You may notice that something familiar is missing from routine imaging exams: a lead apron to shield patients’ reproductive organs or gonads. We know this is different from the standard practices you are used to, and we want to provide you with the science and reasoning behind the change so you can feel confident and comfortable during your imaging exams.
Based on more than 70 years of research and guidance from the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), medical experts now agree that shields are no longer needed to deliver high-quality, safe care imaging exams. This new guidance applies to patients of all ages, including those who plan to have children in the future.
Shielding with a lead apron began in the 1950s in an effort to prevent radiation from potentially damaging reproductive organs. The idea was that the radiation needed for imaging could inadvertently reach other areas of the body, potentially causing cell damage. In the past, there were two distinct differences from today’s reality: decades ago, medical experts had less knowledge than we do today about how radiation affects the body, and past imaging technology used a much greater amount of radiation than today’s more advanced technology.
Groundbreaking research has led to innovative imaging technology that provides superior imaging results with only a fraction of the radiation. Today, the amount of radiation used in standard imaging testing has decreased more than 95% since the 1950s. During the last several decades, medical experts have also learned a great deal about the effects of radiation. Scientists found that the gonads are much less sensitive to radiation than previously thought. This is true for everyone, including children and adults who plan to have children in the future. Based on the latest scientific findings, we now know that the best way to safely conduct imaging exams is to not use shields.
We want all of our patients to understand and feel confident in this new safer, radiation-saving practice. The new standard from the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) is supported by these medical organizations: