Choosing the correct x-ray apron material

Radiation shielding garments are extremely important. In fact, they can be used to protect medical patients and staff from radiation in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and dental offices. 

Radiation safeguard garments can incorporate vests, skirts, kilts, and thyroid safeguards. In this article, we’ll be explicitly discussing x-ray aprons.

So keep reading. Ultimately, we’d like to give you a better understanding of x-ray apron materials and how to make the best choice when making your selection. 

X-ray apron materials

There are different materials used when constructing x-ray aprons. For this discussion, we’ll be discussing those most used in current practice. 

Standard Lead

The first x-ray apron material is standard lead. This is actually the heaviest x-ray aprons available.

Lead Composite

The second x-ray apron material is lead-based composite. These aprons are made of a combination of lead and other lessening metals.This diminishes the overall weight of the apron, contrasted with standard lead, by 25%.

Non-lead

Lastly, we have a non lead or lead free apron material. This is built of different kinds of attenuating metals which could incorporate antimony, tungsten, bismuth, and tin.

Things to consider when choosing your x-ray apron material

Now that we have a brief idea about the different types of x-ray apron materials, we’ll give you more details that may make choosing your x-ray apron material a bit easier.

When it comes to standard lead, it happens to be the most traditional and economical option available. Standard lead options are typically used for shorter procedures. And while a standard lead x-ray apron can weigh up to 11 pounds, this weight can increase given the size of the areas that need protecting.

Lead-based composite features lead that is mixed with lessening metal and is recyclable. Because the material is lightweight, these x-ray aprons are normally great for short to medium length procedures. 

And lastly we have our lead-free or non lead x-ray apron material. There are other metals besides lead that protect one from radiation. These aprons are produced using an exclusive mix of weakening heavy metals including barium, aluminum, tin, bismuth, tungsten, and titanium. Some aprons can be up to 40% lighter than standard lead choices. Not only that, but these aprons are recyclable and safe for non-hazardous disposal. They are also excellent for long procedures.

So as you can see, each radiation material has its unique benefit. 

If you are still on the fence, it is good to follow ALARA (or, “as low as reasonably achievable”) principle when choosing the best material for you. These principles surround reducing the release of radioactive elements in the environment to ensure you are utilizing only what is necessary. 

Contact Us

If you still have questions regarding this article and which x-ray apron material would be best for you, feel free to contact us. 

At Attenutech, we offer a full line of lead x-ray aprons that range from standard to lead free providing coverage for core areas of the body.  Our goal is to keep our customers’ patients safe and protected during the x-ray process by offering quality products with no compromise. 

So contact us. We’d be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have about our x-ray apron products.