Radiation Protection Gloves

Radiation Protection Gloves FAQ

• What are the best radiation protection gloves for medical procedures?

  While not always mandatory or required, wearing the right radiation protection gloves for surgery protects the hands of surgeons from the effects of scattered ionizing radiation produced during imaging-guided procedures such as fluoroscopy. Available in both sterile and non-sterile options, these specialized gloves can often be found in fluoroscopy, cardiac catheterization, and electrophysiology labs, and are also used for orthopedic surgeries. The best options provide 0.18-0.30mm lead-equivalent protection.

   

  The best radiation protection gloves will reduce cumulative radiation without limiting tactile sensitivity or dexterity. There are at least two major types of radiation protection for hands: 

  • Sterile, single-use radiation-attenuating surgical gloves are specially designed for interventional procedures that require tactile sensitivity.
  • Positioning gloves and mitts provides heavier shielding for hands near the X-ray beam.
• Do radiation protection gloves really work?

  Radiation protection gloves absolutely do work. When the right gloves are used and fitted properly, they balance radiation attenuation with dexterity for fluoroscopy, cath lab, or surgical applications. With proper distance and technique, protective gloves can reduce cumulative radiation exposure to the hands by up to 70% during procedures.

• Are radiation protection gloves effective when used multiple times?

  It depends on the glove type and the materials they use. While sterile, single-use gloves are considered to be single-use and disposable, some of the more durable, specialized options are designed for potential re-use. If you opt to re-use these gloves, however, there may be limitations on their effectiveness, as re-sterilizing or reprocessing gloves designed as disposable can significantly reduce their ability to protect against scattered radiation.

• How do radiation gloves work?

  Radiation protection gloves incorporate high-density materials like lead, bismuth, or tungsten, which attenuate (absorb and scatter) radiation to significantly reduce exposure. For maximal protection, radiation gloves should be used in tandem with other safety measures, such as minimizing exposure time and wearing additional equipment (a lead apron, for example).

• What's the difference between lead and lead-free radiation protection gloves?

  Lead and lead-free radiation gloves both provide effective radiation protection, but use different materials. While lead gloves are durable and cost-effective, lead is considerably heavier than the alternative materials (e.g., tungsten, bismuth, or antimony composites) used in lead-free surgical gloves for radiation protection, leading to a wider adoption and usage of lead-free gloves.

• What are the key differences between lead and lead-free radiation gloves?

  When comparing lead vs. lead-free radiation gloves, the first thing you might consider is the level of protection each provides when used properly. In that respect, they are rather similar. However, there are differences between the two types that are worth noting, as follows:

  • Lead-free radiation gloves are made of lighter, thinner materials than their lead-based counterparts, providing improved comfort and dexterity without compromising protection.
  • At the end of their lifespan, lead-free gloves are easier to dispose of, since the materials they are made of are more environmentally friendly than lead.
• How do you choose the right size and type of radiation protection gloves?

  In order to choose the right radiation protection gloves, you’ll want to consider the procedure type, required lead equivalency, and size/fit. 

  • Procedure type: The procedure type impacts whether you should use sterile, single-use radiation gloves (surgery, catheter insertion) or non-sterile positioning gloves/mitts (examination).
  • Lead equivalency: Depending on the glove type and material, radiation protection gloves can attenuate 30-50% of scatter radiation. The best option when positioning patients during a fluoroscopy or X-ray, reusable positioning gloves or mitts are recommended over single-use sterile gloves, as they provide heavier shielding.
  • Sizing: Some radiation protection gloves come in multiple sizes, often ranging from 6.5 (“S”) to 9 (“XL”). These sizes correlate to the measured circumference of the hand around the palm area. To ensure a proper fit, you can consult a radiation glove sizing guide or contact a radiation protection gloves supplier to learn more about how to choose radiation gloves that suit your needs.

   

  From providing a wide range of lead aprons and radiation protection gloves to full-service care and cleaning, inventory tagging, inspection, and even disposal, the team at RadCare Services (RCS) is ready to help you manage every stage of the garment lifecycle. Learn more about our services here.

• When should healthcare workers wear radiation protection gloves?

  Knowing when to wear radiation gloves should be top-of-mind for healthcare workers and environments with the potential for radiation exposure. For example, they should be worn whenever healthcare workers will be near the primary X-ray beam, or in high-scatter radiation areas like interventional radiology, cardiac catheterization, fluoroscopy-guided surgery, and prolonged image-guided procedures.

• Why do you need radiation gloves for fluoroscopy?

  Fluoroscopy generates a significant amount of scattered ionizing radiation. While most of the radiation will be absorbed by or transmitted to the patient, the rest of it scatters in multiple directions. 

   

  A lead apron protects the body from this radiation, but not the hands, making radiation gloves necessary to protect healthcare workers’ hands from excessive radiation, especially when using your hands to perform a procedure close to the X-ray beam.

• How do you properly maintain and inspect radiation protection gloves?

  Proper radiation protection glove maintenance and inspection help to extend garment life while helping to ensure ongoing safety for healthcare workers. It also provides a way for healthcare organizations and facilities to reduce costs, as radiation protective equipment costs a lot to source, produce, and test. There are several ways to properly maintain radiation gloves and extend their lifespan. Recommended daily maintenance practices include using appropriate storage methods, such as hanging them when possible, as well as regularly inspecting PPE for cracks, tears, or deterioration. 

   

  As outlined by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), “protective gear should be visually inspected before use for damage and tested regularly for effectiveness,” and workers “must be trained, monitored, and provided with the appropriate equipment based on exposure risk.”

• What are the radiation glove inspection requirements?

  Radiation protection gloves must be thoroughly inspected at least annually, checking for any cracks, tears, or holes. Radiation gloves should also be checked regularly, through daily or pre-use visual and tactile inspections.

• What do RadCare Services and the RadComply® platform provide?

  RadCare Services (RCS) offers a comprehensive program for the cleaning, inspection, repairs, inventory management, and disposal of radiation PPE, including lead aprons and radiation protection gloves. 

   

  Rather than manually scanning each individual piece of PPE, keeping track of inspection records, and managing inventory through spreadsheets, try partnering with RCS. It’s a great way to reduce administrative headaches, effectively manage inventory (through the proprietary RadComply® platform), and ensure the safety of healthcare personnel.

• What should I look for in a radiation protection glove supplier?

  Rather than only focusing on providing radiation protection equipment, the best radiation glove suppliers also offer more comprehensive services, including cleaning and disinfection services, annual integrity inspections, inventory management, and proper disposal assistance for radiation protective equipment. 

   

  Unsure where to buy radiation protection gloves? Start with RadCare Services, the nation’s only full-service X-ray garment care provider. When you partner with RCS, you’re taking a significant step toward ensuring that your facility maintains compliance, extends equipment lifespan, and provides maximum staff protection. 

   

  Contact RCS today to learn more about the full range of our lead garment care, cleaning, and inspection services.