Quality Assurance of Personal Radiation Shield for Kilovoltage Photon: A Multicentre Experience

Abstract

Purpose: To optimize the maintenance of radiation shields, this study aims to analyze annual inspection files to assess the integrity of radiation shields and their associated factors with regard to defects in radiation shields in clinical settings. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted at hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The data from annual inspection files of 1019 clinical lead radiation shields were analyzed. The factors of shield shape, unit where a shield is used, shield thickness, short-term use and number of users were examined. In addition to the inspection file analysis, radiation attenuation measurements were obtained for a subset of shields to compare newly purchased shields with older shields. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test and a t-test. Results: The results show that the highest percentage of failing shields were found in the emergency unit, fluoroscopy unit and operation room with a failure of approximately 7.14%, 5.61%, and 3.98%, respectively, of these shields. Fluoroscopy and operation room units were statistically significantly associated with shield defects. There was no association between shield damage and shape of shield, shield thickness, short-term use or number of users. Radiation attenuation measurements were similar for new and older shields. Conclusion: As fluoroscopy units and operating rooms have a higher percentage of damaged shields, it is recommended that the shields employed in these units should be regularly inspected more frequently than once a year. The study highlights that the shields' age, transmission measurements that confirm that the correct shields are purchased according to the required kVp, physical appearance, and cleanliness should be recorded in annual inspection files. This study highlights the need for uniform inspection files of radiation shields across hospitals. National and international organizations may apply these findings to develop appropriate recommendations.

Integrity of personal radiation protective equipment (PRPE): a 4-year longitudinal follow-up study

“…Still our data suggest a positive correlation between tear incidence and departments requiring regular and intensive use of PRPE. Similar conclusions were presented by Bawazeer et al, Oppliger-Schäfer et al and Finnerty et al [ 13 , 14 , 20 ]. Unfortunately, determining the exact relation between PRPE use and tear incidence for each PRPE garment is not straightforward, mainly because of the multiple confounding factors lurking behind PRPE use and tear incidence.…”

“…Part of this inconsistency in radiation protection might be explained by PRPE having cracks and tears in the attenuating layer. Previous publications briefly mentioned the need for X-ray-based integrity checks of PRPE to assure adequate radiation protection [ 13 , 14 , 19 , 20 , 24 , 25 ]. Still, PRPE data on X-ray-based integrity analysis are very scarce in the literature and limited in terms of tear analysis, sample size and longitudinal follow-up.…”

“…Unfortunately, analysis of PRPE integrity remains very scarce. Bawazeer et al describe a large sample size of annual inspection data of PRPE, though based only on compiled inspection data of one year hence only revealing snapshot information [ 13 ]. Longitudinal research on a large sample size has been performed by Oppliger-Schäfer et al at the University Hospital of Basel, yet remains rather limited in tear analysis [ 14 ].…”

Quality Assurance of Personal Protective Apparel at Tertiary Hospitals in Yola, Adamawa State

“…Some of the defective areas in the lead aprons were close to the lower part of the aprons that is supposed to protect the sensitive organs like gonads with a high tissue weighting factor, as classified by Oppliger-Schäfer and Roser, any major defects on protective layers at relevant locations should be withdrawn or repaired immediately [18]. About 11 (92%) of the defects observed exceeded the maximum area 15 mm 2 and 10 cm 2 for rejection and replacement as recommended by Lambert & McKeon [12] and Duran & Phillips [20], as well as Sam & Pillay [4], which states that the maximum tolerable length of a defect on a whole-body garment with the lead equivalent of 0.25 mm, 0.35 mm, and 0.5 mm should not exceed 5.4 cm, 5.6 cm, and 5.9 cm respectively. Furthermore, about 83.0% of defects were noticed in protective apparel with no manufacturer's name, which is in tandem with what was recorded by Ukpong [16], who reported 81% of defects found on the apron with no manufacturer's name.…”

Investigation of the Efficiency and Quality of Lightweight Gowns with Multi-Layered Nanoparticles Compositions of Bismuth, Tungsten, Barium, and Copper

“…However, increasing the thickness of lead can increase protection due to decreasing beam transmission, the defects of the lead gowns also affect protection. Most of the lead gowns (68.2%) are defective in hospitals [ 12 , 13 ].…”