Radio-protective aprons during radiological examinations of the thorax: an optimum strategy.

The current work investigates the most effective type/position of aprons for postero-anterior (PA) and lateral projections of the chest. Two apron-types were investigated: 'Mavig' half apron and Amray light plus' wrap-around apron. The half apron was positioned at the X-ray tube or image receptor side of an anthropomorphic phantom for PA and lateral projections. Radiation dose at positions corresponding to ovaries, uterus and testes was measured with thermoluminescent dosemeters. The wrap-around apron offers a higher level of protection for PA and lateral projections compared with the half apron, regardless of where the latter was positioned, with dose reductions of up to 88% compared with no apron. For the PA position, the half apron should be positioned in a gender-specific way, facing the X-ray tube for females and the image receptor for males. With all apron types/positions, gonadal dose is still clearly evident, from internal scatter, emphasising the importance of other protective practices such as collimation.