Summary: Lead aprons worn by interventional radiologists contain pathogenic organisms including MRSA and tinea specie

Written By Justin McKay

This is a summary of the study “Lead aprons worn by interventional radiologists contain pathogenic organisms including MRSA and tinea species” by M. Jaber, M. Harvill, and E. Qiao. For the full study, click here.

Purpose

The abstract “Lead aprons worn by interventional radiologists contain pathogenic organisms including MRSA and tinea species” aims to investigate whether lead aprons worn by hospital personnel, particularly interventional radiologists, can serve as a reservoir for pathogenic organisms, potentially contributing to nosocomial infections.

Findings Summary

The study tested 21 lead aprons worn by radiology technologists, nurses, physicians, and physician assistants. It discovered colonies of Staphylococcus aureus and Tinea species (Ringworm) on 84% of the aprons. Three Staph a isolates were also confirmed methicillin-resistant (MRSA).

84% of aprons tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus and Tinea species (Ringworm)

RCS Recommendation

The study affirms the clinical ineffectiveness of facilities only using wipes on their protective X-ray garments. After cleaning over one million lead garments and consulting with hundreds of hospital leaders, our experience supports the findings in this study.

Justin McKay

Justin McKay is the Co-Founder and Vice President of Radiological Care Services (RCS), a leading provider of X-ray garment cleaning and sanitization solutions. With over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Justin has a deep passion for patient and staff safety.

Driven by a personal experience with a hospital-acquired infection linked to contaminated X-ray garments in 2012, Justin co-founded RCS in 2013. Since then, he has spearheaded the company's growth, transforming it from a cleaning service into a comprehensive solutions platform that has helped over 500 departments in healthcare facilities across 42+ US States implement customized X-ray garment servicing programs. These programs have received best practice recognition from The Joint Commission, improved staff workflow efficiency, and reduced the risk for hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

Before RCS, Justin held leadership positions in national sales at Ferris Mfg. Corp., a manufacturer of medical textiles. His experience wearing X-ray garments daily in the OR provided him with a first-hand understanding of the needs within healthcare.

Justin is a recognized expert in X-ray garment care and infection prevention. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and has been featured in publications like AHRA’s LINK for his innovative approach to X-ray garment sanitization. He leverages his expertise to collaborate with healthcare departments, developing customized programs that deliver value, consistency, and measurable outcomes. His commitment to building strong relationships has resulted in a network of satisfied clients across the United States.

Justin holds a bachelor's degree from DePauw University and a master's degree from Purdue University.

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Summary: Inspection of Lead Aprons: A Practical Rejection Model