lead composite, and non-lead options.

These aprons are crucial for ensuring safety and comfort during medical procedures involving radiation exposure.

Radiation Protection Accessories

Radiation protection accessories are designed to shield medical professionals and patients from harmful radiation during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Here are some key accessories available from various manufacturers:

• Lead Aprons: These aprons protect the torso and abdomen from radiation exposure. They are commonly used in radiology, interventional radiology, and dental practices.

• Leaded Eyewear: Specialized glasses or goggles that protect the eyes from radiation. They are essential for medical professionals who work in environments where radiation exposure is a risk.

• Thyroid Collars: These collars protect the thyroid gland from radiation exposure. They are often used in conjunction with lead aprons to provide comprehensive protection.

• Lead Gloves: Gloves designed to protect the hands from radiation, particularly useful in interventional radiology and veterinary radiography.

• Apron Racks: Storage systems that keep lead aprons organized and easily accessible. They also protect the aprons from damage when not in use.

• Mobile Barriers: Portable shields that can be moved around to protect patients and staff in various medical settings.

• Patient Shields: These shields are used to protect specific parts of a patient’s body from unnecessary radiation exposure during imaging procedures.

• Thermoregulation Features: Some aprons, like those from Burlington Medical, include features such as Outlast® technology to regulate body temperature and reduce sweat, enhancing comfort during long procedures.

These accessories are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of both medical professionals and patients in radiation-intensive environments.