Lead Aprons

Diagnostic imaging tools are extremely prevalent in today’s medical space. A study in 2018 from the Journal of Orthopedics estimated that 97% of orthopedic surgeons and 93% of all surgeons routinely use a C-arm in the operating room. On top of that, it’s estimated that around 70 million chest X-rays are conducted each year. 

While these tools are incredibly useful for medical providers, the most common problem is that they emit ionizing radiation during use. As the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes, this can have lasting negative effects on medical staff members who use these machines daily, such as increased risks of cancer and damage to blood cells. 

Fortunately, healthcare teams can implement protective measures to negate these effects. One is wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as lead aprons, which are standard in radiology rooms.

While lead radiation protective aprons are pretty standard in medical practices, there are many different types to choose from. Plus, they have distinct cleaning and maintenance needs that can often go overlooked. We’ll discuss it all in this complete guide to help you make an informed decision for your healthcare facility to ensure a safe and effective experience for staff members and patients.

A lead apron in radiology or surgery is a garment worn to protect medical workers from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation emitted from diagnostic imaging tools like X-rays, fluoroscopy, or C-arms. 

Radiological or surgical lead aprons are typically composed of a flexible lead lining mixed with rubber or vinyl to offer high-quality radiation protection. They can be a bit heavy, but it’s worth carrying around the extra weight for the protection they provide. 

The typical lead apron covers the torso and upper legs, reaching down to within 10 cm of the knees. Most research also recommends wearing a wrap-around apron that protects the back if staff members often turn their backs to the radiation source for maximum protection. 

The typical design of lead aprons is meant to protect critical organs throughout the body, such as:

• Heart 

• Lungs

• Kidneys

• Thyroid

• Breasts

• Spleen

• Gonads

• Ovaries

Studies have shown that this coverage is very effective. For example, research in 2020 found that a 0.35 mm lead apron reduced radiation to the breasts and spleen by 98-99.9%---excellent protection.

Lead aprons are key to radiation safety because they protect you from scattered radiation by absorbing it. 

Research published in the Journal of Clinical Orthopedics and Trauma suggests that lead’s high density makes absorption possible. Its tightly packed atoms make it difficult for waves from X-rays or other radiation sources to pass through the material. 

Instead, X-rays or gamma rays collide with lead atoms, transferring and dispersing their energy, allowing the lead to “soak it up” and avoid having it pass through to your body. 

The Journal of Medicine in Baltimore also states that the thicker the lead is, the more radiation it can block. That’s why lead aprons come in different thicknesses that typically range from 0.25-1 mm. 

However, the thicker the lead, the heavier it is, so you need to weigh the pros and cons when selecting apron thickness for medical professionals who are wearing these aprons for extended periods of time in cases like interventional surgery. 

Since lead aprons may be used in a variety of surgeries or diagnostic procedures, they come in different weights and styles to accommodate a range of medical needs. Let’s review their different medical uses to help you choose the right lead apron and weigh the pros and cons of different types. 

Comparing Lead Apron Weights

Lead aprons come in different weights that increase with the thickness of the material used. The most common thicknesses seen in clinical studies range from 0.25-0.5 mm. However, lead aprons can go up to 0.75-1.0 mm for more intensive uses. 

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) states that a standard thickness of 0.5 mm can attenuate up to 99% of radiation. 

There was also a study in June of 2024 from the Journal of Vascular Surgery that suggested that 0.35 mm lead equivalent aprons provided similar protection to 0.5 mm aprons in certain clinical settings, like fluoroscopy-guided interventions. Those findings could help medical teams reduce the weight they’re carrying around and fatigue during procedures. 

According to Burlington Medical, the average lead apron weighs 10+ pounds. Plus, the Harvard Medical School states that when you’re walking around, moving, or bending over, those actions add an extra 1.5 to 5 times your body weight in joint reaction force. Therefore, wearing a 10-pound apron could add 15-50 pounds of force as you’re moving around during medical procedures.  

That’s why choosing the correct aprons for different use cases is important. Clinicians want to choose the lightest option when possible to reduce fatigue and impact on the body. 

When Would Different Types of Aprons Usually Be Used? 

• 0.25 mm aprons are generally recommended for light use when staff members aren’t standing in the direct radiation beam. 

• 0.35-0.5 mm aprons are most common for general imaging or interventional procedures. 

• 0.75 mm aprons may be used in very intensive settings with high radiation levels, or lead glasses for radiological teams are usually this thickness. 

• 1 mm aprons aren’t used as often in medical settings since their weight is so high. However, they are used as maternity aprons to provide extra protection for the mother and fetus. 

Importance of Fit and Coverage for Lead Aprons

There are also some tips that can help ensure the right fit and coverage for your medical team in different settings. 

• Neckline height: The neckline should be high enough to provide seamless protection, especially when you want to cover the thyroid. 

• Armholes: The armholes should be snug but not restrictive, allowing free movement while covering sensitive areas like the axillary lymph nodes.

• Shoulder design: Features like padded shoulders or flex-back designs can alleviate shoulder strain by distributing weight more evenly.

• Wrap-around design: If staff members frequently turn their back to the radiation source, a wrap-around design covering the back is recommended. Otherwise, front-only coverage is sufficient if they’ll face forward the entire time. 

Role of the Thyroid Collar

Research in 2020 published by the European Journal of Radiology stated that the thyroid is one of the most sensitive and exposed organs to ionizing radiation in medical settings. Regular exposure can lead to health problems like hypothyroidism. 

Therefore, proper coverage for the thyroid and neck area is critical. As mentioned, you may purchase a lead apron with a thyroid collar attached. Otherwise, you could find some with a detachable thyroid collar or a standalone thyroid collar for extra flexibility. 

In addition to the different weights and fits of traditional lead aprons, healthcare teams may want to consider some other types and styles. 

Traditional vs. Lightweight Lead Aprons

Traditional lead aprons are what we’ve discussed so far throughout this article. They have a lead inner layer that’s covered by a vinyl or rubber outside material. However, their downfall is that they can be pretty heavy, especially at higher thicknesses. That extra weight can cause fatigue for medical professionals conducting extensive procedures. 

That’s why more research has been going into designing lightweight options that can help medical professionals move around more easily with less fatigue. 

These “new-gen” aprons are often designed with a mixture of lead and lighter materials like tungsten, bismuth, and tin that still weaken or absorb radiation. You might also see lead-free options made completely of those materials for an even lighter option.   

A study in 2023 compared the performance of different types of radiation protection aprons. It found that aprons using non-lead materials as part or all of their composition performed similarly to traditional aprons when exposed to lower-intensity radiation beams. However, at higher intensities, the traditional lead performed the best. 

Therefore, the intensity of the procedure will contribute to the type of apron that works best. 

X-Ray Lead Aprons: 2-Piece vs. Single-Piece

You’ll also see lead aprons that come in both two-piece and single-piece designs. 

A single-piece apron is the traditional apron we discussed earlier, which drapes from the shoulders down to just above the knees. It’s a good option for quick procedures or when you have minimal prep time since you only need to throw on one primary garment. However, it could lead to extra shoulder strain since all the weight hangs from the shoulders. 

A two-piece apron is split into a vest and a skirt. While it takes slightly longer to put both pieces on, some early research has suggested that this style can offer a couple of extra benefits, which are:

1. It evenly distributes the weight between the hips and shoulders, which may reduce fatigue. 

2. It provides slightly better mobility during procedures since you can bend a bit easier at the waist.

A study from the Journal of Occupational Health and Safety showed workers complained less about fatigue and discomfort when wearing two-piece aprons compared to one-piece aprons, especially on the neck and shoulders. However, more research is needed to confirm these results. 

Proper lead apron maintenance is essential for ensuring both radiation protection and infection prevention. Lead aprons can degrade without regular care, reducing their effectiveness and allowing harmful microorganisms to grow.

Why Cleaning and Maintenance is Crucial

Lead aprons can become breeding grounds for harmful pathogens if not cleaned regularly. A study conducted by Dr. Jaber from Wayne State University cultured 25 X-ray aprons and found:

• 84% were colonized with Tinea species (Ringworm).

• 84% harbored Staphylococcus aureus.

• 12% tested positive for MRSA.

Therefore, organizations must implement cleaning protocols that go beyond the surface level.

An AORN study surveying 173 healthcare workers revealed similar alarming trends:

• 78% reported wearing soiled protective gear.

• 48% admitted they never spot-cleaned their aprons.

• 21.4% said their lead aprons or thyroid shields never underwent formal cleaning.

If you’re starting to see the need for concern, here’s how medical facilities can implement a proper cleaning and sanitization protocol. 

Cleaning and Sanitization Guidelines

To prevent contamination risks and ensure compliance, organizations should perform both daily and quarterly cleaning. 

Daily cleaning should involve wiping down the entire garment, even areas that do not look soiled, after each use. Avoid alcohol-based wipes or harsh chemicals that can degrade the apron's integrity. We recommend using Clorox Hydrogen Peroxide Wipes or Ecolab Quaternary-Based Wipes.

Next, you need to deploy quarterly deep cleaning practices that use friction followed by sanitization to eliminate harmful bacteria and biofilms.

However, slowing down to perform regular deep cleaning in fast-paced medical environments can be challenging. That’s why we offer this as a service at Radiological Care Services (RCS). 

Our deep cleaning services use best-practice standards recommended by the CDC and AORN. Plus, we supply high-quality loaner garments so there's no gap in coverage.

Repair and Inspection Routines

Along with proper cleaning practices, regular inspections are also essential to detect any tears or damage to aprons. This will extend their lifespan and ensure they're providing the necessary protection.

To do this, we recommend following these best practices:

• Conduct annual X-ray scans to identify internal damage not visible on the surface.

• In addition to X-ray inspections, you can perform visual or tactile inspections. However, relying solely on visual or tactile inspections for lead apron safety is insufficient.

Studies show defects can grow by over 270% within 10 months if left unchecked. Therefore, it’s important to inspect aprons annually using X-rays. The Health and Physics Society (HPS) recommends going through this process once every year. However, inspecting more often than that, such as once every six months, can be even better to catch potential damage early. 

We offer both inspections with X-ray scanning and garment repairs at RCS to help you stay on top of this process. Our guide to annual X-ray inspections provides more details on this. 

Storage Tips to Prolong Lifespan

Improper storage can lead to premature damage, reducing the apron’s protective capabilities. Here are a few tips to ensure your lead aprons are stored in a way that keeps them in top condition:

• Hang aprons properly: Use sturdy, padded hangers to evenly distribute weight and prevent tears.

• Avoid folding: Folding aprons can cause cracks in the protective material. Instead, lay aprons flat or roll them for transport.

• Use dedicated storage racks: Storage racks prevent overcrowding and minimize handling damage.

When balancing safety, budget, and comfort, it’s important to understand the factors affecting surgical and X-ray lead apron prices and how different options compare.  

Factors Influencing Price

Some of the most common factors that affect lead apron prices are:

• Material composition: Traditional lead aprons are generally less expensive than lightweight composite or lead-free alternatives. However, the latter offers reduced weight and increased comfort, which can justify the higher cost in certain use cases. 

• Design and coverage: One-piece aprons can cost less than two-piece designs, depending on the features. However, as discussed earlier, the two-piece designs provide enhanced mobility and weight distribution.

• Brand and customization: Premium brands offering tailored fits, embroidery, or additional features often charge higher prices. That said, customization can improve user comfort and compliance, potentially offsetting the initial investment.

Comparative Analysis of Different Brands

To give you an overview of the options, here’s a quick list of popular lead apron brands and what they have to offer:

• Techno-Aide: Known for effective, comfortable, and affordable options. They offer regular lead, lightweight lead (composite), and Super-Lite® lead-free protective materials in various styles.

• Burlington Medical: When you want highly customizable and tailored aprons, you can’t go wrong with Burlington Medical. Their standard lead and lead-free aprons can be customized with weight support belts, non-slip waist for kilts, kilt suspenders, shin guards, caps, and sleeves. 

• INFAB: Known for their KIARMOR attenuation material, INFAB offers super lightweight aprons, providing both lead and lead-free garments with various customization options.

Budgeting Tips for Healthcare Facilities

To help manage your budget, here are some tips to get the most out of the lead aprons you invest in: 

• Assess clinical needs: Evaluate the frequency, duration, and intensity of the use cases to determine whether investing in lightweight or lead-free aprons is cost-effective and appropriate for the procedures your staff needs them for. 

• Consider staff comfort: Investing in ergonomically designed aprons can reduce staff fatigue and potential injury, improving productivity and job satisfaction.

• Explore bulk purchasing: Some suppliers offer discounts for bulk orders, which can benefit larger facilities.

• Maintenance and longevity: Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of aprons, ensuring a better return on investment. We can help with this at RCS to ensure you stay on a proper maintenance and inspection schedule. 

Modern lead apron designs offer various customization options to enhance fit, comfort, and functionality. These options ensure that healthcare professionals are protected without compromising on comfort. Here are some of the most common customization options you’ll see. 

Fit and Comfort Features

Some aprons can be customized with fit and comfort features that enhance mobility, reduce fatigue, and prevent strains for healthcare professionals while they work. Those features include: 

• Weight support belts: Distribute apron weight across the waist to reduce back and shoulder strain.

• Non-slip waist for kilts: Prevents movement during long procedures, ensuring a secure fit.

• Kilt suspenders: Enhance weight distribution in two-piece designs for added comfort.

Additional Protective Gear

You may also be able to get additional protective gear that covers other areas of the body, such as:

• Shin guards: Provide extra protection for the lower legs in high-exposure areas.

• Radiation caps: Shield the scalp and head, which is especially important during interventional radiology procedures.

• Sleeves: Cover the arms to minimize scatter radiation exposure.

Aesthetic Customization

Facilities can personalize aprons with various colors, patterns, and embroidery to match preferences or departmental branding. 

Ensuring the safety and longevity of your lead aprons is essential to protect healthcare staff members and patients from harmful radiation exposure. 

At Radiological Care Services (RCS), we offer deep cleaning, inspections, repairs, and disposal solutions for lead aprons and wearable protective garments. Plus, we provide a full-service platform with our proprietary RADCOMPLY™ system that helps you track garment inventories, service histories, and compliance data—all in one place. 

Using our easy-to-implement system, we’ll ensure your protective garments are safe, clean, and fully functional.

Ready to elevate your radiation safety standards? Contact RCS today to schedule service and keep your team protected.