Radiation Table Drapes

Radiation Table Drapes FAQ

• What are radiation table drapes, and how do they protect staff?

  Radiation table drapes are the lead-lined barriers you’ll often find hanging from tables used for radiation and fluoroscopy procedures, especially in cath labs, interventional radiology, and surgical suites using fluoroscopy/C-arm procedures. 

   

  The primary purpose of radiation table drapes is to shield technicians’ lower bodies and extremities from scatter radiation, which studies have found is highest below the table by as much as five times. The material most radiation table drapes are made of provides a 0.5mm Pb equivalent protection standard, resulting in 85-95% attenuation. 

   

  For maximum protection, lead table drapes should be used as a complement to additional radiation protection equipment like lead aprons and thyroid shields, not as a replacement.

• What should I look for when choosing radiation table drapes?

  There are several varieties of radiation or fluoroscopy table drapes, including multiple configurations, materials, and even attachment styles. This means you will often have choices to weigh, based on the specific environment or use case being considered. Undoubtedly, though, the most important thing to consider is their ability to protect from harmful radiation. 

  • Lead equivalency standard: For most procedures, especially those involving high-dose X-rays or particularly long exposure times, 0.5mm Pb is the standard.
  • Size and coverage: When evaluating radiation table drapes, you’ll want to make sure they will fit your specific table/C-arm configuration to ensure their effectiveness.
  • Materials: Radiation table drapes come in lead as well as non-lead options, both of which are capable of providing the required attenuation standard. While both types perform well, at intensities greater than 90kVp, traditional lead gains an edge.
  • Configuration: Depending on your specific setup and coverage needed, radiation table drapes are available in configurations that cover one or both sides of the table. Most radiation table drapes (both single- and double-sided options) use hook-and-loop (Velcro) to make attachment and removal quick, easy, and virtually foolproof.

   

  RadCare Services (RCS) offers a range of radiation table drapes, as well as lead aprons, positioning equipment, protective gloves, and more. We’re much more than just a vendor, though. We’ll help you choose the right equipment for your facilities, and even provide value-adding services like cleaning, repairs, and inventory management.

• How do I install radiation table drapes on my procedure table?

  Radiation table drapes are typically a quick and easy installation, which usually involves attaching them to the radiation table’s underside or accessory rails. The most common methods for attachment involve simple attachment systems such as Velcro straps, magnetic mounts, or hook systems. 

   

  Before securing the drapes in place, be sure to position them in a way that maximizes lower-body coverage without interfering with patient access, technician mobility, or C-arm positioning.

   

  For X-ray tables equipped with a C-arm, you’ll also need to install special C-arm table protection, known as a table skirt. The combination of radiation table drapes paired with specially-fitted C-arm table skirts will deliver the most comprehensive protection. 

   

• Are radiation table drapes required by The Joint Commission or other regulatory bodies?

  While radiation table drapes are not explicitly stated/mandated by The Joint Commission (TJC), their overall mission is to protect patients and providers from excessive radiation exposure. Established in 2008, The Joint Commission mandates providers to adhere to the ALARA (“As Low as Reasonably Achievable”) principle to minimize the potential effects of ionizing radiation. 

   

  Key components of an ALARA framework include the consistent implementation of radiation safety protocols and best practices, use of appropriate protective shielding, and dosage monitoring. Radiation table drapes are one example of protective shielding, along with protective gear such as lead aprons and radiation protection gloves.

   

  Healthcare facilities are broadly required by The Joint Commission to perform annual inspections on their radiation protection equipment and accessories, and to document their findings. As part of their accreditation process, representatives from The Joint Commission visit an organization and perform an on-site survey, during which they may pick up individual items (a lead apron, for example) and ask to see the latest inspection report. 

• How much do radiation table drapes cost?

  While you can expect variation based on the size, material composition, and configuration options, radiation table drapes typically cost anywhere from $220 to $500+. Standard, pleated-type X-ray table shields usually occupy the lower end of the cost spectrum, while you’ll pay a little more for double-sided, custom-fitted, or otherwise specialized options.

   

  At RadCare Services, we can also help you with cleaning and disinfection, inspection, and repair services to reduce costs and extend the life of your lead garments and related equipment. 

   

  We’ve also built our own proprietary platform to provide radiology departments with an inventory management solution. This offering, RadComply®, was developed to remove the headaches that come with manual inventory management, including service histories, warranty statuses, and even replacement forecasting.

• How do I clean and maintain radiation table drapes?

  Through regular cleaning, timely maintenance, and proper storage, facilities can extend the effective lifespan of their radiation table drapes, helping to reduce costs and optimize inventory.

  • Cleaning: To keep radiation table drapes in the best condition possible, routine cleaning should be done with non-abrasive, hospital-grade cleaners. Avoid abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the protective coating and reduce the effectiveness of the drapes. We recommend quarterly deep cleaning to ensure bioburden is consistently removed.
  • Maintenance: Inspect radiation table drapes regularly for cracks or tears, so they can be repaired or replaced as needed.
  • Storage: Avoid folding or creasing drapes, as it can damage the internal lead layer and compromise its protective ability. When not in use, it’s best to store radiation table drapes in a flat manner or carefully hang them.
• What's the difference between radiation table drapes and mobile radiation barriers?

  Mobile barriers and fluoroscopy table drapes serve a similar overall purpose by shielding scatter radiation, but they have several key differences and are not interchangeable. Depending on the environment, one or both may be required to maintain compliance with ALARA principles. 

  • Mobile barriers: Barriers, like mobile radiation scatter shields for tables, provide a portable option for full-body protection against excessive radiation exposure. Mobile radiation barriers are reliable, convenient, and versatile, thanks to lead equivalency panels, see-through viewing windows, and castor systems for easy movement.
  • Table drapes: Radiation table drapes provide a simple solution made to fit specific X-ray tables and C-arm configurations. Table drapes are designed to protect technicians’ lower bodies from scatter radiation beneath the table, where it is significantly higher. 

   

  Are mobile barriers or table drapes right for your needs? The truth is that most facilities use both measures, not one or the other. Mobile barriers are appropriate for larger spaces that may contain multiple staff, while table drapes are a more cost-effective option for individual machines or tables.

   

  Unsure what you need, or ready to explore your options? Start your search at RadCare Services, where you can browse a wide range of radiation protection equipment, including lead aprons, radiation table drapes, protective gloves, and more. In addition to being a provider of high-quality radiation protection, we can also help you reduce the headaches of inventory management with our proprietary RadComply® platform.

   

  To learn more about how partnering with RCS can impact your organization, reach out to our team of specialists today!