Medical staff should not be exposed to the primary X-ray beam during fluoroscopy-guided
interventional procedures (FGIP). The main source of staff exposure is scatter radiation
from the patient, which can be significant. Although many aspects of X-ray exposure
to the patient as well as occupational exposure to interventional radiologists and
other staff are strongly regulated and monitored in most countries, it is surprising
how loosely the labeling and testing of the protective aprons is regulated.
Interventional radiologists (IRs) have to be experts in interventional radiology as
well as in basic facts regarding ways to provide a satisfactory level of protection
from occupational exposure. IRs, however, are not familiar with the apron testing
methods. The accompanying documents provided with aprons by manufacturers may not
be informative enough. Vendors often report apron effectiveness at a single beam quality
and attenuation. The vendor reports repeatedly disagree with independent reports,
which clearly show that the attenuation of these garments at other important unreported
energies may be lower than expected. Better trust no one and check your protective
garment yourself, or, better yet, consult a medical physicist when making purchasing
decisions related to protective garments.
Each interventionist should choose garments that are appropriately protective for
that individual’s practice. Review of past personal dosimetry results and consultation
with a medical physicist can help the IR make the best decision.
This article will help the reader to understand why all protective garments are not
created equally, and provides some practical tools that will allow safe and healthy
practice in FGIP.
Keywords
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Published online: January 21, 2018
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