report about: “ X-Ray Protective lead Aprons “

From: Amira HusseinAbd El-Motaal. Mona Abdel Aziz Said. Eman Metwally Mohamady. Aya Diab Mohamed.To:

DR/Mohamed El-DosokyENG/ Ahmed Mostafa.

Introduction TO X-Ray

What is x-ray?

x-ray is high energy electromagnetic radiation that passes through the body Metal.

part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Characteristic of x-ray

X-rays have a wavelength in the range of 0.01 to 10 nanometer.

frequencies in the range (3 × 1016 Hz to 3 × 1019 Hz).

Energies in the range 120 eV to 120 keV.

Method of product x-ray

By accelerate the electrons by high voltage.

X-ray fluorescence.

Bremsstrahlung .

Using of x-ray

Using in imaging like: Angiography

medical imaging

mammography

Some imaging

Medical uses paranasal sinuses

X-ray hazards

Damage some cells.

Genetic damage to a reproductive cell

Pregnant women and unborn children

Cancer

How we protect our self

By using X-Ray protective Aprons

What is a Lead Apron?

A lead apron is a protective garment which is designed to shield the body from harmful radiation, usually in the context of medical imaging.

Both patients and medical personnel wear lead aprons, which are customized for a wide range of usages.

Lead is well suited for protection from radiation since it is an extremely dense element. It greatly reduces the number of gamma and x-rays which come into direct contact with the body, although a lead apron cannot, of course, stop all such rays.

Since medical personnel may perform large numbers of x-ray procedures every year, they wear lead aprons to protect themselves from scatter and background radiation .

In the case of medical personnel, full lead protection is worn, since they do not want to expose any part of their bodies to radiation during medical procedures

Practically, they are used for a variety of diagnostic imaging procedures including angiography, fluoroscopy, mobiles and theatre, and are designed to shield approximately 75% of radiosensitive red bone marrow .

The Medical Guidance notes (2002) issued by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) regarding protective clothing states “Body aprons should be available with a protective equivalent of not less than 0.25 mm lead for X-rays up to 100 kV and not less than 0.35 mm lead for X-rays over 100 kV”

Summary of protective apron details

TypeType DesignDesign NominalNominal

ThicknessThicknessArea of Area of usageusage

CompositeComposite Full-length Full-length

(23)(23) 0.25 mm Pb 0.25 mm Pb

equivalentsequivalents AngiographyAngiography,,

fluoroscopy fluoroscopy

generalgeneral

CompositeComposite Vests WA (3)Vests WA (3),,

skirts WA (3)skirts WA (3) 0.25 mm Pb 0.25 mm Pb

equivalentsequivalents AngiographyAngiography

Lead- freeLead- free Vests WA (3)Vests WA (3),,

skirts WA (3)skirts WA (3)

0.25 mm Pb 0.25 mm Pb equivalents @ equivalents @ 100KVP 100KVP

TheatreTheatre

Conditions for use

1. All staff in a radiographic room during x-ray exposures that are not standing behind protective screens must wear protective clothing

2. Aprons and gloves must have radiation attenuation of not less than 0.3 mm lead equivalence at 100 kVp.1.Where a maximum tube potential exceeds 100 kVp the suitability of using non-lead garments at this kVp must be considered

3. Aprons must cover the full width of the front of the body from the throat to within10 cm of the knees, as well as the sides of the body

4. All staff working in a room where fluoroscopy or cineangiography is being performed must wear protective clothing.

5. If the operator’s eyes or thyroid are likely to be exposed when working in the immediate vicinity of the patient, then it is advisable to wear additional protection for these organs.

6. Lead aprons must be stored either flat or on hangers to prevent the development of cracks in the protective material

Defects in Aprons

Lead while it is a great element for protecting against radiation it is extremely heavy. This can really pose a problem for physicians because in some cases they must wear these aprons for long spans of time. Lead has a very high density which why it is able to protect against x-rays so well.

Unfortunately its dense nature also makes it very difficult to wear due to its weight. Physicians who have been wearing lead aprons for many years are now developing back problems from having the excessive weight on their bodies for extended periods of time.

SOLVE PROBLEM New technologies have come to light to help these

physicians in during these long procedures. New x-ray aprons have begun development from several manufactures that are significantly lighter than their lead counterparts.

While they are lighter they do protect from radiation at the same rate and in some cases can actually protect better than the old lead aprons. Old aprons that are made of lead should be replaced by these ergonomically suitable substitutes.

These new elements are not harmful to the environment and will not contaminate areas liked lead will. Physicians should make the switch to a new x-ray apron that is not made from lead if they haven’t already, for both their sake and the environments.

Types of lead apron

Lead aprons are necessary when working near X-ray machines or similar equipment. X-rays and gamma radiation can bombard the cells in the body, causing them to die or mutate, which could eventually lead to medical problems.

Lead is impervious to such radiation. Because imaging equipments are commonly used in medical settings, suppliers have developed a number of styles, sizes, prints and coverings for lead aprons

Dental Aprons

These lead aprons are designed exclusively for use with dental X-ray machines

Standard Frontal Protection Aprons 

These are basic lead aprons that medical professionals use. They consist of two or more lead panels draped across the front to cover the torso and upper legs of the wearer.

Half Aprons

These are similar to frontal protection aprons except that they only cover the lower torso and pelvis

Two-Piece Aprons These aprons consist of separate skirt

or kilt portions and vest portions. They are typically made in the wrap-around style to provide X-ray protection to the front and back.

Frontal Protection Aprons with Buckle Closures Aprons which provide protection to the

front of the body only and close with Snap-Buckles.

Frontal Protection Aprons with Tie Closures Aprons which provide protection to the

front of the body only and close with Fabric Ties.

Frontal Protection Aprons with Hook-and-Loop Touch Closures Aprons which provide protection to the

front of the body only and close with Hook and Loop Fasteners.

Front and Back Protection / Wrap-Around Aprons Full wrap-around protection for both the

front as well as the back of your body. Also look at Vest/Skirts for this type of protection!

Surgical Drop-Off's / OR Aprons

Apron's designed for easy removal without disturbing the sterile field.

Pregnancy Aprons

Aprons specifically for pregnant females with extra protection in the fetal area.

•Whilst manufacturers aim to use the lightest weight material,

aprons are, of necessity, designed to provide protection against

scattered radiation .

To obtain maximum comfort and protection we recommend

the four simple fitting instructions. This will ensure that the

weight is properly distributed between your waist and

shoulders.

1.Rest apron on the shoulders (securing the shoulder clips

where applicable) making sure that the garment is

equally balanced at the front and back.

2.Extend the belt length and secure the buckle, so that the belt is a

loose fit

3.Tuck each side of the back section of the apron behind the front

section

4. Pull the free end of the belt tight, so that the apron is securely fitted at the waist

Secure buckle

tuck in sides i

tighten belt

Size of Aprons

Irrespective of claims of light or lighter weight material, careful selection of

the correct size for the wearer is of critical importance and we strongly

recommend that a choice of sizes is provided in the interest of health and

safety.

Care of aprons:

Keep your aprons clean by wiping away stains as soon as possible. Outer

coverings may be wiped with warm water with mild detergent. Do not

autoclave or use spirit based cleaning fluids.

All new protective clothing must be tested for shielding integrity before use.

Protective clothing must be tested at regular intervals of no more than

12 months, or more frequently if indicated.

A physicist, radiation safety officer or consulting radiation expert or must carry out

the licensed radiographer or other appropriate person such as a licensed

medical testing

THANK You