Lead Skirts

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.