Lead aprons are one of the parts of essential supplies for anybody who works around x-rays and also for people who go in to get an x-ray as part of a diagnostic procedure.
X-rays are very energetic and they can be harmful. Leads work as a shield against radiation exposure because the materials of lead can actually block the intense energy of radiation. Lead is a material that provides excellent protection against electromagnetic radiation, like x-rays.
What type of lead should be in your radiation protection apron?
Selecting the best x ray lead aprons for your radiation protection is very simple, and it is really limited to three choices. Regular lead, non-lead materials, or a hybrid of the two.
If you are wearing your radiation cover apron for long periods of time, regular lead is not the best first choice because it is the heaviest among the lead options. But if you wear your lead apron for short periods, choose regular lead aprons.
Hybrid lead is made of regular lead and non-lead attenuating materials. Usually, hybrid lead is nearly 15-20% lighter than regular lead.
Non-lead is the clear choice for lightweight radiation protection aprons. This lead choice is the best for the radiologist or any other situation where you are wearing your apron for long periods of time.
Identifying the Different Style Options
Now that we are aware of the protection and coverage provided by the three main types of x-ray aprons, we can examine the specific advantages associated with each apron style in more detail.
Frontal Defense
Frontal aprons made for specialized applications, closure options, and back types are all available in X-ray aprons that offer frontal protection. There are three different types of closures for front protection x-ray aprons: buckle closure, strap closure (tie style), and velcro closure.
When selecting the proper x-ray apron back type, there are a number of things to take into account, such as the weight of the apron, the duration of the procedure, and the kinds of procedures carried out.
There are many different x-ray apron back types available. Pregnancy aprons (1.00mm Pb equivalency over the fetal area) and lap guards, lead aprons with a sewn-in thyroid collar, and the quick ship lightweight lead flex guard apron is just a few of the special options available.
Back and Front Protection
When looking for front and back protection, there are many options available, including full wrap aprons and vest/skirt aprons. For front/back protection aprons, common medical x-ray protection levels are provided.
Wrap-around aprons
Full wrap aprons come in a variety of styles, including full overwrap, special procedure, and tabard styles, and they all offer the highest level of security. During lengthy procedures, full overwrap aprons’ lumbar support lessens fatigue and upper back stress. Maximum weight distribution is achieved by vest/skirt aprons, which relieve pressure on the upper and lower back.
Complete Overwrap Security
The full overwrap aprons offer maximum radiation protection and are fastened with velcro straps, reducing back fatigue during prolonged procedures.
Special Method
The sides of special procedure aprons can separate when bending or sitting down while still maintaining front protection thanks to velcro seams.
Aprons, Vests
A vest or skirt apron gives the wearer more mobility when sitting, bending, or stooping. The skirt is made to overlap completely to offer the greatest amount of protection. To ensure the best fit and level of comfort, many of the vest/skirt sizes can be combined.
Bottom line
When you choose a lead apron for you, make sure it has full coverage of your chest. It can be a frontal, full wrap-around, or full vest and skirt apron. Choose a style that is comfortable for you and stays protected!
FAQs
- Do you have to wear a lead apron when getting an x-ray?
All people of potential age must wear lead aprons when having x-rays because radiation has the potential to cause mutations in germ cells that can be passed on to subsequent generations.
- Who should wear a lead apron?
In medical facilities, lead aprons are used to shield staff members and patients from unneeded exposure to x-ray radiation from diagnostic radiology procedures. In the context of medical imaging, a lead (or lead equivalent) apron is a protective garment created to shield the body from harmful radiation.