Lead Skirts

Lead aprons and skirts in radiology are personal protective equipment (PPE) used to shield against radiation emitted by diagnostic or interventional imaging equipment such as C-arms and fluoroscopy. 

Wearing PPE is crucial for radiation safety in healthcare. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that when proper safety precautions aren’t followed and clinicians are regularly exposed to radiation, it can increase the risk of cancer, cataracts, infertility, skin damage, blood damage, and other adverse health effects. 

Using lead aprons in radiology is a common shielding method. Lead apron designs allow them to cover a large portion of the body, draping from the shoulders to just above the knees. That provides coverage for several crucial organs such as the breasts, heart, lungs, and reproductive organs. 

However, the problem some clinicians have with lead aprons is that the weight of the apron hanging from the shoulders can cause excessive fatigue during long shifts and procedures. 

Two-piece lead vest and skirt sets offer an alternative that can help. In a two-piece set, the lead vest would cover the torso while the skirt hangs from the waist to just above the knees. It provides a more even weight distribution between the shoulders and the waist. 

A study from PLOS One found that wearing two-piece protection significantly reduced weight pressure and shoulder fatigue during extended procedures, reinforcing why it’s a good alternative option to keep clinicians more comfortable during their shifts. 

From verifying fit and pocket placement to completing an order on the website, notifications and cart add reminders can guide users in customize selections while ensuring verification successful waiting messages confirm the process, making it an ideal solution with strong security, durability, and clear connection to prompt users to review, respond, and take action before the very end of the workflow.

A study from the Journal of Clinical Orthopedic Trauma states that lead is a common and effective shielding material for radiation because of its high density. When X-rays or gamma rays come into contact with lead, the dense material slows and absorbs them before they reach the wearer’s body.

The same study from the Journal of Clinical Orthopedic Trauma showed that 0.5 mm lead aprons, vests, and skirts could attenuate up to 99% of radiation, and recommended their use during high-dose interventional procedures or for regular low-dose radiation exposure.

Additional Types Of Lead Shielding Used

In addition to lead aprons, vests, or skirts, other types of lead PPE may also be used for radiation shielding. That includes: 

• Thyroid shields to cover the sensitive thyroid gland. A study published in May 2025 stated that the thyroid gland is one of the most sensitive organs in the body to radiation. Therefore, it’s common to see a lead apron with thyroid collar or a two-piece lead vest and skirt with a thyroid collar across many procedures. 

• Lead gloves to shield the hands. A study from the Journal of Medicine in Baltimore found that the physician’s hands are often exposed to the radiation source during C-arm guided procedures, and that wearing lead gloves could significantly reduce radiation doses. 

• Lead glasses to shield the eyes. A study in 2020 showed that frequent radiation exposure to the eyes can increase the risk of both visual and cognitive impairments, so proper protection, such as lead glasses, is necessary during any procedures where the lens of the eyes is highly exposed. 

It’s important for healthcare facilities to work with their radiation safety officer (RSO) to determine exposure risks for each procedure and the appropriate types of shielding equipment to use. 

Comfort and weight are both essential considerations when selecting PPE for medical facilities. 

Fit And Comfort

Fit is an important consideration to start with. PPE like lead aprons, vests, and skirts should be sized appropriately to fit each clinician comfortably without leaving any gaps around crucial organs where protection is necessary. 

A study from the Korean Journal of Pain also indicated that an improper fit for PPE can leave gaps that expose wearers to higher radiation doses, so fit is also a significant safety concern. 

Weight Distribution

Managing weight is another big consideration. The same study from the Korean Journal of Pain mentioned that the average lead apron weight is 7 kg (approximately 15 lbs). Having all the weight hanging from the shoulders can lead to excessive fatigue for some clinicians. 

As mentioned, a study from PLOS One found that wearing two-piece lead vest and skirt sets could reduce fatigue. Additionally, that same study also mentioned that wearing a belt with lead aprons also helped reduce fatigue, especially around the spine. 

Facilities should consult with their RSO and assess clinician needs to determine the right type of PPE that provides protection while managing needs for weight distribution and comfort. 

Cost

Two-piece lead vest and skirt sets may cost slightly more with some manufacturers compared to a traditional lead apron. 

For example, the basic 0.5 mm X-ray lead apron price from Burlington Medical is an average of $612. However, Burlington Medical’s 0.5 mm lead vest costs an average of $328, and the average 0.5 mm lead skirt costs $323, so that’s $651 between the two. 

While the two-piece set may cost more, the added comfort for clinicians can be worth the investment to reduce fatigue and protect their health and safety. 

We can help you source PPE at Radiological Care Services (RCS) from top manufacturers like Burlington Medical and Techno-Aide to make finding high-quality PPE easier. 

All PPE, including lead aprons, vests, and skirts, must be cleaned, inspected, and maintained regularly to ensure they remain effective and safe. 

We recommend performing annual integrity inspections for all PPE using X-ray scanning. A study from the Journal of Health Physics found that small tears on lead aprons could progress rapidly by up to 270% in 10 months. Significant damage can prevent a garment’s fit and leave gaps, increasing radiation exposure. Therefore, frequently performing X-ray inspections is important to identify small damage and repair it early before it gets out of control. 

Cleaning protocols are another essential part of lead apron care. High-touch objects, such as lead aprons and skirts, can become contaminated with microorganisms that pose health risks. For example, a study by Dr. Jaber found that 84% of lead aprons were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus and Tinea species (ringworm). Thorough deep cleaning and disinfection are necessary to remove those tough microorganisms and ensure staff and patient safety. 

We provide inspection, deep cleaning and disinfection, and garment repairs at RCS to help with these routine maintenance needs. 

There is continuous research, development, and testing going into personal X-ray protection options and maintenance best practices. 

Rising Popularity Of Lightweight Lead And Lead-Free PPE

Lightweight lead and lead-free PPE are rising in popularity. These alternative garments are often lighter to help reduce fatigue for clinicians during extended use. However, there may be pros and cons. 

A study from the European Journal of Radiology found that lightweight lead and lead-free aprons performed about the same as traditional lead at low intensities below 90 kVp. However, when intensities increased above 90 kVp, traditional lead aprons performed slightly better. 

It’s important to watch the research for any new developments in X-ray PPE, monitor radiation doses and levels of fatigue across different types of procedures, and consult with your facility’s RSO to make educated decisions about what works best for you. 

Continuously Monitoring Recommendations From Governing Bodies

Healthcare organizations should also monitor all current recommendations from governing bodies such as the CDC, EPA, and AORN, such as:

• The CDC’s guidelines for cleaning high-touch objects in healthcare facilities that may become contaminated with harmful microorganisms. 

• The EPA’s guidelines for disposing of lead materials and protective garments. 

• AORN’s latest guidelines for perioperative practice which are putting a greater emphasis on proper cleaning and disinfection practices for all PPE in use. 

When you’re looking to implement a cleaning, inspection, repair, and disposal process that follows current guidelines from governing bodies, we can assist at RCS. We offer services in each of these categories to help medical facilities operate efficiently while keeping your staff and patients as safe as possible. 

Get in touch with us today to learn more about how RCS can help.