Few practical evaluation studies have been conducted on X-ray protective aprons in workplaces. We examined the effects of exchanging the protective apron type with regard to exposure reduction in experimental and practical fields, and discuss the effectiveness of X-ray protective aprons. Experimental field evaluations were performed by the measurement of the X-ray transmission rates of protective aprons. Practical field evaluations were performed by the estimation of the differences in the transit doses before and after the apron exchange. A 0.50-mm lead-equivalent-thick non-lead apron had the lowest transmission rate among the 7 protective aprons, but weighed 10.9 kg and was too heavy. The 0.25 and 0.35-mm lead-equivalent-thick non-lead aprons differed little in the practical field of interventional radiology. The 0.35-mm lead apron had lower X-ray transmission rates and transit doses than the 0.25-mm lead-equivalent-thick non-lead apron, and each of these differences exceeded 8 % in the experimental field and approximately 0.15 mSv/month in the practical field of computed tomography (p < 0.01). Therefore, we concluded that the 0.25-mm lead-equivalent-thick aprons and 0.35-mm lead apron are effective for interventional radiology operators and computed tomography nurses, respectively.

AbstractWe invented a drape-like shield against scattered X-rays that is safe to come into contact with medical equipment or people during fluoroscopically guided procedures.The shield can be easily removed by one hand from a C-arm unit. We evaluated the use of the novel removable shield under the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure. We measured the dose rate of scattered X-rays around endoscopists with and without this removable shield, and surveyed the occupational doses to the ERCP staff. We also examined the endurance of the shield.The removable shield reduced the dose rate of scattered X-rays to one-tenth and reduced the monthly dose to an endoscopist by at least two-fifths. For 2.5 years, there was no damage to the shield and no loosening of the seam. We invented a shield removable by 1 hand from C-arm units.The removable shield reduces the dose rate of X-rays to one-tenth.The removable shield reduces the exposure of the operator to two-fifths.The removable shield is endurable for several years.The drape-like removable shield is light, simple, and useful.

Radiologists or nurses intermittently stay in computed tomography rooms during computed tomography examinations; these actions are defined as “entrance actions.” The qualitative and quantitative factors related to radiological exposure to computed tomography nursing staff were investigated to identify the protective measures against entrance actions. A questionnaire survey was used to investigate the frequency, motives, and causalities of entrance actions. Individual and area monitoring were simultaneously performed. The mean frequency of entrance actions was 1.2 times mo(−1). The primary motive for entrance actions was to dispel anxieties regarding collateral accidents during computed tomography. The nursing staff particularly engaged in close supervision to help the patients cope with contrast media extravasation. The average personal dose equivalent [Hp(10)] to the nurses was 0.21 mSv mo(−1). The ambient dose equivalent [H*(10)] rate was 1.4–3.7 mSv min(−1) at a distance of 1 m from CT gantry centre. Avoidance of entrance actions and collateral accidents would decrease the occupational exposures to nurses.