Abstract
Background The evaluation of the protective effect of X-ray protective clothing requires new
criteria. The current concept assumes more or less uniform covering of the torso with
protective material. The frequently worn heavy wrap-around aprons can weigh 7 to 8 kg.
As relevant studies show, orthopedic damage can result from long-term activity. It
should therefore be investigated whether the apron weight can be reduced by optimizing
the material distribution. For a radiobiological evaluation of the protective effect,
the “effective dose” should be used.
Methods Numerous laboratory measurements were performed with an Alderson Rando phantom as
well as dose measurements on clinical personnel. The measurements were supplemented
by Monte Carlo simulation of an interventional workplace in which a female ICRP reference
phantom was used for the operator. The measured back doses on the Alderson phantom
as well as the measured back doses at interventional workplaces were based on the
personal equivalent dose Hp(10). Monte Carlo simulations were used to introduce protection
factors for the protective clothing based on the “effective dose” introduced in radiation
protection.
Results Back doses in clinical radiology personnel are largely negligible. Therefore, back
protection can be much lower than currently used or can even be eliminated. The Monte
Carlo simulations show that the protective effect of protective aprons worn on the
body is higher than when the flat protective material is radiated through (3 D effect).
About 80 % of the effective dose is attributed to the body region from the gonads
to the chest. By additional shielding of this area, the effective dose can be lowered
or, optionally, aprons with less weight can be produced. Attention must also be paid
to the “radiation leaks” (upper arms, neck, skull), which can reduce the whole-body
protective effect.
Conclusion In the future, the evaluation of the protective effect of X-ray protective clothing
should be based on the effective dose. For this purpose, effective dose-based protection
factors could be introduced, while the lead equivalent should be used for measurement
purposes only. If the results are implemented, protective aprons with approx. 40 %
less weight can be produced with a comparable protective effect.
Key Points:
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The protective effect of X-ray protective clothing should be described by protection
factors based on effective dose.
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The lead equivalent should only be used for measurement purposes.
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More than 80 % of the effective dose is attributed to the body region from the gonads
to the chest.
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A reinforcing layer in this area increases the protective effect considerably.
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With optimized material distribution, protective aprons could be up to 40 % lighter.
Citation Format
Key words
effective dose - weight reduction - protection factor - lead equivalence - protective
apron
