Mobile Leaded Barriers

Radiation Barriers FAQ

• What types of radiation barriers are available for healthcare facilities?

  Effective radiation barriers come in a variety of types, including overhead suspended shields, radiation table drapes, and wall-mounted and mobile lead barriers. 

  Mobile barriers are especially popular, mainly due to their flexibility. They are easy to reposition from one setting to another, while locking securely in place during use. You can find mobile radiation barriers with leaded glass or acrylic windows for visibility, while opaque panels provide maximum protection. 

• How do radiation barriers protect against scatter radiation?

  When properly implemented, barriers positioned between a radiation source and staff decrease exposure by as much as 90%, providing an effective option for C-arm, fluoroscopy, and interventional imaging procedures. 

  Like other radiation protection equipment, the effectiveness of mobile barriers is primarily due to the materials used in their construction, as lead’s high atomic density is capable of attenuating radiation.

• What lead equivalency do I need for a mobile radiation barrier?

  For effective protection, facilities should seek out radiation barriers with a minimum lead equivalency of 0.5 mm Pb, which blocks 90% or more of scatter radiation. 

  In higher-exposure environments, lead barrier shields with higher lead equivalency, like 2.0 mm Pb, should be considered. Consult your facility’s Radiation Safety Officer to help determine the appropriate lead equivalency for a given procedure room.

• When should facilities use mobile barriers instead of lead aprons?

  Choosing the right X-ray barriers in healthcare settings plays an important role in protecting patients and staff from excessive exposure. Whenever staff must remain near a patient during lengthy fluoroscopy or C-arm procedures, mobile radiation barriers should be used. Ideally, though, mobile barriers will be used in addition to other protective measures, such as lead aprons, rather than in place of them. 

  Mobile radiation barriers are suited to versatile settings, including interventional radiology, cardiology, and other environments with the potential for extended radiation exposure. They also contribute to the comfort and mobility of technicians by reducing the musculoskeletal strain that can develop from the use of lead aprons, which can weigh 15 pounds or more.

• Do mobile lead barriers replace lead aprons and other PPE?

  Mobile radiation barriers are not meant as a replacement for lead aprons and other PPE; instead, they should always be used in tandem with other radiation safety devices and measures like protective lead aprons, thyroid shields, and gloves. 

  Recent research has found that proper shielding measures (combining radiation shields with essential PPE) attenuate scatter radiation by as much as 90% during fluoroscopy procedures. While PPE such as lead aprons and gloves protects patients and equipment operators, shielding barriers help to keep ancillary personnel safe.

• How much do radiation barriers typically cost?

  While radiation barriers come in a variety of types, basic versions start around $500 to $1,000. As you start looking at more expensive options, you can expect full-featured models (like those with larger viewing windows) to cost at least 2-3 times more. 

  Several variables impact the price, including lead equivalency (higher levels provide greater protection), viewing window material (glass vs. acrylic, for example), overall dimensions (larger barriers are typically more expensive), and any customization options offered.

  RadCare Services (RCS) provides a range of high-quality radiation barriers, lead aprons, table drapes, and protective gloves, as well as cleaning and disinfection services, garment repairs, and effortless inventory management with a proprietary RadComply® platform.

• What features should I look for in a mobile lead barrier?

  Some of the most important features to consider when evaluating portable radiation shields include:

  • Heavy-duty locking casters, which enable smooth maneuverability and stable positioning during procedures
  • Large viewing windows (24” x 30”) made with high-quality leaded glass, to provide maximal clarity, high attenuation, and scratch resistance
  • Powder-coated steel frames for increased durability and corrosion resistance

  It’s also worth discussing customization with your radiation barrier vendor. Customization options can include custom sizing/dimensions, lead equivalency variations, and specialized materials for increased durability and easier cleaning. 

• How should mobile radiation shields be cleaned and disinfected?

  Mobile radiation shields should be cleaned and disinfected strictly according to the manufacturer’s Instructions for Use (IFUs). 

   

  Always use only approved disinfectants and soft, non-abrasive materials such as microfiber cloths to protect shielding panels and viewing windows. Harsh or unapproved chemicals can damage leaded acrylic, protective coverings, and seams over time.

   Improper cleaning may also reduce the lifespan of the barrier and void the manufacturer’s warranty. When in doubt, consult the manufacturer or distributor before using a new cleaning product.

• What's the difference between leaded glass and acrylic barrier windows?

  While both leaded glass and acrylic barrier windows are made of specialized, transparent materials that protect personnel from excessive radiation exposure, there are a few key differences to consider. 

  • Windows made of leaded glass (2.0 mm Pb) are heavier and more expensive than their leaded acrylic counterparts, but they offer maximum protection and shatter resistance.
  • Leaded acrylic (0.5 mm PB) windows are lighter and more affordable than leaded glass but less appropriate for high-volume, high-exposure imaging environments due to their lower lead equivalency level.

  The right choice for your facility depends on variables like procedure types, budget, and the recommendations of your organization’s Radiation Safety Officer.

• Are radiation barriers required for regulatory compliance?

  The Joint Commission (TJC) maintains specific standards related to MRI, CT, and fluoroscopy radiation safety. By closely adhering to these requirements, facilities can ensure patient safety while avoiding “unnecessary or inappropriate fluoroscopy dosing” and “excessive CT radiation.”

  If there’s one common theme that connects TJC’s recommendations, it’s the importance of managing imaging safety risks through environmental risk reduction. This includes using radiation protection equipment like lead aprons and mobile radiation protection barriers.

  TJC created the ALARA (As Low as Reasonably Achievable) principle for mitigating radiation exposure. Key elements of the ALARA framework include minimizing exposure times, maximizing distance from radiation sources, and using proper shielding (including mobile radiation barriers).

• How do I maintain and inspect radiation barriers?

  Through careful use and preventive maintenance, facilities can maximize the effectiveness and functional lifespan of radiation barriers. 

  • Cleaning and Maintenance: Radiation barriers should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. You can clean a radiation shield’s frame with non-ammonia, non-chlorine cleaners, but never use harsh chemicals on leaded glass windows.
  • Inspection: In order to detect internal lead degradation or cracks in shielding panels, radiation barriers should undergo annual X-ray inspection. Immediately discontinue the use of compromised barriers until they have been properly repaired or replaced.

  
  Storage: Proper storage increases the lifespan of radiation barriers. Avoid exposure to extreme heat or direct sunlight, and prevent accidental movement by locking a mobile radiation shield’s casters.

• Can radiation barriers be customized for my facility?

  Yes, most radiation barrier manufacturers offer custom sizing, window configurations, and lead equivalency levels, so their products can be tailored to specific procedure room layouts. Many will also let you specify height adjustments, frame colors, and even facility branding and logos (on request). 

  As you might expect, customized barriers can take a little longer to receive from the manufacturer (by a few days or weeks) and could increase costs, but they are worth the investment if they better fit your facility’s radiation protection needs. In addition to a wide range of standard barrier types, RCS also offers customizable radiation protection, including mobile barriers and protective drapes tailored to your facility’s specifications.

• Where can I purchase radiation barriers for my healthcare facility?

  Radiation barriers can be purchased directly from specialized manufacturers (such as Burlington Medical and Techno-Aide) or from a supplier like RCS that also offers lead aprons, radiation protection gloves, and even inventory management services.

  At RCS, we help facilities move beyond transactional purchasing. Our team evaluates your clinical environment, workflow, and regulatory requirements to recommend the right barriers and protective equipment for your specific use case. 

  What sets RCS apart is our ability to integrate products with ongoing support. Through services such as professional deep cleaning, complimentary repairs, annual integrity inspections, and inventory management through RadComply®, we help facilities extend garment life, maintain compliance, and reduce long-term costs. The result is a stronger return on investment and greater confidence in your radiation safety program.

  If you are evaluating radiation barrier options, schedule a consultation with an RCS specialist. We will help you identify the right products and build a protection program that keeps your patients and staff safe while supporting regulatory compliance.