It is crucial that your staff is provided with adequate radiation protection equipment, such as safety glasses and lead aprons. To maintain the protection it provides, the gear must also be maintained properly by cleaning and storing it correctly. It is essential that all radiological professionals are familiar with the lead apron care guide. Find out how you can optimize your equipment’s ability to prevent harmful radiation from reaching your staff members by caring for and storing it properly throughout this article.

Why do radiology departments use lead aprons?

Whenever x-rays are taken, radiographic room staff need to use x-ray protective equipment like a radiation protection apron, Lead Thyroid Shield, X-ray lead Goggles, and Lead Gloves to protect themselves from repeated radiation exposure. A full apron should cover the front of the body from the throat to the knees, as well as both sides, and have a radiation attenuation of no less than 0.55 millimeters of lead equivalent at 150 Kilovolt peak (kVp).1 This will reduce radiation exposure by 90%.2 lead gloves for radiology should have 0.5 millimeters of lead equivalent at 150 kV peak. When working near or around ionizing radiation, a radiation eye protector should be worn as well. The use of leaded glasses effectively lowers the amount of light that enters the lens by a factor of five to ten.3

1. Do not immerse in water:

When cleaning a lead apron, it is imperative not to submerge it in water. You can instead use a wet cloth or mild detergent whenever necessary. Heavy soiling on your x-ray lead apron can be cleaned lightly with a soft brush.

2. Folding is never a good idea:

As a precaution, never fold or crease a lead apron when storing it to prevent cracking the protective materi

al of your lead aprons for radiation protection.

3. Avoid autoclaving or dry-cleaning:

X-ray Protective clothing gets dirty easily in a medical setting. Use cold water and mild detergent to carefully wash your x-ray apron, if it has become dirty.

4. Store correctly:

It is strongly recommended that you should hang on a lead apron hanger, rack, or comparable storage unit rather than be folded, creased, draped, or sat down tightly on. Store your lead aprons correctly to increase the life cycle by hooking and looping the closure to prevent fabric snagging.

5. Regular inspection:

x ray lead apron should be checked as frequently as possible
to avoid damage the slightest crack can cause the aprons to fail. The Lead apron should
be inspected fluoroscopically at least once a year to maintain standard
performance.

If you have any questions or comments regarding x-ray aprons care please
use the comment section below, We would be very happy to hear from you. Take
care of your aprons, otherwise, abuse can significantly reduce their life of
them.