Abstract No. 304: Lead aprons: how protected are you?

1)Review the types of protective aprons worn by interventional radiologists.2)Compare the protective benefit of these various aprons by measuring x-ray attenuation and weight. The minimum regulatory standard for lead equivalency in an x-ray apron is 0.25 mm, and lightweight aprons have become increasingly popular among interventional radiologists because of their increased comfort with long term wear. As a result, radiation protection suppliers use this comfort benefit as an important selling point. Recently, concerns have been expressed with regard to whether light-weight x-ray aprons provide the same protection as traditional aprons. Four identical size apron swath types were compared. The samples consisted of regular lead vinyl with a 0.5 mm lead equivalent, no lead Envirolite with a 0.5 mm lead equivalent, lightweight lead vinyl with a 0.35 mm lead equivalent, and superlite Envirolite with a 0.35 mm lead equivalent. The swaths were compared based on transmission of scattered x-rays and weight. To analyze each swath, we created a replica of an interventional radiologist wearing an apron and performing a fluoroscopic procedure. A chest phantom was used to simulate a patient. The x-ray tube was positioned below the table, and the image intensifier was set to a 12 inch diameter above the phantom. Electronic dosimeters were used to quantify scattered x-rays striking the swath compared to x-rays that passed through. Aprons consisting of 0.5 mm lead equivalent transmitted approximately half of the radiation as an apron with 0.35 mm lead equivalent. No difference in protection was found between the lead vinyl and no lead Envirolite aprons with the same lead equivalent. No lead aprons were found to be 20% lighter than the lead vinyl aprons at the same lead equivalent, but cost 30% to 40% more than a lead apron. It is our recommendation that x-ray aprons consisting of 0.5 mm lead equivalents be used when fluoroscopy exposure time is greater than 30 minutes. If lighter weight lead is preferred, then no lead Envirolite aprons with the same lead equivalency are recommended.