<p>Effectiveness of Breast and Eye Shielding During Cervical Spine Radiography: An Experimental Study</p>

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of breast and eye shielding and measured the radiation dose to radiosensitive tissues (eyes and breasts) due to scatter radiation during cervical spine X-ray radiography examinations. Methods: Using an anthropomorphic phantom, the scattered radiation dose was measured before and after the placement of the lead shield over the eyes and breasts in the anteroposterior (AP) and left lateral projection. A regression formula was utilized to determine the exposure. Mean values and standard deviation of breasts and eyes doses were calculated. The paired two sample t-test was used to compare the recorded dose before and after shielding placement. Results: Radiation shielding of eyes and breasts during AP cervical spine X-ray decreased radiation dose to the breasts by 99.9% and to the left and right eye by 91% and 89%, respectively. For the left lateral cervical spine X-ray, the radiation dose decreased by 26% and 31% for the left and right eye, respectively, and by 23% and 99% for the left and right breast, respectively. A significant difference was noted comparing the dose before and after the implementing shielding on the eye and breast. Conclusion:According to the results presented, the dose is significantly reduced, especially considering that they are not in the area of interest but are exposed to scatter radiation.

The radiology workforce's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Middle East, North Africa and India

“…57 While the study did not investigate the occupational radiation dose, it is worth emphasising the importance of radiation safety for all RWF members 58 ; corrective actions are needed to comply with radiation safety and protection during radiology examinations. 59 Moreover, proper radiation protection for patients should be implemented 60 to ensure radiation safety practice in both routine and crisis situations.…”

A dual-modality quantification of scattered radiation from head to female breasts during radiological investigations in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria

“…In another work with lumbosacral x-ray carried out in Slovenia, Mekis et al [5] observed as much as 80% reduction in breast dose when a 0.5 mm lead equivalent shielding material was used. A reduction of about 99% was reported in a work in United Arab Emirates [11]. Statistically significant dose reductions of 42% was also reported in a work published in America [12].…”

“…This irradiation tends to increase the risk to cancer in exposed persons and gene mutation in descendants of exposed persons [1,6]. To reduce or prevent scatter to the breasts, apparel shielding has been recommended [1,6,11]. This work was an attempt to provide further evidence to consolidate the recommendations in order to have a paradigm shift in current practice at our facility where apparel shielding for patients is not yet being implemented.…”

Impact of Eye and Breast Shielding on Organ Doses During Cervical Spine Radiography: Design and Validation of MIRD Computational Phantom

“…Lead (Pb) shields are commonly used to protect patients during radiology procedures (5,6). The importance of the shielding materials for medical and industrial applications was highlighted by different investigations (7)(8)(9)(10). In particular, a remarkable reduction in absorbed radiation dose for testes, ovaries, eyes, and breasts was observed via experimental studies that utilized shielding during radiology procedures.…”

“…Target organs are situated in the primary field of radiation. Even though non-target organs are away from the field of radiation, they were also affected by the scatter radiation (9)(10)(11)(12)(13).…”