No More Shields!
We Will No Longer Use X-ray Shields.
To provide the highest quality diagnostic exams at the lowest health risk, Silver Cross will no longer be using lead shielding during X-ray exams.
Medical imaging technology has made significant advances over the past 70 years and as a result, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) recommends to stop using gonadal and fetal shielding during X-ray based diagnostic imaging. Several other agencies, such as the Radiological Society of North America, American College of Radiology, and the FDA support this recommendation.
Many years of research have shown that radiation levels used in modern X-ray exams have no hereditary effects. The use of shields may actually hide anatomy that the doctor needs to see to make a diagnosis and lead to increased exposure due to repeat imaging. Moreover, shielding doesn’t protect against the greatest radiation effect: “scatter,” which occurs when radiation ricochets inside the body, including under the shield, and eventually deposits its energy in tissues.
Patients can be confident that hospitals and imaging centers use the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). This means that the lowest amount of radiation necessary to produce quality images is used.
CAN YOU STILL PLACE AN X-RAY SHIELD? Yes, so long as it does not impact our ability to take images of the body part being examined. Just be aware, that if the shield affects the image, this can result in higher levels of radiation exposure to the body.
Download Patient Shielding Handout
Additional Resources
For more information about patient shielding, please visit the websites below.
Scientific Resources
News Articles
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If you have other questions or would like more information, please contact us.
