What Not to Wear During an X-Ray
When you’re about to get an X-ray or conduct a diagnostic imaging procedure as a clinician, it’s important to know what can and can’t be worn in the field of view. For example, some types of clothing or jewelry could reduce the image’s quality, so patients would need to remove them before taking X-rays.
What shouldn’t you wear during X-rays? Is it a good idea to use personal protective equipment (PPE) like lead aprons and thyroid shields? We’ll detail everything you should know during X-ray preparation for the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
What Not to Wear During an X-Ray
The Mayo Clinic states that patients shouldn’t wear eyeglasses, jewelry, or other metal objects in the field of view of the X-ray. Wearing metal during X-rays is a problem because it’s dense and absorbs or reflects radiation beams. It results in artifacts (or ghost images) appearing on the X-ray that block key areas or reduce the image’s quality.
Similarly, wearing jewelry during X-rays can have the same effect since many pieces are made of metal or other highly dense materials. Therefore, any jewelry that could get in the field of view, such as necklaces or earrings, during chest X-rays, should be removed to ensure the best quality image.
Additionally, the CDC mentions that anything with buckles, zippers, or buttons is inappropriate X-ray clothing. Again, these often contain metal or other dense materials that cause poor-quality images.
Patients Wearing PPE During X-Rays Isn’t Advisable
While patient shielding is generally discouraged during modern X-ray imaging due to potential interference with image quality and AEC systems, facilities should consult with their Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) to determine whether exceptions apply based on institutional protocols or legacy equipment. The RSO can guide case-by-case shielding decisions in alignment with ALARA principles and evolving guidelines. There are a few reasons why.
The first problem is PPE could get in the way of the X-ray’s field of view. Research from the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences mentioned that wearing high-density lead shielding in the X-ray’s field of view can reduce the image’s quality. It has a similar effect as the artifacts caused by wearing clothing or jewelry with metal.
The other issue is that modern X-rays often use automatic controls to determine how intense the radiation needs to be to capture a good image based on qualities like the patient’s weight and the density of the body part being imaged.
A study in the British Journal of Radiology highlighted a growing body of research showing that wearing lead shielding in the field of view is unsafe because of automatic control systems. Automatic controls will increase the radiation level to get X-ray beams through dense lead garments, significantly increasing the radiation dose to the whole room.
Clinicians Should Wear PPE for X-Rays
Unlike patients, it’s still recommended that clinicians wear PPE during X-rays since they won’t get in the X-ray’s field of view and are exposed to radiation much more frequently throughout the day.
A study from the Journal of Clinical Orthopedic Trauma found that 0.5 mm lead aprons can attenuate up to 99% of the radiation dose received, and another study from Spine found that snug lead thyroid shields can reduce the radiation dose by approximately 8.5 times. Therefore, both are essential shielding options for healthcare staff members who need them.
Can I Wear a Bra for a Chest X-ray?
Another one of the X-ray clothing considerations you may have is whether wearing a bra during a chest X-ray is okay. The NHS University Hospital Southampton recommends that patients remove their bra during chest X-rays. In particular, any bras with metal underwires or clasps could interfere with the image.
Do I Need to Take My Clothes Off for an X-Ray?
Johns Hopkins Medicine states that removing clothing for X-rays may be necessary if it contains metal or other dense materials that could interfere with the test. When you have to take off your clothes for X-rays, the technicians conducting the exam should give you a medical gown to wear instead that won’t cause interference.
It’s important to listen to the technician’s recommendations to ensure high-quality images that allow the best possible diagnosis.
What Should I Avoid Before an X-Ray?
When preparing for X-rays, you may hear that you should avoid applying creams or topical lotions since they could interfere with the image.
A study from JAMA Oncology stated that very thick applications of topical treatments, creams, or lotions should be avoided before X-rays since it could reduce the image’s quality. The study found that regular or thin use of creams and lotions may be acceptable, but more research is needed to confirm that finding.
How RCS Can Help Manage Protective Garments Used During Diagnostic Imaging
As mentioned, clinicians should wear protective garments like lead aprons and thyroid collars during X-rays, and they’re also crucial during more intensive procedures like interventional surgery using C-arm guided fluoroscopy.
However, protective garments accumulate dirt, germs, wear, and tear over time, which can reduce their effectiveness or cause safety hazards.
For example, research from Dr. Jaber of Wayne State found that 84% of lead aprons examined were contaminated with Tinea species (ringworm) and Staphylococcus aureus. Regular deep cleaning is necessary to remove harmful microorganisms like those and keep your staff and patients safe.
We can help with protective garment cleaning and maintenance at Radiological Care Services (RCS). Our services include garment inspections using X-ray scanning, repairs, disposal, and deep cleaning and disinfection. All our services follow recommendations from governing bodies like AORN and the CDC to ensure effective results.
You can contact us today to learn more about how we can help.