When getting radio logical imaging, a common practice is to use x-ray lead shields. This is to minimize exposure from room scatter and tube leakage. This is especially important to patients of reproductive age. Without the reduction of exposure to radiation doses, the procedure has the potential to create germ cell mutations. This can be passed onto future generations.
The shields are also protection against thyroid cancer. While it has been scientifically proven the risk is low, the practice is employed anyway. Studies show low risk, but they also see the process as prudent. It’s a common-sense preventative measure to use x-ray lead shields to protect the thyroid. It’s an easy-to-apply solution and the costs to implement the process are relatively inexpensive.
While lead aprons are applied, it is with the understanding exposure to lead beams are low. But for professionals, it is understood the devices should be applied as an occupational precaution. This is a clinician who is continuously treating patients and multiplying their exposure to radiation consistently. The shield has the potential to stop in the vicinity of 90% of the radiation from entering the body.
X-ray lead shields are extremely efficient when it comes to absorbing diagnostic x rays. These instruments keep with the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) guidelines. In some cases, the shield does not even need to be worn. It can hang from a ceiling or be draped. What matters is the shield is placed between the user and the radiation source.