X Ray Protection Clothing

Aprons that cover a large part of the body are the most common form of X-ray protective clothing. There are also various types designed to protect specific parts of the practitioner’s or patient’s body, such as thyroid collars, gonad shields, gloves, and mittens. The main types of clothing include:

X-ray Protective Aprons: These provide front, back, and side protection for the practitioner. Some are designed for patients, such as dental X-ray protective aprons.

X-ray Protective Thyroid Collars: These protect the front of the neck (thyroid) and are fastened at the back. They are mainly used for dental panoramic and cephalometric imaging, as well as mammograms.

X-ray Protective Gonad Shields and Skirts: These are designed to protect the pelvic area of both the patient and the practitioner.

X-ray Protective Gloves and Mittens: Essential for protecting the hands, which are highly exposed in interventional X-ray procedures. Some mittens have openings on the palms so that fingers can pass through.

X-ray Protective Surgical Caps: These are worn on the head and help reduce radiation effects on the brain, especially when the source is high up or overhead.

X-ray Protective Glasses and Facial Screens: Since the crystalline lens is radiosensitive, it is important to protect it when handling X-rays or radioactive sources.

X-ray Protective Sleeves and Armpit Shields: Particularly suitable for surgeons operating under X-rays in interventional cardiology, these small leaded sleeves protect the armpit lymph nodes from oblique radiation beams.

What should we pay attention to in the management of X-ray protective clothing?

Pre-Operation Checks: Before use, check whether the size of the protective clothing is appropriate. Inspect both the inner and outer surfaces for damage, ensure that the connections of any auxiliary accessories are secure, and verify that the lead attenuation equivalent indicated on the label matches the current environment.

Wearing Protocol: Wear disposable sterile clothing underneath the protective clothing during operations to avoid direct contact between blood and the protective gear, thereby preventing cross-infection and reducing the burden during the procedure.

Post-Operation Care: After the operation, store the radiation protective clothing flat or hang it on a hanger in a well-ventilated room, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid folding the clothing, as long-term folding can cause cracks. Depending on the situation, regularly send it to the manufacturer for cleaning or use a professional detergent. It is strictly forbidden to put the protective clothing in the washing machine or to wash it with regular detergent.

X-ray protective clothing is designed to protect the human body during X-ray diagnostics. If the protective effect decreases during use, it may be due to improper use or storage in daily life. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Precautions for Use:
● Avoid Damage: It is strictly forbidden to squeeze, bump, poke, or use any sharp objects on the protective clothing.
● Proper Positioning: Do not squat, sit, lie down, or apply other forms of pressure while wearing protective clothing.
● Personal Use: Protective clothing is personal protective equipment and should not be worn by two or more people simultaneously.
● Hook and Loop Fasteners: When fastening the hook and loop of protective clothing, start from the shoulder and work downwards.
● Belt Adjustment: Do not use excessive force when buckling the belt, and do not fasten it too tightly. After buckling, check for wrinkles in the protective clothing and try to flatten them.
● Heat Safety: Keep X-ray protective clothing away from heat sources. It is forbidden to lean against heaters while wearing it, and it should not be stored or hung next to heaters.
● Storage Regulations: In a non-surgical environment, hang or store the protective clothing in a lead wardrobe according to regulations. Use a special hanger and ensure that the shoulders of the clothing align with the hanger's shoulders to distribute the weight properly. Buckles must be completely closed when hanging. Do not hang it randomly or leave the front flap suspended.

Storage Requirements:
● Indoor pH: Maintain a pH value between 6 and 7.5; avoid contact with acids, alkalis, and other chemicals.
● Heat Sources: Keep away from direct sunlight and heating sources.
● Indoor Temperature Range: Maintain a temperature between 5 and 28 degrees Celsius.
● Humidity Levels: Keep indoor humidity between 40% and 60%, and ensure that the clothing is stored at least 150 mm above the ground.
In addition to the above, after using X-ray protective clothing, gently wipe off any stains with warm water and a neutral detergent. It is strictly forbidden to use alcohol, bleach, strong acids, or strong alkalis for cleaning. Always check the composition of any cleaning solution to avoid damaging the internal materials of the protective clothing. Machine washing, dry cleaning, and high-temperature or high-pressure disinfection are strictly prohibited.

To protect technologists, doctors, and other personnel from the damaging effects of X-rays, it’s crucial to stock your facility with the appropriate radiation PPE.
Protective gear blocks X-rays using a property called “attenuation.”
Attenuation is the ability of a material to block radiation from passing through. This property is determined at the atomic level, as certain elements have low atomic densities while others are highly dense.
Flesh and muscle are composed of light elements like carbon (which has an atomic density of 12). This allows X-rays to easily pass through the body, knocking electrons out of orbit along the way.
In contrast, the elements used in radiation PPE, such as lead (atomic density of 207) and bismuth (atomic density of 209), block X-ray photons in their tracks.
Here’s a quick analogy to help you understand how this works:
Lightweight elements (e.g., carbon) are like a small empty field, and an X-ray photon is like a frisbee. Throwing a frisbee from one side of the field to the other is easy, as nothing is blocking your throw.
Now imagine filling the field with hundreds of tall trees — this represents a dense element like lead. This time, when you throw the frisbee, it will immediately strike a tree, lose its energy, and fall to the ground.
This is how heavy elements like bismuth, lead, and tungsten defend against X-rays. The tightly packed atoms in these materials prevent radiation from reaching the other side and damaging the person.

Material Composition
● Lead: The primary material used in X-ray gowns is lead or lead-equivalent materials. Lead is highly effective at blocking X-rays due to its high atomic number, which increases the probability of interaction with the radiation.
● Other Materials: Some gowns may also use alternative materials that provide similar protective qualities while being lighter and more comfortable.

Radiation Interaction
● Absorption: When X-rays encounter the lead in the gown, they are absorbed or scattered, preventing them from passing through and reaching the body.
● Shielding Effectiveness: The effectiveness of the gown in preventing radiation depends on its thickness and the energy of the X-rays being used. Thicker lead provides better protection.

Design and Coverage
● Full Coverage: X-ray gowns are designed to cover vital organs and areas most at risk during X-ray procedures. They typically wrap around the torso and may extend to cover the pelvic area.
● Proper Fit: A well-fitted gown ensures that there are no gaps where radiation could potentially penetrate.

Regulatory Standards
Standards Compliance: X-ray gowns must meet specific regulatory standards for radiation protection, ensuring they provide adequate shielding during medical imaging.