Preliminary study on the practice of gonad shielding during pelvic radiography

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the practice and attitudes of Medical radiologic technologists (MRTs')/radiographers on the use of Gonad shielding (GS)in pediatric radiological imaging. Methods:A questionnaire regarding MRTs' attitudes and on the use of Gonad shielding was developed based on relevant literatures and distributed to MRTs/ radiographers working in general radiography at Black Lion and St. Paul hospitals in a study period from June to August 2014. Descriptive (percentage of frequency) study was used to analyze the responses of the multiple choices. A separate questionnaire was prepared to evaluate the practice of GS in these two hospitals. Results:The radiographers had shown a positive attitude towards using GS, however none of them used it in daily practice for a various reason such as (GS may obscure region of interest 11.1%, uncooperative patient 16.7%, too busy 13.9%, GS not available 27.8% and no appropriate size GS 27.8%). The investigators had also reviewed 94 abdominal-pelvic radiographs and none was taken with application of GS. Conclusion:Although the radiographers had a positive attitude, none of them had applied GS while taking plain radiographs and/or CT scan in and around the gonads. Updates on their knowledge on gonadal shielding and enforcing every medical imaging technologist to comply with hospital protocols are recommended.

Evaluation of Radiographers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Performance Regarding Gonadal Shielding in Diagnostic Radiology Examinations: Southern Khorasan Province Hospitals of Iran

“…Teferi et al reported that although radiographers' attitudes and knowledge were good, none applied gonad shield during their practice (24). Also, despite the radiographers' attitudes about the importance of GS for pelvic, abdominal, and spinal cord x-ray examinations, no shields were used for these radiographs (0.0%), which can be attributed to various factors.…”