Summary: Health Care Workers’ Use and Cleaning of X-Ray Aprons and Thyroid Shields

This is a summary of the study “Health Care Workers’ Use and Cleaning of X-Ray Aprons and Thyroid Shields” by Hope Honigsberg BSN, RN, CNOR, Karen Gabel Speroni PhD, MHSA, BSN, RN, Anna Fishback BSN, RN, Amy Stafford DNP, MSN, RN, CMSRN. For the full study, click here.

Purpose

The abstract “Health Care Workers’ Use and Cleaning of X-Ray Aprons and Thyroid Shields” aimed to assess the use and cleaning practices of X-ray aprons and thyroid shields among health care workers in rural hospital systems, with a specific focus on potential infection risks and adherence to manufacturers' recommendations.

Findings Summary

Surveying 173 health care workers, predominantly registered nurses in surgical settings, the study found that 78.0% reported wearing soiled protective gear and 30.1% noted thyroid shield odors. Notably, 48.0% admitted to never spot cleaning, and 21.4% of aprons or shields never underwent standard department cleaning. The study identified potential risks of bacterial contamination, emphasizing the need for evidence-based guidelines and the need of a best practice solution.

135 out of 173 Clinicians Report Wearing Soiled X-ray Garments

83 out of 173 Clinicians Awknowledged Garments are Never Cleaned

RCS Recommendation

The research highlights the need to raise the standard of care in hospitals, particularly using evidence-based processes.

With over a decade of field research, we can confidently report that developing a process may have been too cumbersome for healthcare professionals to maintain on a consistent basis. With the irregularity illustrated in this study, it’s important to consider scheduled deep cleanings and sanitization of lead garments for patient and staff safety and facility risk mitigation.