Ordering new X-ray garments has never been easier

We do! We distribute aprons, vests, kilts, thyroid guards, leaded glasses, protective gloves, protective sleeves, barriers, shields, apron racks, positioning sponges, table pads and more.

We offer full wraparound, frontal, vest & skirt styles, and other lead garment accessories, such as thyroid collars, glasses, gloves and more.

Several factors should be considered when choosing the right apron, including the fit, comfort, level of protection needed, use case, attenuation material, and price. To determine the level of protection you need, consider the intensity of radiation, energy level, duration of exposure, and the specific body area that need protection.

Fortunately, our expert team will guide you through the process!

An apron should be snug to your body to distribute the weight evenly.

• Neckline Height: The neckline should be high enough to provide seamless protection with a thyroid collar.

• Armholes: Should be snug but not restrict arm movement. Armholes should also cover axillary lymph nodes, as these are sensitive areas for radiation exposure.

• Shoulder Panel Width: Should be wide enough to distribute weight across the shoulder without restricting movement or causing discomfort.

• Overlap: For aprons relying on overlapping panels, each panel should provide full protection without relying solely on the overlap.

• Length: The aprons should cover the collar and just below the knee.

• Thyroid collar: This should fit snugly against the neck but not be uncomfortable and provide some overlap with the top of your vest or apron.

We offer the same customization options the manufacturers provide.

Lead aprons are sold with the manufacturer return and exchange policy.

RCS’s EPA-approved garment disposal process provides hospitals a quick, easy, and responsible option for disposing of lead garments. Contact us to learn more.

Lead-free aprons are growing in popularity as a lighter-weight and non-toxic alternative. The attenuation is a blend of other heavy metals, such as aluminum, antimony, barium, bismuth, tin, titanium, or tungsten.

These options are not as heavy as lead aprons and create less environmental pollution when recycled.

The price range for lead aprons varies widely, mostly depending on the manufacturer. Consult your sales representative on the best option for your budget.

RCS provides lead garments and radiation protection equipment from several leading manufacturers. We can help you determine the best equipment for your needs, regardless of the manufacturer.

A lead apron’s lifetime is determined by how well it is taken care of and the material it’s made from. Some last a decade, others won’t last more than a year.

A study published in 2015 shows that lead aprons are typically too damaged for use between 6-9 years.

While preparing for an X-ray, you may have come across information about how medical imaging equipment emits scatter radiation. 

Many clinicians wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as lead aprons, to shield against radiation exposure during X-rays and interventional procedures using fluoroscopy or C-arms. However, is there x ray protective clothing for patients? Wearing x ray protective clothing, such as lead aprons and thyroid shields, helps minimize exposure to ionizing radiation.

Generally, the radiology PPE and patient safety measures depend on the procedure and individual needs. The rest of this article will provide everything you should know about X-rays and interventional safety measures so you can feel confident before diagnosis or interventional surgery. 

X-ray protective gear shields against radiation emitted from medical imaging equipment. The most common types of gear on radiation safety equipment lists are:

• X-ray protection aprons: The Journal of Clinical Orthopedic Trauma states that the typical X-ray protective apron should drape from the shoulders down to within 10 cm of the knees. It protects many areas of the body that are most sensitive to radiation, such as the breasts and reproductive organs.  X ray shielding is essential to limit radiation exposure during prolonged procedures.

• Thyroid collar: The Journal of Endocrine Reviews states that the thyroid is one of the most sensitive organs to radiation. Therefore, wearing a thyroid collar is essential when regularly exposed to equipment emitting radiation. 

• Protective surgical gloves: Gloves aren’t always worn during short X-rays but may be used during interventional surgery. The Asian Spine Journal states that certain procedures that use fluoroscopy, such as myelography, selective nerve root block, and facet joint block, place the surgeon’s hands close to the radiation source, making them more susceptible. Protective gloves are a major piece of radiation protection gear.

• Protective goggles: The Journal of Radiology Research and Practice states that regular interventional surgery using C-arms and fluoroscopy can put a physician's eyes at risk of developing cataracts or lens opacities. Therefore, wearing protective goggles or ray protective glasses to shield the eyes is essential.

It’s important to note that radiology personal protective equipment use is most important for clinicians and other staff members exposed to radiation sources regularly. It isn’t always as common for patients to wear PPE, and it depends on a case-by-case basis. For example, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) states that everyone in a fluoroscopy room should wear a lead apron except the patient. Still, using radiation PPE equipment when possible can help minimize exposure.

Lead is the most common shielding material used in PPE, such as lead aprons. Research from the Journal of Clinical Orthopedic Trauma states that lead effectively shields the body from radiation beams due to its high density. A 0.5 mm lead apron can attenuate up to 99% of scatter radiation. 

However, other materials are becoming more popular. Research from the European Journal of Radiology found that alternative materials like antimony, tin, bismuth, tungsten, yttrium, copper, or barium perform similarly to lead in low-intensity procedures. Although, as the strength of radiation beams increased, traditional lead performed slightly better. 

Traditional lead is still the most common material used for shielding in radiology. It’s been used for decades, and lots of research, such as studies from Heliyon and the Korean Journal of Pain, show that lead aprons are highly effective at attenuating radiation from ray machines.

That said, the main problem with lead aprons is their weight. Lead aprons can weigh 10 pounds or more, which can cause clinicians to experience fatigue and joint stress during long procedures. 

Therefore, more clinicians are opting for aprons containing alternative materials like antimony or bismuth, which are lighter while providing similar levels of protection. 

Regular radiology PPE testing and maintenance are essential to keep protective gear clean and performing at its best. 

During ongoing use, PPE like lead aprons can develop small tears, cracks, or holes that reduce effectiveness. A study from the Journal of Health Physics showed that damage can progress rapidly, with tears increasing by over 270% in 10 months. Therefore, annual inspections using X-ray scanning are essential to identify damage early and perform necessary repairs. 

Regular deep cleaning and sanitization that go beyond wiping down aprons after use are also crucial. A study by Dr. Jaber from Wayne State analyzed 25 lead aprons in a medical facility, finding that 84% were colonized with Tinea species (ringworm) and Staphylococcus aureus, and 12% were colonized with MRSA. 

We can help with each of these aspects at Radiological Care Services (RCS).

It can be challenging and costly for busy medical facilities to keep up with regular inspections and deep cleaning for lead aprons and other PPE. However, you don’t have to do it all on your own. Our services at RCS will make the process easier to manage. We offer:

• Annual inspections using X-ray scanning

• Deep cleaning and sanitization

• Garment repairs

• Lead apron disposal and equipment purchases

When you partner with us, you get access to our RADCOMPLY™ inventory software that our team maintains for you. Plus, all our inspections are compliant and thorough, so your staff and patients have a safe and effective experience during all procedures. 

Contact us today to learn more about how RCS can help.