[Leaded screens for protection of the body against scattered radiation in intraoral radiography].

Abstract

The use of a protective leaded shield as an alternative to leaded aprons and leaded neck collars for reduction of body doses originating from scattered radiation in intraoral radiography is discussed. The shield is stiff and has a U-shaped form fitting the neck of the patients and is kept in position by the patient himself. During exposure the shield is pressed against the patient's neck and kept in close contact with the inferior border of the mandible in a horizontal position. Three products of shields are described, all having lead equivalents of 0.5 mm. The protection of the thyroid gland is of maximum efficiency. Measurements of absorbed doses have shown the shield to have a protective effect equal to leaded aprons in cranial body regions, while gonadal doses are a little higher. Upper extremities are always protected by a shield, while many patients keep their hands and arms upon and not under an apron. Shields are easy to handle for the staff, hygienic, and cheaper than an apron. They can hardly be damaged and leaks following handling will not occur as for aprons. Leaded shields have recently been accepted as alternative to leaded aprons by the Danish National Institute of Radiation Hygiene.